Bill Hensley Run n Slam: 2018 Stock Risers
The first day of recap coverage from the Bill Hensley Run n Slam in Fort Wayne will fill you in on top performances from the 2018 class. Of which there were plenty!
The “stock riser” article, which you’re reading now, will focus on players who have moved up our board. While other talent evaluators, media and coaches alike, may have already been hip to these players’ talent level, we undervalued them in our latest 2018 prospect rankings. With that being said, expect these guys to move up after the summer.
Stanley Williams, 6’8” PF, VCC Ohio Warriors / Eastmoor Academy
Williams basically raises his stock every time we watch him play. Last time, in the State Tournament, he was battling with Austin Rotroff and hitting some turn-around jumpers from the block. This time, Williams was in the high-post against a 2-3 zone. In that role, Williams moved the ball to the opposite side when appropriate. His passing ability ended up opening some wide open looks, which he took advantage of with a smooth jump shot.
Elijah McNamara, 6’9” PF, OH-NOVA Rice / Pickerington North
We’ve always been concerned with who McNamara would guard at the Division I level, mainly because of his lack of size. However, he was primed and ready to go on one particular game on Sunday. McNamara was challenged by another player around his height, and he was winning rebound battles consistently. On offense, McNamara continues to have a very nice three-point stroke, but he also drove by his matchup a couple times once he stepped out. This was the best performance we’ve seen from McNamara to date.
Deshon Parker, 5’11” PG, All Ohio Red EYBL / Huber Heights Wayne
With Foster Loyer out, Parker and Braden Norris had to play more minutes for Red. And, well, they won the Platinum Championship in a blow-out, so it went pretty well.
With a lead in the closing minutes, Parker did an excellent job of playing against the clock by controlling the tempo and knocking home free throws. It was his poise in these moments which was most impressive. He’s almost certainly a Division I point guard. Also, although he’s not the tallest, Parker can get up to finish high off the glass on contested lay-ups. Hardly turns it over.
Cameron Brooks-Harris, 6’7” W, OH-NOVA Tillman / Zanesville
Brooks-Harris is playing the same style he did last summer, but he’s just way more mature with his movements. Brooks-Harris still has weight to add to his frame, but he’s playing a lot meaner. He battled for some tough rebounds, not only with leaping ability but also once he came to the floor. In the Platinum Championship (especially), Brooks-Harris was shooting the ball rather well from beyond the arch.
Eric Gardner of Prep Hoops Indiana was also in our ear about Brooks-Harris this weekend.
Additionally, Brooks-Harris told us that Stony Brook is close to offering him a scholarship, according to his coach. Stony Brook hasn’t spoken to him directly.
Isaiah Speelman, 6’6” W, OH-NOVA Tillman / Hilliard Bradley
The incoming-senior is definitely one of the most active off-ball players in Ohio. Offensively, he probes around the arch for shots and crashes the glass intelligently. However, it’s defense where he truly shined off-ball this weekend. Speelman called out everything at the bottom of the 2-3 zone, and his teammates were very responsive. Also, Speelman, using his toughness, was checking cutters and boxing-out at an extraordinary level.
Mike Reeves, 6’7” F, All Ohio Black / Gahanna Lincoln
We didn’t see more than a half of Reeves this weekend, but he was completely off of our radar coming into Fort Wayne. He’s worth mentioning because of his ability to run the floor and overall athleticism at the power forward position. Intriguing combination of size, strength, and leaping ability.
Julius Brown, 5’9” PG, All Ohio Black / Westerville North
In a huge upset over Indy Heat, Brown iced the game against wild ball-pressure from high-major guards. Brown uses his size to his advantage, as he splits defenders by squeezing through tiny cracks in traps. At the end of this high-energy game, which happened to be the third game of the day, Brown slowed things down and milked the clock. There will obviously be size concerns about Brown, but this intelligent player is going to be a steal for a program who decides to believe in him.
Jelani Simmons, 6’6” W, All Ohio Black / Beechcroft
Simmons, deservedly, received his first offer last night from Fairmont State. Maybe it’s because of plays like this?
https://twitter.com/InTheGymHoops/status/861192191129133057
As Simmons continues to use that athleticism intelligently, he’ll continue to draw Division II offers.
Bryce Hunt, 6’7” W, Ohio Unity (sub from OT Elite) / Cincinnati Reading
Hunt is another phenomenal leaper who is turning all the right heads this spring. He had some crowd-pleasing dunks as well this weekend. Hunt is likely to receive some scholarship offers on his size and strength alone. However, Hunt is working diligently on his jump shot during the week, and it’s apparent on his mid-range ability. Mentally and physically strong.
Delshawn Jackson, 6’1” G, TNBA East / Cleveland Central Catholic
Despite being a 6’1” combo guard prospect, Jackson is an interesting prospect who impressed on Saturday morning particularly. First of all, his wingspan compensates a bit for his height. He can definitely defend the two-guard spot because of his arms and effort. Jackson is also good off the ball as a defender, as he was able to anticipate some steals in passing lanes and against unprepared ball-handlers. Pretty sound looking jumper that didn’t quite fall in on most occasions.