UA Select Super 16 Recap (Class of 2018 Forwards)
Here is a look at some of the top Class of 2018 forwards from last weekend’s UA Select Super 16 in Cape Girardeau, MO.
Pete Lake 6’7″ SEMO Storm: A very intriguing prospect that could attract some Division I attention with his size, athleticism and overall skill set. He is capable of playing on the wing or at the Stretch 4, where he can create some matchup problems. He handles the ball well and has the ability to attack the basket and knock down 3-pointers off the catch. When he gets into transition, he displays his athleticism with several swooping dunks on the break.
Dominic Mitchell 6’3″ St. Louis Bearcats: An excellent all-purpose player who helped his team to the championship with his versatile play. He is fun to watch in the low post where he uses his footwork and a variety fakes and shakes to get his shots off in in the land of giants. He is a matchup problem as he can take bigs off the dribble and score of floaters and short jumpers, while punishing smaller guards in the low post.
Ian Torrey 6’5″ SI Select: A versatile all-around athlete who has garnered collegiate interest in basketball, football and baseball. He plays a lot of point guard for his SI Select team, where he is able to use his size to pass and shoot over smaller guards. I was most impressed with his mid range jumper, where he goes downhill and stops hard on the dime to unleash a feathery jumper from 15 feet. Ian is also a very good ball handler and passer.
Cameron Hester 6’7″ SEMO Storm: A strong, physical low post player who just goes about his business of scoring and rebounding without much fanfare. There isn’t much flash to Cameron’s game. Just consistent and solid production without the frills. He has a good drop step move and he does a nice job of walking his defender up the lane to create space for the lob pass over the top. He will also dunk on people in traffic.
Mike Akinwumi 6’7″ St. Louis Shooting Stars: An improving post player who continues to make positive strides on the offensive end. He’s moving much better around the basket and doing a better job of finishing, whether it is off of post moves or offensive put backs. He is also running the court and getting in on the transition game. He has always been a solid defender and rebounder.
Trae Robinson 6’8″ Rainmakers Premiere: One of the biggest players in the tournament at a robust 290-pounds, Robinson has a strong presence in the post with his size and physical strength. He gets excellent position in the low post and does a nice job of catching the ball and converting baskets. I was most impressed with his ability to pass the ball, especially when he caught it in the high post. The ball just doesn’t stick to his hands and he finds the open man. He has lost weight in the past year and it was helped him improve as a player.