By: Heath Gulledge
2024 6'1 Justin Skelton (Columbia Hoopers Elite 15u)
Skelton showed an impressive ability to score the ball from beyond the arc in the 8:00 am game this morning. He came out of the gate letting it fly and it was paying off for him. I like his ability to stretch the floor and make the defense respect his shot. He uses his skill from beyond the arc to draw the defense into a heavy close-out and proceeds to make them pay with a one-dribble pull-up or floater around the rim.
2024 6'9 Bryson Cowan (Team F.L.Y 15u)
One of the biggest things I like about Cowans game is his willingness to run the floor. He's a hustle player with a developing skill set that is sure to take off soon. He's got nice footwork around the rim and rebounds well on both ends. He also gathered up multiple blocks on the day too.
2024 6'7 Paul McNeil (Garner Road Bulldogs West 15u)
McNeil has a very solid, all-around game. He's skilled on both ends and has a very high basketball IQ. On the defensive end, he's got active hands that he uses to poke the ball loose or run through passing lanes. He rebounds well, especially coming from the wing. He also showed that he can stretch the floor and knock the long ball down, or get downhill and finish at the rim.
2023 6'1 JaKobe Hood (Team Hickory 16u)
Hood is a crafty point guard for Team Hickory. He has a quick first step and shifty ball handling to go along with it. He's got the ball on a string and knows how to dance with defenders without it being too much. He's skilled around the rim with an ability to finish through contact or find open teammates on the perimeter.
2023 6'6 Collin MurrayBoyles (Upward Stars Columbia 16u)
I really enjoyed watching MurrayBoyles play. He was very skilled in the high post and with his back to the basket. In the high post, he showed the ability to turn and shoot, or put it on the ground and finish at the rim. His vision when his back was to the basket was also impressive. He made plenty of passes to the opposite block and cross-court to spot-up shooters.