Team 3
Coach: Andre Simmons
#4: 5'0 '24 AJ Adams (Crest Middle School of Technology)
Starting things off, we look at a player that stood out for his advanced feel and playmaking sense for his age, AJ Adams. He's a young point guard with an excellent blend of vision and scoring. Adams handles the ball well and looked extremely comfortable when going against opponents of his own age. Next in his development process is working to become quicker, as it'll make him an even better penetrator off the bounce. Coach Simmons on Adams: 'AJ was my only middle school kid. He plays with an extreme amount of heart and determination. He is definitely advanced for his age and can blow by defenders with ease and has an elusive handle. Crafty comes to mind when I think of how he creates opportunities. He can make the right pass and knock it down from three-point range. Over the next few years, I'm excited to see how he develops. I'm very confident with what I saw from him will transform into a college-level athlete.' Adams will be one to monitor going forward, especially if he maintains his foundation from camp.
#25: 5'10 '21 Jack Baldwin (Pine Lake Prep)
Next, we look at a player that showcased a fairly well-rounded game while being one of the top shooters at camp, Jack Baldwin. He's a guard prospect with the ability to pass, handle, and operate without the ball. Baldwin shot the ball at a high clip, made hustle plays on defense, and pursued loose balls whenever possible. Next in his development process is working on his ability to score off the bounce, as it would expand his offensive arsenal tremendously. Coach Simmons on Baldwin: ''Mr. Green-light,' when Jack shoots the ball, you always think it's going in. This young man has a phenomenal stroke from three-point range. At any given time, he can get hot and hit seven to ten threes in a game. He has an amazing shot-fake to go along with his shot, so defenders go for it almost always. Jack is such a workhorse as well. He's constantly banging down low against bigger defenders and fighting for loose balls. Mr. Baldwin could be on my team any day of the week.' Baldwin proved that he's more than just a sniper at camp and should be among the biggest perimeter threats for Pine Lake Prep during the upcoming season.
#39: 5'11 '20 Logan Botts (Forestview)
Moving onto a player that highlighted an incredible understanding of how to run a team, Logan Botts. He's a smart, all-around point guard prospect with vision, ball-handling, and the ability to make others better'simply with his presence. Botts defended very well and was capable of thriving alongside another ball-handler, given his excellent shooting and off-ball movement. Next in his development process is working on his off-ball defense, as it would allow him to force more turnovers through jumping into passing lanes. Coach Simmons on Botts: 'Logan is a flat-out baller. This kid just has the ‘it' factor!!! He is a complete floor general that can get the whole team involved and is a scoring threat anytime he has the ball. He can beat you off the bounce, get to the rack and finish or make a great pass as the defense collapses. 'Lob-city' is the style of play that he brought to our team, as he must've had at least ten alley-oop passes to teammates. Logan is creative, which allows him to make something out of nothing. I am not easily impressed but this kid had the 'wow' factor. I could go on and on about his game, but I was most impressed with his character. Between our first and second game, I overheard him talking to a teammate, building chemistry and learning how to work well together. He has natural leadership qualities and will for sure be playing at the next level one day.' Botts was among the most electric floor generals on display and should have college coaches pursuing him sooner than later.
#63: 6'1 '20 Isaac Parson (Kinston)
Continuing onto a player that was arguably the most impressive guard in attendance, Isaac Parson. He's a smart, quick, rugged guard prospect that truly thrives with the ball in his hands, as he's always looking to make the right play. Parson has excellent vision, craftiness, and can score the ball quite effectively from all levels, but especially inside the arc. He overwhelmed each of his assignments on defense through sharp movements and pristine positioning. Next in his development process is working on his consistency from beyond the arc, as it would make him an even bigger problem for the opposition. Coach Simmons on Parson: 'Isaac has a lot of tools in his bag. Over five games, he really showcased a lot. He can shoot from midrange, three-point range, has crazy handles, finishes in traffic, and displays unbelievable court vision. During the course of a three-game stretch, he just went unconscious and looked like a man amongst boys. He came out with a chip on his shoulder to prove he belonged, and boy did he do just that. You can call on him when you need a basket or need to create opportunities for others. The word 'dog' comes to mind and I'm talking pit bull. The scary thing is that I believe Isaac has another level. I would vouch for this kid for sure and it would really surprise me if he doesn't start to gain a lot of notoriety here soon. Coaches, don't be late to this party of you might miss out on a really special player. Game-changer, 'Mr. Takeover.'' Parson easily secured the Mr. Playmaker award with his savvy play and should have scholarship-coaches in heavy pursuit over these next few months.
#70: 6'2 '21 Umar Lawson (Laurence Manning)
Continuing onto a player that appeared to simply be wired different than the other campers, Umar Lawson. He's a strong, intelligent, aggressive wing prospect with an incredibly high-level blend between motor, skill, and athleticism. Lawson is an elite defender that shuts down his assignment while forcing turnovers at a ridiculous rate and pushing the break in transition. He also looked quite poised in the half-court, given the way he scored and created for himself or others off the bounce. Next in his development process sis working tighten his handle, as it would simply make him an unstoppable two-way force. Coach Simmons on Lawson: 'I don't know if I have enough paper to write about this young man and I'm really not sure where to start. 'Unstoppable' comes to mind. Umar is a walking highlight-reel; I lost count at about fifteen highlight dunks. However, he's not just athletic. He plays defense on the other team's best player and takes the challenge to shut them down. I love his defense. Any kid at camp that got hot, I sent Umar at them and he was ready to shut them down. He can beat you off the dribble and, watch out, because the poster is coming next. He showcased range on his three-point shot as well. He was a willing passer, even though he's capable of doing it himself. He's a high-level college prospect that coaches should give immediate attention. Please don't be late to the party.' Lawson secured the Mr. Defense award with very little strain and is a guy that scholarship-coaches need to pursue.
#93: 6'4 '20 Harry Cash (May River)
Next, we look at a player that really stood out with his motor, intensity, and athleticism, Harry Cash. He's a long, wiry forward/post prospect that overwhelmed opponents on both ends of the floor through his constant activity level. Cash plays well above the rim and can cause havoc when attacking the basket in transition. However, his defensive ability is what made Cash so valuable for this team, as he proved to be quite versatile and able to accumulate blocks and steals at a strong rate. Next in his development process is working on his craftiness as a passer, as it would open up his offensive game nicely. Coach Simmons on Cash: 'Harry is a big man that will put it on your head. He's very effective down low and has a great feel around the basket. He is a pest on defense and will invite anyone to the block party. I was very impressed with his midrange game as well. If he continues to develop, there is no doubt in my mind that he is a college-level prospect.' Cash was a very effective big man for his camp team and should be a primary contributor during the upcoming season.
#98: 6'4 '21 Trevor Kelly (West Stanley)
Finishing up, we look at a player that made an impression with his motor and productivity, Trevor Kelly. He's a strong-bodied forward that doesn't require offensive touches to make an impact. Kelly fought hard inside the paint and rebounded the ball quite well on both ends of the floor. He finished nicely through contact and was simply a reliable piece for his team throughout camp. Next in his development process is working on his ability to space the floor from beyond the arc, as it would make him a more well-rounded offensive threat. Coach Simmons on Kelly: 'Trevor is a solid big man that finishes around the rim. He showed flashes of midrange and three-point jumpers on occasion. I loved his intensity and willingness to bang down low. He's a very tough kid. He got a bloody nose, cleaned up, and begged to get right back in the game. My kind of guy!! He can play on my team any day of the week.' Kelly stood out for his ability to do the little things on both ends of the floor and should have a productive upcoming season with his blue-collar approach.