Rock Hill, SC-The competition was intense, some kids came in boasting big reputations and lived up to the hype, others came in unknown and got the exposure needed to potentially elevate their recruiting stocks.
6’7 Ayden Baker (PSB Elite Lowery)- I believe there is some nice upside here, my first look at Baker left a favorable impression. At a legitimate 6’7, Baker can play on the block and has some ball skills that allow perimeter play also, if those skills are sharpened Baker is going to be a serious mismatch problem at the next level. Baker got things going down low, he can operate back to the basket, and Baker shows nice touch around the rim. Baker also has zone breaking range, he’s got a nice fluid jumper with nice ball rotation. Baker can get hot if defenses are caught sagging off, I was also thrown when Baker didn’t hesitate to take his man off the dribble and with a long stride, he only needs a couple of dribbles to get to the cup. Baker is a prospect whose best basketball is ahead of him if he continues progressing.
6’3 2021 Carlton Canady (Virginia Venom)- I saw many euro steps yesterday (Trust me), but Canady had one of the most consistently effective euro steps I’ve seen, he’s so slippery in space Canady just shimmies through traffic en route to the cup. Canady utilizes every inch of real estate on the court, he’s got strong shoulders built for contact as well. Canady is a reliable finisher with either hand, and he’s creative around the cup. Canady plays with good pace and he was usually one of the first guys back on both ends. Canady will compete on the glass, and he’s a committed defender.
De’Lanyc Shueler(EA Prep) – An explosive lead guard off the dribble, his first step proved devastating to defenders. Shueler was one half of a very productive backcourt. Shueler has leadership qualities on the court, he possessed a pass-first agenda and operated as the key to the EA Prep’s offense. Shueler is at his best running in space with the ball making decisions, he’s a guard that can make life easier for teammates, especially if there are shot-makers around him. Shueler can also score it comfortably from all over the floor, he boasts a slender frame but showed impressive body control absorbing contact at the cup. Division II programs around the region looking to add a polished floor general on both ends of the floor should take a look.
6’0 2023 Kennard Davis (Team CLT) Davis was the spark plug for Team Charlotte in a big matchup vs Tea Marie Hoops. Davis ran the offense aside Trey Green, Davis showed patience and poise while directing traffic. Late in the contest, Davis hit a go-ahead three, a few possessions later he knocked down a big pull up jumper and Team CLT never lost the lead again. Davis has come a long way since last year, he’s more polished and playing with confidence we’ve never seen before. Davis was also relentless guarding the basketball, he took on the challenge of guarding a hot Kheni Briggs during some clutch possessions.
6’4 2022 Kheni Briggs-(Tea Marie) Briggs has been playing more point guard in 2020 and he’s adjusted accordingly. Briggs is a guy known for getting buckets, but he looked right in place initiating offense for others around him. Briggs delivered some timely dimes, and Briggs will put some zip on the ball. Briggs demands an immense amount of attention on the drive, and as pressure closed in he continued to dissect defenses and find the open man. Briggs has grown and continues to add muscle to an already stocky frame, Briggs also looked comfortable knocking down shots from the perimeter, he made looks off the dribble and spot-up attempts.