It’s that time of the year and July is here once again, it’s the busiest time In the Travel Ball scene, the Live Period!
Fort Mill, South Carolina– The Phenom Crew is back at it again in the other Carolina, for the annual Summer Havoc Live Period Showcase. Competitiveness is at its highest, prospects competed in front of dozens of college coaches in search of their next program changing gem. Some prospects came in with big momentum from last weekend, others were looking to put their names on the radar!
6’1 2022 Manny Elliot (Greensboro Warriors) – Elliot is following up a strong performance in our Champion Showcase this weekend, he came in on fire and hasn’t cooled down a bit. Elliot is a shot taker and maker from mid range and out, his pull up game is polished at this stage. Elliot gets nice elevation on the jumper, he doesn’t need much space and he can score it on or off ball. A real strength of his game is rebounding the basketball, he earns hustle points and extra possessions for his side at the guard position. Elliot is also a gifted passer he continues to play unselfish and see the entire floor, Low majors and division two’s around the region should take a good look.
6’3 2022 Antione Piper (Team Loaded 704)- Piper plays much bigger than 6’3, he’s got a nice post game for his size, he showed patience and sharp footwork on the block. Piper runs the floor hard, he’s good in space and transition opportunities. Around the basket Piper displayed some explosiveness, he’s a springy athlete and his athleticism puts him in contention for a bevy of rebounds, he gets off the ground quicker than most. Piper can play on the perimeter as well, if a bigger slower defender is matched up, Piper will blow by them. Piper shot it at a high percentage from mid range, as well. Defensively he’s extremely versatile, Piper mans the paint for this group, but he’s quick enough to switch onto guards as well, his natural position.
6’3 2023 Deandre Huggins (Upward Stars Pee Dee) -A wide shouldered stocky, physical post player in the paint. Huggins played up all weekend and anchored the paint for this group, Huggins will run through his man and bully his way to the cup, Huggins is a competitor on both ends, he’s a brute in the middle but around the basket he’s got good hands and soft touch. Huggins gets up and down the floor at a good pace he plays with passion. Huggins is a competitor on both ends and doesn’t need the ball to impact the game.
6’5 2021 Omarion Farrar (Cap City Magic)- A versatile two way wing prospect, Farrar has some nice upside, if he improves the handle and perimeter ball skills he’s a sure fire division one prospect at the wing position. When Farrar is all the way locked in he’s a bucket, off the dribble he covers a lot of ground, Farrar is a long and athletic slasher with some bounce in the bag. Farrar can play above the rim when necessary and typically he’s a reliable finisher at the cup. Farrar is a nice piece in the pick N roll for Cap City Magic, he can score it running to the basket, and Farrar can step out and consistently make the three ball. Farrar plays with a good motor, his length allows him to disrupt shot attempts and passing lanes, he also showed good timing when defending the basket, and on a couple chase down blocks.
6’3 2021 De’Andre Gourdine (D1 Dynasty Lions)- Gourdine is a bucket waiting to happen, he’s a bully in the lane where he initiates contact, and finishes through weak fouls effortlessly. Gourdine is shifty in the open floor he is capable of splitting the defense, and can finish with either hand. Gourdine has a reliable handle at this stage and off the bounce Gourdine is tough to keep out of the lane. Gourdine also put on one of the best shooting performances I saw, the lefty can really stroke the long ball, his release is quick and comes off his hands with good rotation. Gourdine can spot up or create opportunities off the dribble, Gourdine plays with a nonstop motor he will continually follow his shot, and work to help out on the glass. Gourdine has the physical build, determination, and athletic ability to become a potential lockdown defender as well. Low majors and regional mid majors need to be buying stock right now with Gourdine.