Team 17
Coach: Davis Absher/David Broome
#1: 5’2 ’28 Anthony Lopez (Thales Academy)
Starting off, we look at a player who really stood out on both ends of the floor despite his lack of size, Anthony Lopez. He’s a smart, scrappy guard prospect with a high motor and an unselfish mentality. Lopez is capable of initiating the offense and creating for others, but also finds a lot of success in spot-up situations. He moves well without the ball, makes the extra pass, and capitalizes when given space along the perimeter. Lopez also wreaks havoc defensively at the point of attack and forces turnovers at a healthy rate. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a better finisher through contact. Coach Absher on Lopez: “Anthony is a scrappy kid who is always in the right spot to get a steal. He’s a solid three-point shooter with very good range as well. As he continues to grow and physically develop, Anthony will become a much more complete player.” Lopez made a quality impact during camp and should be a key piece for Thales Academy going forward.
#20: 5’10 ’28 Bobby Montgomery (Queens Grant)
Next, we look at a player who simply knows how to run a team as a balanced floor general, Bobby Montgomery. He’s a smart, crafty point guard prospect who possesses a strong blend of ball-handling, playmaking, and scoring polish. Montgomery understands how to effectively dissect defenses, attack open seams, and make quality decisions with the ball. He’s a reliable shooter from midrange and beyond the arc, but also applies consistent pressure as a penetrator. Montgomery is also a scrappy defender with nice anticipation and overall instincts. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more imposing player on both ends of the floor. Coach Broome on Montgomery: “Bobby is a natural-born leader. He plays with great pace and makes the right read coming off ball screens. Shoots the ball with confidence and applies good on-ball pressure defensively. Bobby will definitely be a player to monitor at Queens Grant.” Montgomery proved to be an asset during camp and will be an x-factor for the Stallions over the coming years.
#51: 5’11 ’28 Christopher Phillips (Grace Christian)
Moving forward, we look at a player who made a lasting impression through his effort and unselfishness, Christopher Phillips. He’s a smart, tough, fairly well-rounded guard prospect with a high motor and malleable identity. Phillips can score the ball in several ways or operate as a connecting piece. He’s a willing passer who knows how to take advantage of opportunities when available. Phillips is an excellent defender and rebounder whose effort, physicality, and nose for the ball make him problematic for opponents. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Absher on Phillips: “Chris is a young man who plays extremely hard and consistently puts the team before himself. Always there on the glass and extending possessions with hustle plays. Needs some improvement on the offensive end. Becoming a more reliable three-point shooter would really grow his game.” Phillips enjoyed a quality showing during camp and should be a difference-maker at Grace Christian going forward.
#55: 6’0 ’28 DeShannon Morris (Grace Christian)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who shined through his unselfish, all-around game, DeShannon Morris. He’s a smart, skilled guard prospect who plays with constant energy and affects all facets of the game. Morris is a great teammate with an adaptable identity, which allows him to produce in various roles. He touches the paint, sets up others, and scores the ball on all levels. Add in his defense, rebounding, and overall approach, and it’s easy to see what made him such an incredible teammate. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more imposing player. Coach Broome on Morris: “DeShannon is a coach’s dream player. Whatever the team needs he does. He just impacts the game in so many positive ways, such as rebounding, being in the right position on defense, making the extra pass, and knocking down shots when left open. He will be an intriguing piece for Grace Christian moving forward.” Morris proved to be an asset during camp and should be a difference-maker for the Eagles over the coming years.
#66: 6’1 ’28 Jaleel Smith (Huss)
Next, we look at a player who was genuinely as dominant as any camper on display, Jaleel Smith. He’s a smart, highly polished guard prospect with an all-around skillset and the ability to take over a game effortlessly. Smith scores with incredible ease from all levels, gets where he wants off the dribble, and displays quality instincts as a playmaker. He’s comfortable running the team or applying pressure as a scorer, yet highlights an excellent balance between the two. Smith is a quality defender who suffocates opponents at the point of attack. He anticipates extremely well to force turnovers and push the break in transition. Smith is also a strong rebounder for his size. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more lethal spot-up threat. Coach Absher on Smith: “Jaleel is a complete player who gets his game going on the defensive end. He’s a physical kid who creates havoc on defense. While he shines on defense, his offensive game is just as bright. He has the ability to be a three-level scorer while finding his teammates as well. Jaleel will be a very exciting prospect to watch as the years advance.” Smith was easily among the top performers in attendance and will make an immediate impact during his upcoming freshman season.
#93: 6’3 ’28 Knox Frey (Green Hope)
Moving forward, we look at a player who found success through his energy and perimeter shooting, Knox Frey. He’s a smart, scrappy guard prospect with a well-rounded skillset and an unselfish approach to the game. Frey is a terrific spot-up threat who can attack closeouts, finish at the basket, and make correct decisions with the ball in his hands. He’s a scrappy defender with the quickness, toughness, and motor to cause problems for opponents. Frey also rebounds well for his size. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him an even better spot-up option. Coach Broome on Frey: “Knox has the ability to heat up quickly from beyond the arc. The next step in his basketball journey is creating for himself and others off 2-3 dribbles. Knox possesses the size/skill to guard multiple positions and with his motor, he will carve out a role at Green Hope this season.” Frey enjoyed a quality showing at camp and will be a prospect to monitor over the foreseeable future.
#150: 6’5 ’28 Mekhi Allen (Queens Grant)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who truly possesses the tools and upside to be special, Mekhi Allen. He’s a skilled, athletic wing prospect with an impressive combination of size, feel, and overall polish. Allen is a useful creator who can score from all levels, play above the rim, and find success with or without the ball in his hands. He’s a willing passer who mixes it up well as a scorer to keep opponents guessing. Allen displays sharp instincts defensively to guard multiple positions and force turnovers at a strong rate. He’s also a great rebounder who outworks opponents on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it will make him even more problematic for opponents. Coach Broome on Allen: “Mekhi possesses the intangibles to be one of the best players in the state for his class. Mekhi makes the game so much easier for his teammates with his court awareness, shot-making ability, and high motor/athleticism on both ends of the floor. He will make an immediate impact at Queens Grant and his stock will continue to rise quickly.” Allen showcased a lot of ability during camp and should be one of the most productive freshmen in the state.
#162: 6’5 ’28 Mohamed Donzo (Trinity Christian)
Finishing up, we look at a player who simply knows how to physically overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor, Mohamed Donzo. He’s a strong, athletic forward/post prospect with a high motor and terrific nose for the ball. Donzo is a quality finisher who doesn’t necessarily require a ton of touches to make an impact. He’s an excellent rebounder who positions himself for success, outworks opponents for extra possessions, and runs the floor properly in transition. Donzo’s rugged, unselfish, blue-collar approach to the game makes him a real asset. He also displayed the ability to block shots and knock down the occasional midrange jumper. Next in his development process is working on his passing ability, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Absher on Donzo: “Mohamed has really great touch around the rim. Mixed with good footwork, he can be tough to guard in the post. He also can guard all positions on the floor and stay in front of quicker guards while being physical enough to guard big men.” Donzo did a lot of things well during camp and should be a key piece for Trinity Christian going forward.