Above The Rim – High Flyers 2017
More now than ever kids are making there marks as being 3 point magicians. You see kids setting up there defenders with step backs, side steps and between the leg pull-ups. The game is played different on this side of the country than it is from where I’m from. Back in the east coast you made your name at the rim. If you could go up and over somebody that’s how you got the crowd on your side and your name etched on the black top. There are still a few guys in the pacific northwest who have received major offers/interest from some very good programs based on there play in the paint and at the rim. These young men have earned the title of “High Flyers.” Here a coupe that stood out over the summer.
6’8 sophomore Jaden McDaniels is a special talent coming out of Federal Way. He is a lanky post player who can also play small forward. He has a nice touch for mid-range jumpers, with the ability to take bigs off the dribble to get easy buckets at the rim. He’s a solid rebounder and is pretty athletic, finishing plays with dunks that get the crowd excited.
2019 P.J. Fuller is a talented wing and at 6’4, Fuller if full of athleticism, taking flight for dunks on a regular basis. He is considered a combo guard, running the point guard position in a lot of situations. Fuller gets up the court quicker than anybody else on the floor, pushing the ball to lead fast breaks. He displays nice ball handling skills, making shifty moves to blow past defenders. Fuller does a great job getting his teammates involved.
Class of 2019’s Jamon Kemp is a special talent, that’s on the rise. Kemp is the son of former Sonic, Shawn Kemp. Standing 6’5, he seems to still be growing and his game is improving each day. He is a smooth guard, with a nice jump shot and release. He can really get it going when he’s hot, knocking down jumper after jumper. He loves the mid range pull up, whether its off the dribble or from a post up. He’s very versatile with a great defensive presence. His biggest asset is his athletic ability. He is elite when it comes to that. He has caught plenty of bodies this summer and with him growing the way he is. He is going to get bigger and stronger.
TREY LAWRENCE, a class of 2018 combo guard at Glacier Peak High School, caught my eye at the Saint Martins College High School Team Camp. The 6’5 rising senior does many things well on the court, and is a tremendous athlete. One thing I really like about Trey is that he involves himself within the flow of the game, and doesn’t command any play calls. He finds ways to produce no matter what. Trey’s versatility on both ends of the floor is very evident. He can defend almost any position. His athleticism is eye-popping. He had a couple of chase down blocks and his head is clearly above the rim. I am excited to see where he lands after his senior season.
One of the most underrated 2018 Washington state prospects is 6-4 Timberline guard, Erik Stevenson. Stevenson is a very balanced guard that can shoot, pass, rebound and play defense. His length and speed are traits that make him one of the better athletes in the state. He has a very good vertical that gives him the ability to finish above the rim and block opponents shots as well. Stevenson also has a knack of knowing when to pass instead of shoot as well.