Team 14
Coach: Dre Simmons
#4: 5’0 ’30 Lawrence Rouse (Hickory Ridge)
Starting off, we look at a player who consistently made the most of his opportunities on the court, Lawrence Rouse. He’s a young, scrappy guard who plays with a high motor and operates within the flow of the action. Rouse defended with energy, pursued loose balls, and knocked down open jumpers. Next in his development process is getting stronger, as it will make him a more physically imposing player. Coach Dre on Rouse: “Lawrence was really fun to coach. He was the smallest guy on the team but had a big heart. Even though he was outsized and outmatched, he never backed down. He showed he could knock down midrange shots and also found ways to get open in transition. I saw pure excitement and love for the game in his eyes. He makes you understand what the game is all about. The kid was just having fun!” Rouse enjoyed a quality showing at camp and has the mentality to become a quality player with continued work.
#7: 5’2 ’30 Messiah Simmons (Leadership Academy)
Next, we look at a player who continues to harness his long-term abilities, Messiah Simmons. He’s a young, wiry guard with solid feel, athleticism, and a scrappy nature. Simmons displays decent instincts as a scorer and playmaker. He anticipates well defensively and is capable of pushing the break in transition. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a perimeter shooter, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Dre on Simmons: “Messiah showed flashes of potential but overall seemed a little rattled by the speed of the game. I could tell he had skills and experience, but didn’t display much confidence for success during game competition. By our final game, he seemed to come to life and became more active in the action. Although not the greatest performance, I encouraged him to keep working hard and trust his coaches/trainers. Most importantly, Messiah has to believe in himself!” Simmons made his presence felt at camp and will be a prospect to watch progress over the coming years.
#18: 5’5 ’29 Ty Gladieux (Apex Friendship)
Moving forward, we look at a player who made a lasting impression through his shooting ability, Ty Gladieux. He’s a skilled, scrappy guard prospect with solid creation instincts and a lethal presence from three-point territory. Gladieux thrives as a spot-up threat who knows how to move without the ball, make the extra pass, and attack the occasional closeout. He provides excellent energy on defense. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would allow him to become a more physically imposing defender. Coach Dre on Gladieux: “Ty is a three-point specialist who plays with great pace and knowledge to get to his spots. He can get hot and give you volume from distance. He can really be an asset for any team from beyond the arc. I love his confidence and swagger in the way he approaches the game. He definitely doesn’t defer to competition and is up for the challenge. Like a lot of shooters, shot selection can be an issue but I believe with growth and basketball IQ, he will excel in his role as a sniper.” Gladieux proved to be a difference-maker at camp and will be a prospect to monitor going forward.
#19: 5’5 ’30 Levi Wilson (Metrolina Christian)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who showcased a polished array of skills, Levi Wilson. He’s a polished, high-motor guard prospect with the ability to do a variety of different things on the court. Wilson is a lethal shooter, reliable creator, and willing playmaker who makes quality decisions with the ball in his hands. He defends with toughness and rebounds well for his size/position. He’s able to produce in a role or operate as a primary option. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it will allow him to play through contact more easily. Coach Dre on Wilson: “I really liked Levi. He is a lefty shooter with a smooth handle and sharp playmaking ability. I loved his attentiveness and confidence level. He’s a combo guard who can make appropriate reads and is a crafty passer. As his IQ increases (as well as his strength and overall physique), he will be a prospect worth noting. I’m looking forward to seeing his development because Levi has a ton of potential.” Wilson did a lot of things well during his time at camp and should be a prospect to keep an eye on over the foreseeable future.
#28: 5’8 ’29 Aidan Bell (Duke School)
Next, we look at a player who consistently set the tone as an all-around leader, Aidan Bell. He’s a smart, unselfish guard prospect who provides a polished skillset and mature presence on both ends of the floor. Bell effortlessly touched the paint and finished or set up others, but also knocked down jumpers at a respectable rate. He contained his assignment very well defensively and forced turnovers regularly. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to find more scoring chances as a cutter. Coach Dre on Bell: “Aidan is a well-rounded player. His skillset and fundamentals are advanced for his age. One of the most impressive things about Aidan is his coachability and respectful approach to the game. Although he is very talented, he is humble and willing to learn. He can score from all three levels and has a good enough handle the get time at the point guard position. He gives maximum effort on defense and can guard multiple positions. He also has takeover potential and can really impact the game if he gets hot or goes into a personal zone. He can stack up points in a hurry. Mr. Aidan Bell is one to watch.” Bell enjoyed a terrific showing at camp, tied for sixth in scoring at 13.7 PPG and earning the Hustle Award. Expect him to progress going forward.
#40: 5’9 ’29 Jalen Webb (Cedar Creek)
Finishing up, we look at a player who arguably possessed as much raw talent as anyone in the middle school division, Jalen Webb. He’s a skilled, athletic guard prospect with great size, length, and general polish. Webb showed the ability to do everything offensively while rebounding, overwhelming opponents defensively, and pushing the break with relative ease. Next in his development process is working on maintaining steady emotion and constant effort, as it will make him a better leader. Coach Dre on Webb: “Jalen is a reliable point guard/shooting guard who can be a pass-first guard or can give you scoring from anywhere on the floor. He has a lot of moves at his disposal and seems to excel when getting downhill. He showcased the ability to knock down the three-pointer consistently and has a lot of confidence in his game. He plays with nonstop intensity and doesn’t shy away from the moment. He has fire and passion in his game and sometimes it can come across as an attitude, but I believe it is just passion. When he gets that reeled in, this man will become a force to be reckoned with. His potential is definitely trending in the right direction.” Webb was undeniably impressive at camp, tied for second in scoring at 16.0 PPG and earning co-MVP honors. Expect him to blossom over the coming years.