Grassroots HoopFest 17U Scouting Reports: NOLA 23 & N.O. Bulls

Josh Preston

May 3, 2017 @ 07:30 PM

NOLA 23 swept all three divisions and the 17U team beat Bo McCaleb Select 66-39 in the championship game and slipped past the New Orleans Bulls 48-44 in the semifinals. Bo McCaleb Select beat New Orleans Basketball Club, 55-54, in the other semifinal game and below are a few takeaways on the top players, as well as links to coverage of the event.

NOLA 23

DeVaughn Thomas — Comeaux 2018 6'6 W/F

Thomas was the engine and anchor inside for NOLA 23 in the Grassroots HoopFest Tournament. He affected all facets of the game as a rebounder, defender, scorer and distributor and did most of his damage from the free throw line and in. Thomas certainly has the skills to play on the wing as well and says he has offers in hand from Vanderbilt, Texas A&M and Tennessee just to name a few.

Marc Bowie — Karr 2018 6'4 CG

While Thomas handled the inside responsibilities for NOLA 23, Bowie was the team's top perimeter threat. He was consistent from deep, controlled the tempo as the lead guard and he's a sneaky athlete with above average quickness that can play above the rim. Bowie should pick up some Division I looks over the summer with a couple of good showings in national tournaments.

Riley Demps — Newman 2018 6'2 G

Demps has an obvious impediment to his game playing with one arm that doesn't fully extend but there's no question the lefty is a productive player that shouldn't be underestimated. He was NOLA 23's most consistent shooter from outside and he's a confident, smart prospect that played a key role in their championship run. He gets his feet set quickly, has a smooth release and is also an engaged defender that will step in for charges.

Isaiah Lewis — Helen Cox 2018 6'5 G/W

For whatever reason, Lewis seemed to garner the most attention from defenders in both the semifinal and championship games. Both teams were physical with the 6'4 W/F but Lewis kept his composure for the most part and came up with a few key buckets, including an and-one that put NOLA 23 up 48-42 with 22 seconds left against the New Orleans Bulls. Lewis was also the team's top rebounder and as always, showed off his athleticism with a few dunks in transition.

Vernon Simms — Warren Easton 5'11 CG

Simms brought an element of quickness and aggressiveness to the court for NOLA 23 on both ends of the floor. He also has a nice stroke from 3-point range and made his fair share of long range shots.

New Orleans Bulls

Kobe Lawrence — John Ehret 2017 6'3 CG

Lawrence didn't play at John Ehret due to some apparent disagreements with the head coach, according to Lawrence, but he's hoping to make a name for himself and find an opportunity at the next level. His competitiveness was his best attribute in the Grassroots HoopFest but it also got the best of him on a few occasions. Lawrence has good length for the guard spot coupled with good athleticism and he's a willing passer who can also knock down a shot or two from long range when his feet are set.

Jamal Gibson — Jefferson Chambers 2017 6'6 F/W

Gibson is a relatively unknown prospect after spending last season at Jefferson Chambers, an alternative school. He battled inside for boards for the New Orleans Bulls against NOLA 23 and also showed some versatility scoring in the open floor and finishing around the rim. Gibson is planning to pay his way into prep school in the coming months but is hoping a better opportunity arises.

Calvin Williams Jr. — 2016 6'7 G/W

Williams Jr. is actually an 18U prospect and it wasn't difficult to tell he was a bit more developed than his counterparts on the court. He has excellent size for a wing player, athleticism, range out to the 3-point line and should be able to help a program that's willing to take a shot on him.