Still Unsigned: Grind Session Guards
In this article:
P.J. Person, West Oaks Academy
The well-built, gritty 6-foot-2 guard has spent the season altering his perception amongst coaches and scouts as a defensive catalyst.
In seizing the leadership reins, Person rapidly evolved into a consistent scorer.
Person has pieced together countless performances this season in which he’s led West Oaks in all statistical categories.
Tyrieke Blakeney, West Oaks Academy
The transfer via Agape Christian has manufactured points in a variety of ways this season.
With an arsenal of tools including a nifty stepback, Blakeney has shed the image of a guy who never saw a shot he didn’t like.
He’s improved with shot selection, tighter handle, decision making, and timely buckets.
Jimmy Beane, Potter’s House Christian
Strong, high scoring guard has significant elevation on his jumper, an attribute which makes him an enticing prospect.
Beane has shouldered the leadership mantle for a young Potter’s House team which underwent a merry-go-round of transfers this season.
Ty Patterson, Believe Prep Academy
The 6-foot-5 Knoxville native may not pass the “eye test,” though his high level scoring ability and 3-point stroke are promising factors.
Patterson, who has shown a good grasp for engineering spurts with his scoring, would be a major pickup at the MEAC or NEC level.
Charlie Cochrane, Believe Prep Academy
The 6-foot-5 sharpshooter registered his value when he erupted for 31 points during a sheer shooting clinic against Montverde Academy earlier in the 2017-18 campaign.
In working beyond being strictly a catch-and-snipe threat, Cochrane has become a more active defensive presence.
He’s enhanced his rebounding. At the same pace, he’s embraced attacking more than ever.
Dexter Dennis, Believe Prep Academy
The 6-foot-5 Dennis possesses electrifying, high-major leaping and finishing ability.
The Louisiana native, who scored 32 points in BPA’s post season win last night, is lethal for his spurt-ability. UNC Asheville, IUPUI, Charleston Southern, and Eastern Michigan and several others have offered. Cincinnati, N.C. State and several other high majors have inquired about the late-blooming prospect recently.
An innate leader with physical and mental maturity beyond most in his class, Dennis has emerged into a diamond in the rough caliber recruit dating all the way back to October. That was during the Hoop Exchange All American Jamboree in Apopka, Fla., when he scored 18 points against Arizona State-signee Luguentz Dort and Athlete’s Institute of Canada.
Jason Preston, Believe Prep Academy
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound guard from Orlando has grown as a heady playmaker. His handle has gotten tighter and he’s established himself as an all three levels scorer who can create space for his shot and score off the dribble with relative ease. Maryland Eastern Shore has offered.
Coulter Dotson, Aspire Academy
The 6-foot-6 sharpshooter has made the transition to high-level basketball, after playing a mostly non-competitive three years of varsity basketball previously.
While the catch-and-shoot game has always been there, more focus to the defensive end has helped Dotson mature. While he’s still got a ways to go on that end, he’s proven himself as a scorer and a quick-strike 3-point shootist.
Malcolm Farrington, Believe Prep Academy
Farrington has a knack for big, timely, heavily contested shots on big stages. He’s proven this the last two years on the Grind Session, where he’s sparked teams with his in-bunches scoring and perimeter shooting.
He’s become more of an all-around threat, adding bulk and showing out as a stopper this season. He’s averaging 20 PPG on 11 shots in the most recent slate. Farrington has garnered interest from several Ivy League programs, as well as Marshall and South Alabama.
Tyrone Nesby, Scotland Campus Sports
A tactical and high-rising guard at 6-foot-6, Nesby has played particularly well against junior colleges and a number of high quality opponents this season. He’s got a fluid jumper and is proficient around the rim and on the glass. Should wind up at a Division-I program within the next few months.
Nik Elame, Bella Vista Prep
Few guards have grown and evolved in a two year period like Elame, who is from France originally. He’s developed an aggressive bounce along with an affinity for attacking the rim. This has translated into several hard, thorough in-traffic dunks as he’s embraced a scorer’s role this year under Kyle Weaver.
Elame has also developed a steady jumper and found a consistent stroke in a short period of time.
Chris Whitaker, Scotland Campus Sports
As a 6-foot-2, 200-pound manchild, Whitaker is physically tough and advanced. When he’s engaged for four quarters, he’s shown he can be a very unique player.
This much was evident during a 14-point performance during IMG earlier in the season. A sound all around competitor, Whitaker has interest from Niagara and other mid-majors.
Koreem Ozier, Scotland Campus Sports
After an illustrious career at Racine Case (WI) in which he scored 1400+ career points in just two full years (including a 50 and 35 point game as a senior), Ozier has been a consistent 17PPG scorer under known program builder Chris Chaney.
He’s got offers from Sacred Heart and Grambling State on the table. A heavily billed upcoming matchup against Montverde Academy (FL) should open more eyes to the skilled, high-octane 6-foot-1 guard.