Zero Gravity Southern Classic: 16U & 15U Notebook
RICHMOND, VA — The Zero Gravity Southern Classic was a common destination for a number of Virginia-based travel programs. Vantage Hoops was on hand to take in the action, and the weekend didn’t disappoint. The games were competitive, players emerged, and known…
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Continue ReadingRICHMOND, VA — The Zero Gravity Southern Classic was a common destination for a number of Virginia-based travel programs. Vantage Hoops was on hand to take in the action, and the weekend didn’t disappoint. The games were competitive, players emerged, and known names showed improvement. Below are some thoughts from the 16U and 15U action.
Team Loaded 16’s go unbeaten; claim championship
2018 Mac McClung has rapidly developed a reputation as an explosive play-maker. This weekend, he displayed more exciting acrobatics around the basket to go along with a relentless work rate and improving skill set. Look for the 6’2″ point guard to be a go-to-guy on the Adidas Gauntlet this spring and summer.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/716745866531500032
Nana Opoku seemingly improves each time he hits the court. At 6’7″, the long-limbed power forward is skilled with a soft touch, great mobility and tenacity defensively. He’s a formidable rim-protector and has excellent timing and coordination. Look for him to take the next stride as he continues to grow into his body.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/716766113800003584
2018 Jonathan Norfleet has a strong frame, and showed very good explosiveness in downhill situations. He has good paint getting ability and body control, which enables him to finish effectively through contact. Look for the dynamic play-maker to pair well in conjunction with his back-court mate, Mac McClung.
2018 Aaron Cash had some nice cameos on both ends at the Zero Gravity Southern Classic. He’s a fearless rim-protector with good length and athleticism. Cash ran the floor well and crashed the boards hard. He was aggressive and attacked the rim relentlessly.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/716750922513313792
Alexander “The Great” Petrie breaks tournament record
The super-skilled, highly confident Alexander Petrie put on a superb scoring exhibition at the Zero Gravity Southern Classic. He demonstrated a prolific stroke from beyond the arc, with seemingly unlimited range, and a lightning quick release either from the catch or off the dribble. Petrie also has a nice middle game, which features a very efficient high-arching floater. He is an ambidextrous finisher around the basket, and showed no fear when attacking the rim. With a recent offer from Mount St. Mary’s, and interest from Wofford among others, look for the young play-maker to see a serious uptick in recruitment.
Alex Petrie @RiverCityReign Hit a tourney record 9 three pointers #POTG #ZGSC pic.twitter.com/ULmhjUjAJN
— Zero Gravity Basketball (@ZeroGravityBB) April 2, 2016
Loaded 757 Claiborne hold their own
Led by the explosive, facilitating sophomore point guard Ray Ward, and sharpshooting Jason Ford on the perimeter, Team Loaded 757 Claiborne played tremendous ball on both ends at the Zero Gravity Southern Classic. Ward had at least 6 assists in each contest he took part in. Ford’s perimeter shooting was bolstered by tenacious perimeter defense on and off the ball. 6’6″ Bassiruoi Diop, 6’3″ Savion Helm, and 6’5″ Shawn Sanders provided a great presence on the glass, energy, and high work rates to go along with efficiency around the basket.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/716280936720121856
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/716639234258505733
Spectrum 16’s show promise
2018 Nick Price was a two-way standout at the Zero Gravity Southern Classic. The athletic point guard locked in consistently on defense, and was adept at getting into the lane where he often created easy opportunities for himself and others. He has significant defensive potential to go along with great instincts. As his recruitment remains relatively dormant for now, it won’t be long before he begins to attract serious suitors.
2019 Alex Fitch is emerging as one of the brightest young prospects to come out of southwest Virginia. He’s a dead-eye three-point shooter, who after a recent growth spurt stands 6’3″. Look for him to continue to develop his skills as he grows into his body.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/716345369446187009
Team Loaded 15’s win championship
2019 Zac Ervin, a teammate of Mac McClung at Gate City, was excellent for Team Loaded 15U at the Zero Gravity Southern Classic. The well-built, 6’5″ wing is a skilled scorer who owns a tireless motor and high IQ. Look for him to be one of their leading scorers on the Adidas Gauntlet.
2019 DeMarr McCrae of John Marshall had some very nice cameos on both ends. The bouncy, athletic guard displays an underrated perimeter stroke. He clearly enjoys the game, and that’s very evident by his body language and demeanor. He should to continue to rack up solid performances this spring and summer.
2019 DeAndre Wilkins was all over the glass for Team Loaded 15U. The 6’7″ big man tracks the ball well, and is an instinctive shot-blocker who crashes the boards, and runs the floor very well.
Extra Notes
2018 Gibson Jimerson was highly productive and showed great versatility at the Zero Gravity Southern Classic. He attacked the boards hard, and showed headiness as a scorer by utilizing shot fakes to free him for open looks. At 6’5″ he’s a very efficient perimeter shooter from the catch and off the bounce.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/716609166421454848