Top Performers: Chance Harman Classic
Earlier, we highlighted eight unsigned senior stock boosters from the Chance Harman Classic. As well as they played, they weren’t the only players in the state who stepped up on the big stage. Here are nine other players who impressed…
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Continue ReadingEarlier, we highlighted eight unsigned senior stock boosters from the Chance Harman Classic. As well as they played, they weren’t the only players in the state who stepped up on the big stage. Here are nine other players who impressed throughout the Chance Harman Classic.
Malik Marrow; Jr. PG; Cape Henry
The tough point guard showed his takeover ability in their win over nationally ranked Huntington Prep. The 6’3 lead guard scored 17 of his game high 23 points in the second half, and after the game said he told his team “I won’t let us lose this game.” While they didn’t have quite the showing in their next day game against High Point Christian, Marrow was absolutely fearless as he didn’t back down from their highly ranked bigs, going up and blocking shots on the break when most guards would back away with the fear of getting dunked on. He was one of the most entertaining players to watch over the course of the event.
Malik Johnson; Jr. PG; George Wythe
It was his first game back in over two weeks, and you could tell he had some jitters as he picked up three fouls in the first half and was sent to the bench. However, the 6’4 point guard came out of the locker room aggressive, scoring six straight points to get into a rhythm. It was important for him to get it going, because when he does he can showcase his top talent which is creating for others once defenses key in on him. Johnson finished with 23 points, 17 of which game in the second half, along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
Micah Johnson; Jr. PG; Carrol County
Johnson is a throw back point guard, and despite his small stature he ran his team with poise and made good decisions throughout the game. In their loss to Christiansburg, Johnson showed tremendous feel for the game, creating plays and putting his teammates in situations to succeed. He has good vision and the ability to thread the needle while hitting his teammates in stride.
Brendan Newton; Jr. C; Faith Christian
A triple-double is what we said he needed to get, and he delivered. Despite Faith Christian being outmatched against Bishop McGuinness of North Carolina, the 7’2 Newton was the best player on the court. He protected the rim, kept his poise despite being beat on pretty bad and was consistent in the paint. The junior finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and a tournament record 10 blocks, and he’s only getting better with time.
Jared Spence; Sr. WG; Floyd County
The Floyd County senior stepped up big when his team needed a jolt in the second half to get back into the game, and delivered a number of timely three-pointers when it looked like Gate City was going to make a run. While they eventually lost to Gate City 66-58, Spence finished with 15 points, all of them from behind the line, and 12 of them came in the second half. It was a tough loss on their home floor, but Spence was phenomenal for them throughout the game.
Quentin Morton-Robertson; Fr. PG; Radford
He didn’t finish with the best numbers on his team, but he was the most impactful player on the court on both ends of the floor. Morton-Robertson is a lightning quick guard who causes havoc defensively and lives in the paint on the offensive end. He finished with 6 steals on the day, tying the tournament record, and turned many of them into easy opportunities on the offensive end. He doesn’t have to score a lot for his team, but did make sure the defense respected him with 9 points. He’ll be a fun prospect to watch develop.
Dajour Rucker; Fr. F; Cape Henry
The freshman is really a combo forward, but he played big in the post for Cape Henry at Chance Harman. In their win over Huntington Prep, Rucker finished with 18 points, and his ability to step out and hit the deep ball brought Michigan State commit and shot blocker Miles Bridges away from the basket, making it easier for Marrow and other guards to get to the paint. In the first half of the High Point Christian game, he battled with Kentucky commit Bam Adebayo, before the big man eventually wore him down. Still, Rucker showed toughness and versatility that is encouraging moving forward
Hank Conners; Jr. G; Glenvar
The long 6’2 guard was all over the court in their win over Grayson County, and was willing to do whatever it took to help them win. A combo guard by trait, Conners ran the point and was effective in both creating for himself and others. He was also active defensively altering shots, deflecting passes and hitting the glass. He finished with a stellar 12 points and 6 assists while leading them to victory.
Mac McClung; So. PG; Gate City
We mentioned McClung in our Takeaways piece as part of a trio of players at Gate City, but he was perhaps the most exciting to watch. He plays with a swagger about him that you wouldn’t expect looking at him. He has a tight handle that freezes defenders, and has bounce and good body control that allows him to finish acrobatically around the basket. He also has great intangibles, plays hard and won’t back down. He finished with 15 points in their win over Floyd County.