Big Shots Richmond Superlatives
After a “loaded” weekend in Richmond, Virginia; here we take a look at some of the best of the best from the Big Shots Richmond tournament.
Best Three-Day Performance:
Henry Coleman | Trinity Episcopal School/Team Loaded VA 17U | 6’8 F
Playing up again this weekend, after becoming a new starter on an already stacked, Team Loaded VA 17U squad, the best player in the gym this weekend was hands down Henry Coleman. Of all the superlatives listed here, he is the best candidate of showing who just overall did it all this weekend. Coleman, who’s Team Loaded squad were the 17U champions, was named MVP after his championship game performance. With his size and strength, despite only being 15 years old, Henry is no child amongst men by playing up, and can hold his own. He can get to the rim, and create for himself, in addition to his ability to finish through contact, or draw the foul. Henry shows no signs of letting up anytime soon with his promotion up. And after receiving several Division 1 offers over the past two weeks; including Georgetown, Clemson, and Wake Forest to a name a few, expect the high major wing to continue to rise in stock and continue to dominate the 17U bracket.
Best Prospect:
Mark Williams | Norfolk Collegiate/Team Loaded VA 17U | 7’0 C
Starring beside Henry on the Team Loaded 16U squad, was previously 7 feet, sophomore, Mark Williams. Williams, also moved into the 17U age bracket last week in Atlanta for the Adidas Gauntlet, second live period event. Probably the best prospect in the gym this weekend, college, and NBA wise, Williams, who also had an impressive Gauntlet showing, didn’t show signs of stopping anytime soon, with a dominant weekend performance. At his size, his ability to move with the ball is impressive for his age, and on the defensive end, there was no better shot blocker in the gym this weekend. Already a 5-star prospect, Williams has received offers from Penn State, Wake Forest, and Rutgers, and in addition to Coleman, has made this Team Loaded VA 17U squad even better than they were before.
Top Sleeper:
Shaddarius Wilkerson | Bull City Prep/Union Hawks | 6’2 PG/SG
Post-Grad player, Shaddarius Wilkerson was not a name I came into the tournament knowing, but I certainly did leave changed. Holding down the top scoring award for the 17U age bracket this weekend, logging 84 points over 5 games, including a 40 point performance, leading his team to win against Richmond Pride. With the ability to play both guard positions, and his experience at the 17U age level, with his continuing impressive play, the school to scoop him up, will sure get a diamond in the rough.
Best Floor General:
Ashley “AJ” James | Green Run HS/Team Loaded 757 17U | 6’3 G
The best point guard from this weekend in my opinion, was none other than Ashley “AJ” James, from Team Loaded 757. The floor general came into the first round, scoring 11 points, and posted double digit numbers in every game he appeared in this past weekend. When his Loaded 757 squad found themselves down or in a bind, James could be depended upon to bring them back, and finish games, with his ability to get to the rim and score at will or draw the foul. His new presence on this squad that is loaded with mid-high major talent has already became noticeable, and he is the type of leader that motivates his teammates, and always has his head held high. Expect James, who already currently holds two offers from Norfolk St and Hampton to continue to bring in offers.
Best Post Player:
Efton Reid | Steward School/Team Loaded VA 15U | 6’11 PF
Starring on the undefeated Team Loaded VA 15U squad, the best post player this weekend was none other than freshman, Efton Reid. Whether it is scoring at the basket, or hitting the mid-range jumper in your face, for his age, Reid has a skillset of an upperclassman, and probably one of the highest potentials of any player in the gym this weekend. At almost 7 feet, don’t be surprised to see high flying, athletic, Reid take off from the free throw line for the slam, or come soaring in on the defensive end for the swat. Starring beside twin tower, Roosevelt Wheeler, and a backcourt of Anthony Williams and Jared Nelson, and currently with a recent offer from Rutgers, expect high major, Reid to continue to build his resume.
Top Upperclassman:
Marcellus “Chi Chi” Avery | Life Christian Academy/Big Shots Elite | 6’8 W
Marcellus Avery, commonly known as Chi Chi to many, is a high major caliber wing player with a tremendous upside. Chi Chi has the ability to score the ball at all 3 levels, and is pretty much unstoppable on the 16U age level. Avery, took home the 16U age bracket MVP, after leading his Big Shots Elite squad to a championship victory on Sunday afternoon. Beginning to gain attention from high majors across the country after a big spring live period performance over the past two weekends, the 6’8 Sophomore currently holds several Division 1 offers; including ODU, Oklahoma St., VCU, and Hampton. Expect for Chi Chi to continue to develop his game, and continue to pack his bag with offers.