The John Wall Invitational was off the charts once again, as it brought excitement and high-level talent to the court in Raleigh. There were several players and teams that really caught our eyes, but there were a few players that left a memorable impression on us. Here are just a few players that had an outstanding event, as we walked away very impressed.
2022 Kheni Briggs (The Burlington School): Briggs was off the charts at the John Wall, stepping up big for his team and putting together multiple outstanding performances to lead his team to a John Wall Invitational win. Briggs had multiple 20+ point performances, scoring the ball effectively, using his frame to finish, and really shooting the ball from outside as well. This young man has been terrific being the sixth man for The Burlington School; he has accepted his role and really steps up big when needed. Love his competitive nature on the court and he put together some incredible performances to lead his team to an undefeated event.
2022 Jordan Crawford (North Meck): North Meck is loaded at the guard position this year but at the John Wall, it was the Crawford show as the Vikings went 2-1 at the event. Crawford averaged 28.3 points per game and hit 13 3-pointers in three games, really showing his ability to be a dynamic scorer with his athleticism and his ability to step out and knock down shots from three. The College of Charleston commit continues to have an outstanding year.
2025 Cameron Boozer (Columbus): This was our first viewing of this big-time young talent and to say that we came away impressed would not do justice. When watching both Cameron and Cayden Boozer, you had to remind yourself that they are just freshmen because they didn’t play like it. But Cameron, a 6’7 forward, is such a fluid prospect at his age, has tremendous handles at his size, and showed an elite-level skillset. It just looks like he gets it and understands the game at an early age and the future looks very bright for him.
2022 De’Ante Green (Asheville Christian): Green just did what Green does on the court. It is what led us to write this: Giving him the respect he deserves: 2022 De’Ante Green (Asheville Christian). He is an unstoppable force, as he continues to be a mismatch against his opponents. With his 6’9 frame, ability to operate from anywhere on the court, and be a double-double machine, Green is simply off the charts and showed it each time he was on the floor at the John Wall. But this is just becoming normal for this elite-level prospect.
2022 Aaron Murphy (Greenfield): The Queens commit is just continuing to show what he has shown all season long and really is putting together POY-type numbers for his team. Murphy plays so relentlessly and competes on every play, finishing so well inside, attacking the boards on both ends, guarding multiple positions, and stepping out and creating for himself. He is the clear leader for Greenfield this year and there hasn’t been a game that we have seen where his opponent can slow him down.
2022 Cam Whitmore (Archbishop Spalding): It was our first viewing of Whitmore and we were impressed with the Villanova commit. Yes, he brings incredible athleticism that will get you out of your seat, that is a given. But the way he uses his 6’6, 200-pound body on the floor makes him such a tough matchup, as he is just physically built differently than others. He plays with a high motor, makes tremendous passes, is relentless on the boards, and can score in a variety of ways.
2023 Freddie Dilione (Word of God): One of the leaders of the pack for Word of God, Dilione continues to impress and step up in the bright lights when his team needed. Dilione continues to show his improved overall feel with terrific size, scoring and creating for himself on all levels, being a smoother operating guard, finding and setting up his teammates well, and being a good rebounding guard. It is becoming a norm now for him these days.
2022 Dior Johnson (So. Cal): Oregon commit, Johnson was a nice surprise when we learned that he would be joining the So. Cal program. The fans got themselves a treat, as Johnson showed how electric of a scorer he is on the floor. His body control, his ability to get downhill, his pull-up from all levels over defenders… it was fun to watch at the John Wall and he also filled up the stat sheet, also showing his ability to get on the boards. It was easy to see why he is regarded as one of the premier talents in the country.
2022 Angel Montas (Life Christian): Many fans came to watch Life Christian for Hansel but it was Montas that really impressed with his performances in Raleigh. He was a problem all tournament long, as the 6’6 prospect really showcased his firepower offensively. He is a tough guard that gets downhill well, uses his body well, and finishes strong. He really showed he can fill up the stat sheet while on the floor.
