Next Up Recruits Freshman Camp: Top Wings
Next Up Recruits held their second annual Freshman camp this past Saturday at Taylor County High School in Campbellsville. Many of the top freshmen in Kentucky were in attendance. There were also players in attendance from Indiana, West Virginia, Alabama and Illinois. Here’s a rundown of some of the top performing wings at camp.
Jaz Johnson (Wolfe County) – A 6’2″ sharpshooter, Johnson was scoring from all over the court on Saturday. Johnson saw action in 25 games last season as an 8th grader. Jaz should combine with senior Deven Stone to create a dynamic scoring duo for Wolfe
Mikaleb Coffey (Tates Creek) – Coffey dominated the 1 on 1 station during the drills portion of the morning. When 5 on 5 play started, Coffey continued his strong play by creating off the dribble and attacking the rim. Mikaleb is a good athlete and should have a nice playing career at Tates Creek if he keeps developing.
Cory VanHoose (Johnson Central) – VanHoose saw the floor in 17 games for a 27 win Johnson Central team last season and should be a starter this year. On Saturday, Cory was getting to the rim and showing off some skills. An excellent finisher around the rim, VanHoose uses his strength to bully his way to the bucket.
Zaire Monroe (Lloyd Memorial) – Long and athletic, Monroe is a kid no one had heard of heading into camp. Zaire plays with a high motor and showing some shooting ability to go with his impressive skill at getting to the rim. Monroe definitely put himself on the radar with his play at camp.
Deshawn Jackson (Fredrick Douglass) – The best defender I saw at camp, Jackson figures to be a varsity contributor in the inaugural season for the Broncos of Douglass. Deshawn showed tremendous defensive instincts and a desire to compete. Coach Kurt Young should develop Jackson into a nice player for Douglass over the next 4 years.
Sam Conley (Spencer County) – Conley averaged 7.4 points per game as an 8th grader at Spencer County last year and should improve on those numbers in his freshman season. Almost 6’3 and very strong, Conley is going to be an impact player in the 8th region for the next 4 years. Sam could graduate as the best player in Spencer County history.
Tyler Slone (Oldham County) – A 6’3″ wing, Slone flashed a lot of skills on Saturday. Possessing a wide assortment of dribble moves and an above average shooting stroke, Slone should compete for playing time for the Colonels this season.
DeAjuan Stepp (West Jessamine) – Long and athletic with a lot of potential, Stepp is an early candidate for top 5 players in the class. He showed his skills and high motor on Saturday. Stepp needs to improve as a shooter but he looks like a big time wing prospect moving forward.