Big Shots Myrtle Session One Preview: Slam Orange
One of the premier tournament, showcase and exposure companies in the country prepare for the July live periods by holding two of their top tournaments of their schedule in Myrtle Beach. The first, and smaller one, Big Shots Myrtle Beach…
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Continue ReadingOne of the premier tournament, showcase and exposure companies in the country prepare for the July live periods by holding two of their top tournaments of their schedule in Myrtle Beach. The first, and smaller one, Big Shots Myrtle Beach Session One, will be held Thursday and Friday in Myrtle Beach, with Session Two taking place Saturday and Sunday. We take a look at some of the top area prospects in the elite 17U bracket for Session One.
Charles Falden | 6’3” G | River City Reign Manns
After winning the 5A State Player of the Year, Falden announced he will take a prep season at Massanutten Academy and reclassify to the 2017 class. A versatile wing that can play on or off the basketball, he’s a three-level scoring threat that can play an up-and-down style or give you and efficient scoring option out of a lot of different sets in the half court. This will be the first time that Falden will play in front of division one coaches as a 2017, and it will surely peak some interest after his top notch senior season at LC Bird.
Jason Wade | 6’3” G | River City Reign Manns
Myrtle Beach was a big session for River City Reign point guard Maliek White last season, who boosted his stock immensely before landing on Providence as the school for him. This could also be a launching point for Wade, who’s natural ability at both guard positions is impressive. He has good size, is athletic in transition, sees the floor well and is a strong finisher through traffic. He’s not the best shooter, but his feel and frame translate well, and he’s sure to pick up more offers throughout the July.
Ameer Bennett | 6’8” PF | River City Reign Manns
Bennett comes into July as one of the state’s fastest rising prospects, and the best part is that his improvement can be directly attributed to how much work he’s put in over the last few seasons. He still needs to fill out, but this summer the St. Chris big has shown improved touch on his jumper all the way out to the three-point line, he’s rebounded it well in traffic and has made an effort to be more of an impact on both ends of the floor. He holds four offers now, but when coaches see his aggression and confidence against good competition there could be more offers coming.
Luke Frampton | 6’5” WF | Big Shots Elite
One of the most touted prospects in the entire event, the West Virginia wing has led Big Shots Elite to an undefeated record so far this season, and has mid-to-high major programs all over him as they get into the toughest part of their schedule. Frampton’s size allows him to play all over the floor, and his range on his jump shot spaces the floor and allows guards to attack his side for drive-and-kicks. He’s also a good rebounder that can guard multiple positions.
Jarrod West | 5’10” PG | Big Shots Elite
If you value toughness in your point guard, West is the guy for you. Despite his sub 6 foot frame, West holds a handful of offers from mid major programs, and he does it by leading talented teams on both ends of the floor. He’s a scrappy on ball defender, lives in the lane where he’s able to create and can hit the deep ball off the bounce or the catch. The energy he provides his team with, along with his ability to put others in positions to succeed makes him the ideal floor general.
DeAndre Thomas | 6’3” WG | Team Richmond Garner Road
The only 2018 prospect on this list, it’s hard to tell which guard position fits Thomas the best, but he’s versatile enough to play and guard both positions at a high level. Defensively Thomas shines, where he has the length, athleticism and activity to cause havoc in press situations. He has a good feel when initiating the offense, is a strong finisher in the lane and has continued to improve his jump shot every time we see him. Expect to hear his name floating around if he has a big July live period.
Austin Katstra | 6’5” PF | Team Richmond Garner Road
He’s not the most skilled or biggest player in the post, but you won’t find many that outwork Katstra. The Charlottesville native has a strong upper body, isn’t afraid to bang with bigger bodies and he’s quick off his feet allowing him to get extra opportunities on the glass. He runs the floor and has developed a reliable set shot from 15-20 feet. He’s also a very high academic kid, meaning Patriot and Ivy’s will likely be following him throughout the live period.
Taqwain Drummond | 6’4” WG | Team Loaded 757 Chaney
Drummond can best be described as streaky, but when he gets it going he’s capable of changing a game by hanging 15 straight in a very short time period. Following a knee injury his sophomore year, Drummond changed his game from an athletic slasher to a spot up jump shooter, and his size makes him valuable at that. He gets good elevation on his shot, and once he hits one you better start denying him or he could possibly ring off four or five more before your coach calls a timeout.
Jalen Ray | 6’0” WG | Team Loaded 757 Chaney
It’s about time he starts to get some offers, because ever since last summer the Hampton High guard has been lighting teams up from deep and putting up huge numbers in the process. The lefty has deadly range, a quick release and is adept at attacking closeouts and finding contact to get to the line. His size at the two guard spot has been a question, but he’s shown regularly that he can both score against and guard players bigger than him, which should eliminate some of the concern translating to the next level.
Tyree Golston | 6’0” PG | Team Loaded 757 Chaney
Golston recently picked up his first offer from St. Thomas Aquinas, a D2 school in New York, and other schools looking for a scoring point guard could soon follow. The Virginia Beach native has a deadly middle game, especially in transition where he can hit off the bounce when he isn’t picked up. He can score it from all three levels, plays with good pace and teamed up with Ray in the backcourt makes for nightmares for opposing teams to plan for.