Marshall County Hoopfest: Early Game Standouts
The Marshall County Hoopfest is loaded, per usual, with future D1 starters. The talent pool Friday is so deep it deserves two features.
Jemison (Alabama) 73
University Heights (KY) 62
Prolific Prep 72
Hamilton Heights Christian 62
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Hamilton Heights) –A Kentucky-signee, Alexander has an elite first step. Watching him train preseason, Shai is more than an athlete though. He has some skills you don’t always get to see. He slithers through traffic without losing control. In the open floor there aren’t 20 better players in the nation. His outside shot and decision-making still need to improve, but Gilgeous-Alexander remains a great high school player with room to grow.
John Petty Jr. (Jemison) — Petty has such an easy game. He casually hits jumpers, calmly dips under double teams. He dumped in 12 points, collected 10 rebounds, and turned the ball over 7 times. His three assists helped too. Petty Jr. was one of two Kentucky misses to attend the Marshall County Hoopfest. He ultimately picked Alabama, while Trent Jr. spurned UK too.
Gary Trent Jr. (Prolific Prep) — Trent Jr. signed with Duke over Kentucky. The smallish boo’s before the game directed his way were half-hearted. Most of the top plyaers with Kentucky offers picked Kentucky, but Trent Jr. elected to play with friend Wendell Carter next winter. With Prolific Prep he is apparently the first and second offensive option. Most of the time this is hardly a concern. Trent Jr. is exceptionally strong, wonderful in traffic, and special shooting.
Tray Hollowell (University Heights) — The unsigned senior Hollowell scored 24 points and defended with heart and commitment in a loss. He sits down on defense and forces the ball-hander to strive. Likely to wind up mid-major, Hollowell was a fighter Friday night.
Paul Scruggs (Prolific Prep) — Quiet during the first half, Scruggs brought a physically-imposing style to the third quarter. It turned out to be the decisive quarter, as Prolific Prep opened up a sizable lead that they never relinquished. Scruggs has remarkable size for a guard and picks his moments. Xavier University is getting an All-Conference gem.
Nathan Mensah (Prolific Prep) — In the face of a sizable Hamilton Heights frontline, Mensah played a foot above the fray. He powered home a couple of intimidating dunks. Mensah was a strong rebounder too.