Team 3
Coach: Dre Simmons
#65: 5'5 '21 Jordan Blue (Hartsville)
Starting things off, we look at a player that was incredible at setting up his teammates throughout camp, Jordan Blue. He's a very smart, slightly undersized floor general with a tight handle, excellent vision, and the ability to score as needed while defending with purpose. Next in his development process is working on his ability to shoot off the dribble, as it would make him a more dynamic offensive threat. Coach Dre on Blue: 'Jordan was a flat-out baller and true floor general during camp. He is a pass-first point guard that is more than capable of taking over a game offensively. He has nice bounce to his game with crazy moves to get to the rack. He has the three-ball in his bag as well. Jordan just makes things happen and makes his surrounding teammates better. He's an absolute gamer. He also has a great use of either hand and is versatile in many areas. He's a very mature coach on the floor that plays well beyond his years. Jordan is an impact player and ball-hawk on defense. He was a pleasure to coach and I'm confident that he will take his game to the next level.' Blue was undeniably impressive, securing the Mr. Playmaker award with relative ease, and should have a vital role for Hartsville during the upcoming season.
#78:'5'9 '20 Nathaniel Barr (Hartsville)
Next, we look at a player that was arguably one of the most memorable shooters from camp, Nathaniel Barr. He's a slightly undersized off-guard that knows and embraces his role as well as anyone in the gym. Barr is a lethal spot-up threat with great shot-selection and the ability to work within the offense while making the extra pass whenever possible. Next in his development process is working on becoming a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him even tougher for opponents to contain off the bounce. Coach Dre on Barr: 'Nate offers the three-point package all day. He moves extremely well without the ball and finds space for uncontested three-pointers. At that point, he is going to make more than he's going to miss. He also has a nice first step and can blow by defenders if they think he is just a spot-up shooter. I also liked his feel for the game, as he seems to be in the right place at the right time. What was most impressive to me was his hustle. He dives for every loose ball and goes hard on every single possession.' Barr's shooting will allow him to carve out a nice role with any group of teammates, which should certainly apply with Hartsville during the upcoming season.
#83:'5'10 '23 Jacob Adair (Enka)
Moving onto a player that surprised a ton of opponents with his sharp skillset and ability to impact the game, especially for his age/size, Jacob Adair. He's a young, smart guard prospect that has the necessary blend of shooting and playmaking to operate from either backcourt position. Adair is quite crafty and able to reliably create for himself or others but also knows how to position himself for success without the ball. Next in his development process is working to add strength in order to prepare himself for the physicality of the high school game. Coach Dre on Adair: 'Jake is a marksman. He can spot-up and let it fly. He's confident in his skills, which leads to his success. Besides being a very reliable shooter, this young man is tough as nails. He took a huge elbow to the face during camp and didn't even budge. He also boxes out very well and secures most rebounds in his areas. At his size, it's very impressive. I really like Jake and think he has lots of potential going forward.' Adair highlighted a lot of tools during camp and should emerge as a nice contributor sooner than later for Enka.
#94:'6'0 '21 Alex Greene (Carolina Forest)
Continuing onto a player that showcased a very impressive scoring sense during camp, Alex Greene. He's a wiry, high-motor guard prospect with a team-first approach and the ability to apply excellent scoring pressure from all three levels. Greene is capable of handling the ball and creating off the dribble, but often found points as a spot-up threat or off-ball cutter. Next in his development process is working becoming a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Dre on Greene: 'Alex showcased a great ability to shoot today. Three-pointers, midrange, you name it! He knows how to get open and effectively uses screens. He has a high motor and is always engaged. Alex also played well on defense and harassed opponents at every opportunity. Do not leave Alex alone or you will pay. I would love to see his handle improve and I believe that will make him even more of a problem.' Greene made his presence felt quite nicely throughout camp and should carve out a nice role for Carolina Forest during the upcoming season.
#95:'6'0 '21 Benton Wofford (Ardrey Kell)
Next, we look at a player that really stood out with his motor and all-around scoring ability, Benton Wofford. He's a smart, smooth guard prospect that is capable of thriving with or without the ball in his hands. Wofford is an efficient three-level scorer with a useful handle, nice vision, and quality defensive instincts. Next in his development process is working on his ability to create for others, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Dre on Wofford: 'Benton 'Buckets!' This man is a problem. He's gotten even better from the last time I saw him. He's got the three-pointer, midrange jumper, and array of moves when going to the basket. He has great length to play either wing position or maybe even some power forward. I really liked how he can get it done in so many different ways. Benton is also capable of giving opponents fits on the defensive end with his motor and ability to guard multiple positions. He is on the come-up; I believe that he has a chip on his shoulder and is looking for his just due. He definitely gets my respect for sure.' Wofford enjoyed a terrific showing at camp and should carve out a very productive role for Ardrey Kell this season.
#112:'6'1 '22 Tae'Jon Myers (River Bluff)
Moving onto a player that has a strong skillset but also showed a willingness to do whatever possible to help the team, Tae'Jon Myers. He's a long, wiry, athletic wing prospect with a great two-way feel for the game and the ability to set the tone on either end of the floor. Myers was arguably the most reliable and versatile defensive player on this team, but also stood out as a scorer and rebounder throughout the day. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a shooter off the dribble, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Dre on Myers: 'Tae'Jon got hops! He goes and gets it on every play. He's not going to be stopped when going downhill. He has a nice handle for a lengthy guard and can finish with either hand. He also has decent range on his shot and is a two-way player. The scary part is that I don't think Tae'Jon knows how good he really is. I believe this young man is headed in the right direction.' Myers was able to consistently step up whenever his coach needed, which already makes him a valuable asset in high school basketball, so it'll be exciting to monitor his progression going forward.
#119:'6'2 '20 Jalen Robinson (Andrew Jackson)
Continuing onto a player that stood out with his motor and clear willingness to defend, Jalen Robinson. He's a long, strong-bodied wing/forward prospect with a high motor and unselfish two-way approach to the game. Robinson makes a ton of plays, simply through effort and hustle, and is capable of forcing turnovers at a nonstop rate on defense. Next in his development process is working on becoming quicker, as it would make him even tougher for opponents to contain off the dribble. Coach Dre on Robinson: 'Jalen is a defensive stopper! I would put him on the opposing best player and, at that point, his assignment's scoring went out the window. He is all over the ball and denies the ball extremely well. I loved this about him and he could always be on my team because of this. Offensively, he's a little raw but has the potential to really thrive with his size and athleticism.' Robinson showed his ability to do whatever necessary to give his team an edge and should be a useful piece for Andrew Jackson during the upcoming season.
#132:'6'3 '20 Sam Crowley (Oceanside Collegiate)
Next, we look at a player that was arguably the main glue-guy of this team during camp, Sam Crowley. He's a long, wiry wing/forward prospect that simply does whatever is needed, from scoring to setting up others to pursuing rebounds. Crowley was able to assert himself as an effective all-around scorer but also knew when to defer to teammates and make the extra pass. Next in his development process is working on adding strength to his wiry frame, as it would make him a more physical two-way presence. Coach Dre on Crowley: 'Sam is a very unselfish player that moves well without the ball. He has nice moves to the basket and can stop on a dime and knock down pull-ups from midrange. He hustles hard every time he's on the floor and even had a couple of blocks on the day. He showed a strong comfort level when handling the ball in transition and making plays for others. Sam is an all-around player that can help a team on many levels.' Crowley had a very productive showing at camp and could be one to monitor during the upcoming season at Oceanside Collegiate.
#138:'6'4 '23 Jaxon Burnette (West-Oak)
Finishing up, we look at a player that possesses a phenomenal crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Jaxon Burnette. He's a smart, skilled forward/post prospect with three-level scoring ability and tremendous timing as a rim-protector. Burnette is fairly versatile and shows flashes of being able to do everything on the floor at a high level. Next in his development process is working on becoming a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him an even tougher matchup for opposing forwards. Coach Dre on Burnette: 'Jax was a man throughout the day. For a big, he had great back to the basket moves and head fakes that loses the defense. He has a good first step and can beat opposing bigs off the dribble. He also has great touch on his three-pointer, which can bring out opposing big men. He also is comfortable to finish with either hand. He crashes the glass hard and is a second-chance point man all day. Defensively, he provides the block part. I was very glad to have him on my team and the future is very bright for this young man.' Burnette was easily among the most impressive performers on display, especially for his age, and should be one to watch closely over the coming years.