PH Top 250 Under the Radar Guards & Forwards

The Prep Hoops Top 250 had players known throughout the state like E'maryeon McDonald (2021 from Scotlandville) and Jordan Johnson (2020 from Madison Prep) in attendance. There were also plenty of players there who are known more in their region or area. These preps, who I consider as under the radar, showed that they can be impact players on the court. In this article, I will highlight six players who fit this bill. T. J. Small / 6'3" / Brother Martin / 2020 (pictured above) While Small is ranked in the top 75 of the Prep Hoops 2020 rankings, a lot of people do not know much about him outside of the New Orleans metro area. Playing some north Louisiana and east Texas competition last summer helped, but the PH Top 250 gave him a chance to really showcase his talent. Small is a three level scorer that can also create for others. While on the court, he got to the rack with relative ease and was consistent from the mid-range area. Small is heady as well. He knew how to move without the ball and how carve out area for rebounds in the paint. Small has also gained some natural bulk which helped him take contact well. With his overall game rounding into shape, look for Small to make an impact his senior year as he did at the Top 250. Benjamin Ponder / 6'2" / Calvary Baptist / 2021 <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2019/08/Benjamin-Ponder-45.jpg"></a> Ponder was one of the five best players in the gym during the PH Top 250. He might not have super athleticism like others who attended. However, he has great work ethic, an extremely high motor, and higher than average basketball IQ. Ponder has definitely worked on his game. On this day, he was a workhorse on the offensive boards. He created several extra possessions for his team or just finished the play on his own. Ponder led the break on numerous occasions and found shooters on the wing. His improved ability to attack off the dribble was on display as well. Ponder is as solid as they come as a forward. With another growth spurt coming, Ponder may end up being one of the more skilled big men in the state. Keyon Giroir / 6'5" / White Castle / 2020 <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2019/08/Keyon-Giroir-19.jpg"></a> The PH Top 250 was my first time seeing Giroir up close. While he was playing with bigs Hunter Strickland and Jordan Johnson, Giroir's game was impressive as well. His ability to run in transition was pretty amazing. He understands what a rim run is and how he can attack the defense in that way. Giroir also has an innate ability to read how the ball is coming off and to be in the right position for rebounds. With his body, he is assured to be fouled or to finish layups without issue. He has a soft touch which allows him to finish shots and layups out to 10 feet. Giroir works hard to be in the best position to help his team. I can see him being a dominate force in 1A and helping them get back to Marsh Madness. Timothy Kullman / 5'9" / Lee Magnet High / 2020 <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2019/08/Timothy-Kullman-70.jpg"></a> This was my first time seeing Kullman and I came away impressed with his defensive ability. He is a player who sticks his nose in there and defends his tail off. There were several guards he harassed during the games in which I saw him. He did not mind picking up 3/4 court or as soon as a player stepped over halfcourt. His quick feet and low center of gravity allowed him to make ball handlers uncomfortable. Kullman also garnered many steals that way as well. On offense Kullman read offensive plays well and slid to the open areas for open jumpers. He hit a couple of treys in his first game that way. His defensive attributes coupled wiht the way he shoots the ball make him an asset on the floor. If he plays this way going forward, he will not be under the radar much longer. Jamaar Moore / 5'9" / Washington Marion / 2021 <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2019/08/Jamaar-Moore-39.jpg"></a> Moore was one of the more impressive players on both ends of the floor during the Top 250. He was willing to defend the better guards at the expo like Emareyon McDonald and had individual success. Moore had a couple of open court steal and scores during the day which showed he is not afraid to defend on an island. On offense, he was in attack mode constantly. His attacks from the wing were often on straight line drives. When Moore got to the rim, he went up on balance and with strength. Simply put, Moore was in constant attack mode. With the way he played during the Top 250, Moore will not be under the raar much longer. He should be one of the keys to Washington Marion's success. Nate Braden / 6'0" / Lakeview / 2020 <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2019/08/Nate-Braden-8.jpg"></a> Braden is another player who is probably more known in his region. He played in the shadows of the other Lakeview guards but he was a key to their success last season. This lefty is as skilled as they come. He can score at all three levels and is a wizard with his handle. During the Prep Hoops Top 250, Braden was a player that did some of everything for his team. He helped trap in the backcourt, rebound on both backboards, played the point, and ran the wing. Whatever his team needed at the time, he gave it. Much like the role he played on last year's Lakeview team. The Top 250 helped expose his game to others who did not know him. With his IQ and feel for the game, Nate Braden will not be under the radar much longer. Those under the radar players in this article, as well as others around the state, will get many an opportunity to showcase their skills as the recruiting season begins. Look for these players, and others, to be recruited by schools at all levels once colleges hit the road.