Hughes Summer Shootout Recap: Top Guards
Saturday’s Best of the Best Summer Shootout, an annual June event held at Hughes, once again did not disappoint. A mixture of local and out of town programs were hand providing high-level, intense action for the spectators on hand. And…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSaturday’s Best of the Best Summer Shootout, an annual June event held at Hughes, once again did not disappoint. A mixture of local and out of town programs were hand providing high-level, intense action for the spectators on hand. And with nine programs participating, there were plenty of standout performances. Here is a recap of some of those performances, starting in the back court.
Camron McKenzie/Hughes, C/O 2022- Mr. McKenzie was the most arguably the most consistent offensive performer of the day. And while he showed that he can score from all three levels, it was his mid-range game that set him apart from the rest. Because of his ability and willingness to attack the rim it makes it easier for him to stop on a dime from 12-17ft. and use his deadly pull-up jumper. Look for McKenzie to be the closer/big shot taker for Big Red this upcoming season with the departure of Paul McMillan IV. Camron is the 88th ranked player in his class.
Tre Munson/Deer Park, C/O 2022- After spending last school year with Roger Bacon, it looks as if Munson will be a Wildcat for the upcoming season. And in there matchup with Colerain Tre showed off a ton of athleticism and quickness, something that will be a big boost to Coach Gentry’s squad. Munson attacked the rim in a strong manner all afternoon and was not afraid of taking contact at the rim. Also equipped with solid handle, look for him to play a lot beside seniors Mark Wise and Steve Gentry Jr. this season.
Ta’Quan Simmington/Columbus South, C/O 2020- One-half of what was the most athletic backcourt in the gym, Simmington mixture of strength and explosiveness was very impressive. Defensively he was a menace for other ball-handlers to deal with and showed good instincts as a help defender. Offensively he was fearless when attacking the paint while also taking good care of the basketball. Simmington is the 102nd ranked player in his class.
Jakada Stone/Aiken, C/O 2021- It was a tale of two halves for Stone in their matchup with Columbus South. In the 1st half he lacked the energy that he usually plays with, being very careless with the basketball and not seeming to have his legs under him. But that all changed in the 2nd half as Stone was back to his old ways, knocking down long jumpers and using his slick handle to get into the lane for tough finishes at the rim. While many may question his size, there is no doubting the talent and competitiveness that he bring to the court. Stone is the 28th ranked player in his class.
Kionte Thomas/Hughes, C/O 2020- This will be a year of transition for Thomas who for the past three played off the ball primarily for Coach Wyant. But due to transfers and graduation Thomas will be the primary ball-handler for Big Red and against Toledo Start he looked up to the task. He was a leader on the court, communicating with his teammates and making sure they were in the right position. Kionte also attacked the paint using a very crafty spin-move and showed the ability to finish strong at the rim.
Kaden Warner/Gamble Montessori, C/O 2021- Besides the before mentioned Camron McKenzie, Warner was the best offensive player of the shootout. He was outstanding off the bounce, showing the ability to pull-up for long and mid-range jumpers off multiple dribbles. But just as impressive was how he competed on the defensive end, causing havoc in the front court and even getting his hands dirty fighting for loose balls. Kaden’s performance may have been the most complete of the day. Kaden is the 45th ranked player in his class.