I had the privilege of covering some good ball this morning at Nation Ford High School in Fort Mill, SC for Phenom’s JMAC Showcase. Check out some of the standouts from court four.
Aces U16
6’3 2021 F Gavin Bouldin
Bouldin is a skilled and versatile forward who can play 3-5. Rebounds the ball at an alarming rate and is seemingly always around the rim. Soft touch around the basket and showed he has a midrange game. High flying athlete as well as he often goes for put backs and threw down a one handed baseline alley-oop. One to keep an eye on.
5’9 2021 G Jayden Smith
Smith has a smooth game. He was able to impact the game in a lot of ways and was able to put the ball in the basket a lot in transition. His active hands made it easy to get steals and run out opportunities where he often scored or facilitated. On top of that, he showed his three level scoring ability by knocking down threes and free throws.
3 Ball Elite 16U
5’8 2021 G Davante Gonzalez
Gonzalez was a bright spot for 3 Ball Elite. He was able to make things happen by getting into gaps and finding a way to the basket. He was also able to shake free for 3 three point buckets. Despite his team falling behind early, he showed a lot of determination on both ends of the floor.
LBA Thunder 17U
5’11 2020 G Marquis Eskew
Eskew added on to his already impressive summer this morning. The explosive guard just has a knack for finding his way to the rim and making an impact. Marquis is all hustle and does a good job of getting his hands in passing lanes. Moving forward, I expect Eskew to build onto his good play this summer and into his senior season.
6’8 2020 F Allan Taylor
Taylor made a name for himself by dominating on the low block and on the offensive glass. Gave tremendous effort on both ends of the floor and was able to carve out space down low using his wide frame and strong shoulders. Taylor is a load inside and as he continues to develop his game, his is sure to draw some interest.
Team Thunder 17U
6’0 2022 G Jeyvian Tatum
It is hard not to be impressed with the play and maturity of Tatum. He is only a freshman and running with the 17s this weekend he showed he has all the making to be a special player. Explosive and dynamic on the offensive end, he can score from multiple different spots in the floor and gets his teammates involved. Really impressive prospect.
6’0 2020 G Tyreke Boykin
Boykin was shooting the cover off of the ball. He had his shot going early and often in the game I saw him play. Good athlete who can get up in a hurry and that translates to his rebounding and height on his jumper. Also, Tyreke plays bigger than his size due to his athletic ability and can impact the game in quite a few ways.
Carolina Riptide 2021
6’5 2021 F Jacob Morgan
Morgan is an extremely skilled forward and can do a lot of positive things on the court. Good shooter who passes well and has a good handle. On the defensive end, he battles on the glass and is a coast to coast threat off of defensive rebounds. As Morgan continues to develop and gain strength, his recruiting should take off.
6’1 2021 G Callahan Reed
Reed is one of the better passers around, regardless of class. True floor general who facilitates his teammates with on time and on target passes. Really smart player who doesn’t get sped up and plays at his teams pace. You know that Reed will bring energy and effort every game and even if his shot isn’t falling, he impacts the game in a myriad of ways.
RockNation Impact 2021
6’3 2021 G Breon Steele
Steele was doing everything for his team including running point and manning the center of the zone on the defensive end. He is a wiry guard who makes good decisions and doesn’t force anything. Still developing strength and skill but once he puts it all together he could really blossom.
Charlotte Royals 16U
6’1 2021 G Stephon Richards
Richards was impacting the game in a serious way defensively. Quick hands and his ability to challenge defenders resulted in a number of steals and easy run outs that he either converted himself or dished to a teammate. The lefty was making it happen all game with his passing and playmaking ability.
Team Loaded 704 16U – Mitchell
6’6 2021 F Peyton Gerald
Gerald is one of the more intriguing prospects I saw this morning. Long and fluid athlete who plays extremely hard for 32 minutes. Can take it off the bounce and has showed good foundation for a jump shot. Gets to the free throw line as well. As he continues his development, Gerald has the chance to be a stud.
6’5 2021 F Logan Higgins
Higgins stays in constant attack mode. He is able to get to his spots from anywhere and the floor and does so with purpose and aggression. Also, Higgins crashes the glass and plays with a ton of poise. Gets to the free throw line thanks to his attacking nature and showed he can pull up from midrange out to three. Talented player who has a transferable game.