Phenom’s Open Gym Tour
Hargrave Military (Chatham, VA)
By Jamie Shaw
Even after a coaching transition, former Head Coach AW Hamilton took an assistant job at NC State, Hargrave Military Academy has things rolling. New Head Coach Lee Martin will now field two post grad teams and a very competitive high school team.
There is no shortage of length and explosion on this team. It was enjoyable watching their lay up lines, as the objective is to attempt to tear the rim off the back board. After an array of cross overs and hesitation dribbles, a couple appeared to almost succeed at the objective.
With that said, there are a number of Division 1 prospects on this team and Chatham, Virginia should be a stop for most low to mid major programs who have the budget to travel there. There is something, and many times multiple somethings, for everyone at every level.
Programs in Attendance
St Bonaventure, Mercer, Presbyterian (x2)
6’6” Post Grad Connor Crabtree
Offers: Ohio, Lafayette, Campbell, Boston, Stetson, Wagner, Kennesaw St, Milwaukee, High Point, American, etc…
Formerly committed to UNC-Asheville, Crabtree has turned his game on to another level. He carries a 6’10” wing span and a vertical jump that has him playing above the rim at all times. Crabtree has really worked on his pace and ability to get into the paint. He also looked to make correct reads when running the pick and roll. With mid to high majors coming in to watch him, it will be interesting to see where his recruitment goes.
6’3” 2018 Trey McGowens
Offers: VCU, USF, UNCW, New Mexico, St Bonaventure etc…
McGowens game has been on a steep trajectory over the last couple of years. He has grown to 6’3” and is now playing so far above the rim. At Hargrave McGowens has been working on his jump shot, and that has become a consistant weapon now. Possessing deep range, explosion above the rim and a great handle in transition, McGowens is a highlight waiting to happen. Being that he is only 17, the strength will continue to grow. His recruitment could be fun to watch this year as it may grow to still another level.
6’9” 2018 Christian Lorng
Offers: New Mexico
Lorng is a broad shouldered beast on the block. His best basketball is clearly ahead of him as the Paris, France native has only been playing for a couple of years. Weighing in a 250 pounds with a body fat below 10%, Lorng has good hands and surprising touch. The game is slowing down, he will take some patience, but he has the look of a player who is work waiting on. Upside is the key word here.
6’6” 2018 DJ Myers
Offers: Tennessee Tech, Towson, JMU, UNC-Wilmington, Western Carolina, etc…
Myers is a strong and powerful player. Perhaps his best attribute is the motor and intensity with which he plays. Non stop all the time and that level just bleeds down throughout his team. Coming off a broken hand, which he suffered in July, Myers shot the ball very well in this setting. He went 3-6 from 3 and the result looked consistent. If that shot has become consistent, his recruitment could take a nice jump.
6’8” Post Grad Tre King (Lexington, KY)
Offers: St Bonaventure, Old Dominion, Louisiana Tech, SE Missouri, Eastern Kentucky, Murray St, Samford, Towson, etc…
King carries a great frame and is very athletic and strong. He has a nice handle, able to be a mis match forward at the next level. King has great ability on the offensive end and his size and strength should lead to him being able to contribute early at the next level. His recruitment could get interesting, mid majors are already there, high majors should look in.
6’6” Post Grad Rob Peterson (Charlotte, NC)
Peterson has always played with toughness and a high IQ. Since he has been at Hargrave he has done a great job getting his body right. He showed improved lift and the quickness to get into the paint and create. Peterson is an intriguing player, he is a positionless playmaker who has the ability to create for himself and others. He rebounded well and also shot well in this open gym. This was a great day for Peterson
6’5’ Post Grad Jon Mebane (Raleigh, NC)
Offers: Presbyterian
Mebane shot the cover off the ball. He has always been able to do this so it shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it just looked different. He was slimmer, which showcased his handle and a quick release. Mebane rebounded the ball well. D1s will enjoy the new and improved Mebane.
6’11” Post Grad James Dunlop (Marblehead, MA)
Offers: VMI
Dunlop has legit 6’11” size to go along with a 7’2” wing span. The part of Dunlop’s game that really stood out was his hands. He has great hands, very passer friendly and able to suck in rebounds in his area. Dunlop has the tools, not to mention he has only been playing basketball for 2-3 years. So much upside, he is like clay right now.
6’7” Post Grad Myles Parker (Madison, Alabama)
Offers: Appalachian St, Tennessee St, North Dakota
Parker has some intrigue, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He could play the point of the press as well as move his feet and gather deflections in the half court. Parker is a good shooter and should continue to get better as he puts on good weight. Very intriguing piece here.
6’5” Post Grad Jules Moor (Houston, Texas)
Offers: St Francis, IUPUI, Towson
What was so impressive about Moor was his ability to seemingly come away with every loose ball. The long and athletic Moor had a non stop motor, but more than that a great nose for the basketball. He handled the ball well in transition and he was able to finish at multiple levels. Moor seems to be the type who makes winning plays.
6’4” Post Grad Tavin Lovan
Offers: USF, Memphis, Bradley, ETSU, Middle Tennessee St, FIU, etc…
Lovan is a compact and powerful guard. He plays a very tough brand of basketball, as a lock down defender as well as a good rebounder for his position. In this open gym, Lovan showed the ability to handle the ball in the half court as well as shoot with deep range & constancy. Lovan is a winner.
Recruiting Notes
Connor Crabtree will take an official visit to Ohio University this coming weekend
Trey McGowens says he will set official visits to VCU and USF in the early period
DJ Myers, Trey McGowens, Tavin Lovan, Tre King and others will be taking an unofficial visit to Virginia Tech on October 30.
Jon Mebane picked up his first D1 offer in this practice, Presbyterian.
Tavin Lovan said he will schedule an official visit to USF in the early period.