Takeaways: Phenom National Showcase
Harold Baruti Reinforces High Major Credentials
Harold Baruti of Mountain Mission School strengthened his case as the the best available senior in VA. This is particularly impressive, considering he only has a little over 1 year of organized playing experience. The 6-foot-6 wing played with a consistent motor all weekend. Defensively, he did a superb job hitting the glass and using his length to be disruptive. He astutely used his explosive first step to blow by defenders and draw contact at the rim. Baruti converted a number of acrobatic finishes, showcasing his athleticism. Baruti currently holds offers from Wilmington and SMU already, and is attracting interest from the likes of Florida, Georgia, Western Kentucky. Don’t be surprised if more high major schools to get involved soon.
Prospect Alert: Sharpshooting Wings Impress
Mountain Mission features a plethora of scholarship-worthy available seniors. If you’re looking for a sharpshooter with size, 6-foot-7 wing Jakub Mijakowski should be on your radar. Kuba got hot in the first quarter of Mountain Mission’s win against Providence Day. He scored 10 first quarter points, connecting on two three-point-field goals. With 3 division 1 offers from Albany, UMBC, and ETSU, Mijakowski should attract more interest, considering his versatile mix of size and shooting.
Kevin Quinn of Virginia Episcopal came alive in their win against Ravencroft. The experienced 6-foot-4 wing can absolutely fill it up from deep. He connected on three 3-point field goals, 2 of them occurring during the final frame. Quinn demonstrated a smooth, consistent shooting stroke. He should most certainly be on the radar for schools in need of a sharpshooting wing with size.
Canadian Point Guards Well Represented
Toronto native Keshon Montague of Mountain Mission is another scholarship-level unsigned senior featured on Mountain Mission School’s talented roster. The 5’10 point guard is extremely shifty with the ball. He is an explosive athlete, who prides himself defensively. Offensively, he utilizes a sensational hesitation dribble to help create space for him to operate. Montague almost seemingly penetrates defenses at will. He is an exceptional passer, who has very good awareness and vision. Appalachian State, Valparaiso, and South Dakota State are those currently in the mix for his services. He is a reliable playmaker, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see more schools in for his services.
Oak Hill Academy Point Guard Lindell Wigginton out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, was thoroughly impressive in a number of areas this weekend. The 6-foot-2 point guard is part of a very deep and talented Warrior backcourt, but did not go unnoticed. Offensively, he adeptly created space on the perimeter with a devastating crossover, and showed tremendous elevation on his jump shot. Wigginton is an active defender and sound rebounder, thanks to his explosive athleticism. Florida State, Boston College, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech have already offered, while other high major schools have him firmly in their sights. More offers should emerge as the season progresses.
Adam Sledd Helps Control Paint in VES Win
Western Carolina commit Adam Sledd put together a fine performance for VES in their win against Ravenscroft. The 6-foot-8 big set bone-jarring screens, and did an admirable job attacking the glass. He ran the floor hard, and did a good job sealing off and establishing position down low. He played with relentless energy and toughness, proving to be an important and reliable compliment to Sacha Killeya-Jones and the Bishops.