DeAjai Dawkins’ Friday Evening Standouts
6’3 2022 Jacoby Jackson
I feel like many coaches can relate to the player on their team that possesses nearly every quality they can ask of them, yet are still waiting to see those qualities all tie together game in and game out. Jacoby Jackson fits that player model top to bottom. Jackson is a strong guard with the ball-handling talents and composure to assume a backup lead guard role right now, and that’s with very limited point guard experience. Right now, Jackson thrives in a shooting guard’s role, as his scoring ability is his second most consistent asset. Jackson can shoot the ball at all three levels, truthfully, meaning you should expect a made basket if he’s left open for 3. He uses his strong frame to attack the rim with authority, and doesn’t back down from any defensive assignment. I said his scoring was his second most consistent attribute, his first is his ability to receive coaching. No matter the criticism thrown his way, you will rarely ever see a change in body language. Jacoby will make a college coach very happy one day.
6’4 2023 Titus Ivy
We’ve seen an array of talent take the floor at Cox Mill High School over the past few years, and even after graduating some of their more nationally recognized names, they still compete at a high level. This gives me reason to feel optimistic about the potential development of 6’4 guard Titus Ivy, a current sophomore that spends his summers with the Charlotte Kings. Ivy assumes to point guard role for the Kings, and I can tell that it’s a position he’s still gaining comfort with. His frame is undeniable at the position, with him almost always being the tallest point guard on the floor. His shot form is solid and only in need of minor adjustments in my opinion. The next step in his development is showing explosive movements with the basketball, as well as more purposeful ball handling. With the addition of these factors, I see a promising future for Titus Ivy.
6’8 2024 Michael Marcus Jr. (Flight 9)
Michael is most certainly one of the most impressive post prospects of their age group that I’ve seen this weekend. His body control is impressive for someone with his sturdy build. His mobility and conditioning are both at a fairly solid point for a 2024 big man prospect, and I could very realistically see him developing into something wonderful. Unless I’m misunderstanding, Michael comes from a family that would make you consider him no less than a winner of the genetic lottery. There are a fair amount kids that possess impressive size, the thing that separates Michael is the fact that he’s most likely more skilled than a vast majority of players with similar frames.
6’3 2024 Santana Lynch (Flight 9)
Santana Lynch is coming off a promising freshman campaign with Myers Park where he established his presence early on. Lynch is an advanced lead guard that commands attention on both ends of the floor. His height and length in comparison to the average freshman guard gives him an immediately advantage. He hasn’t yet picked a niche to necessarily wow spectators, but as of right now his general talents make him a name to take note of. In fact, with a talented Myers Park roster returning, don’t be surprised if you see an All-Conference worthy campaign on the way for Mr. Lynch.