There was talent all over the courts this weekend in Rock Hill. Brandon Blakney though brings you four names that you may not have known but should start watching down the road.
6'6 2021 Judd Coan (Upward Stars Watson)
Coan had one of the single best performances of anyone on Saturday night when he went for a 30 ball. Coan is a high I.Q. kid who is an absolute sniper. He didn't force shots when they weren't warranted, Coan is a kid that will play within the flow of the team's offense, and he's got great size on the wing at 6'6. Coan did damage from behind the arc connecting on six three balls in the first half alone. Coan was active without the ball, looking for space to shoot. Coan took coaching and also didn't hide on defense.
6'2 2023 Stan Ballard (WBC)
A legit shot maker, but also got in done on all three levels. Ballard made the deep ball at a high clip on catch and shoot opportunities, as well as in isolation off the dribble. When defenses over-committed, Ballard got to the cup with purpose. Ballard plays smart basketball and picked his spots accordingly, and he's a hard-nosed defender as well. Ballard moves well laterally and will work to make his matchup uncomfortable.
6'2 2023 Jahmir Brown (Team CLT)
Brown was the difference-maker for Team Charlotte in a showcase matchup with Upward Stars. Brown came through whenever Charlotte needed a bucket, consistently he made some big shots.' Brown has a tight handle; he plays with a good pace and he will embarrass defenders caught reaching in the cookie jar. Brown was fearless attacking the cup, he showed toughness & good body control taking on contact. As his squad preaches, Brown also brings that energy on the defensive side. Brown has good feet and active hands when pressuring opposing ball handlers.
5'7 2024 Delani Hammonds (Team Synergy)
A pass-first point guard that has a mature feel for the game at this stage. Hammonds won't hesitate to make the extra pass or push the pace after an inbound, Hammonds didn't force the issue he took whatever the defense gave and didn't commit many turnovers. Also, Hammonds has big-time range from deep, he made the defense pay multiple times for sagging off. Hammonds is a pesky defender also guards the ball tough also.