Crossroads of The South: Top Class of 2025 Performers
Jackson, Miss. — Program director Marc Rowe of the Adidas-sponsored MBA Hoops-OSAG normally focuses on prep-level grassroots events, yet his inaugural “Crossroads of The South” was a high-level event for the middle-schoolers who attended. Held at the Mississippi Basketball &…
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Continue ReadingJackson, Miss. — Program director Marc Rowe of the Adidas-sponsored MBA Hoops-OSAG normally focuses on prep-level grassroots events, yet his inaugural “Crossroads of The South” was a high-level event for the middle-schoolers who attended. Held at the Mississippi Basketball & Athletics complex on Saturday, October 18, 2020, campers spent the morning working on drills related to footwork, shooting, ball-handling, passing, and games of 3-on-3. The afternoon session featured special guest speakers as well as 5-on-5 games. Let’s take a look at the top performers in the Class of 2025…
Wiggy Ball | Starkville, MS | Class of 2025
Ball is a 6-foot-1 combo guard who was solid in his decision-making. He intuitively knew when to shoot and when to pass. The lefty scored at the rim by attacking the basket and on the perimeter with his consistent 3-point shot. The combination of steady shot-making, as well as making the right basketball play, is not common at this stage and even rarer in a camp environment. These features should make Ball a promising prospect in the future and his development should be monitored.
Emajai Horton | Jackson, MS | Class of 2025
Horton played well from 15-feet and closer, both rebounding and scoring for his team. Standing 6-foot-3, he’s very physical and strong for his age. Most impressive was his pinpoint laser passes ahead; outlets that created easy scores in transition. The challenge in his development will be his dedication to expanding his game further out on the wing. With his sturdy build, passing accuracy, and willingness to make plays for others, he could develop into a dangerous threat on the perimeter in time.
Javarian Mallard | Jackson, MS | Class of 2025
The six-foot point guard was the conductor of the eighth-grade division at the Crossroads of The South showcase. Using his speed to maintain a frenetic pace in the 5-on-5 games, he scored effortlessly at all three levels. Mallard was a tough assignment for all those who covered him. Blessed with a sturdy frame that should fill out more as he ages, this youngster was able to give and absorb contact on his way to the goal. As he continues to develop his I.Q. and feel, Mallard will be a player to keep an eye on.
Dylan Rowe | Madison, MS | Class of 2025
Rowe has an advanced understanding of the game that is typical of a coach’s son. This heady and savvy guard is always thinking a play ahead. He doesn’t do too much, but instead plays within himself, efficiently accomplishing just what needs to be done. Rowe is a fundamentally sound player, can initiate the offense, and has a smooth stroke from the perimeter. The 5-foot-7 guard projects as an up-and-coming talent in the Mississippi prep ranks because of his variety of intangibles.
Aldrick Washington | New Orleans, LA | Class of 2025
Washington is a long and wiry scorer from the wing at six-feet tall. He isn’t physically dominant compared to the competition, but that doesn’t stop him from constantly attacking the defense. He has an adequate 3-point shot but doesn’t utilize it enough in his offensive arsenal. His best attribute, however, is his on-ball defense, where he tenaciously blankets defenders. Often times, taller help defenders cause him problems when he over-penetrates in the lane. An area of improvement for Washington would be the addition of a consistent mid-range game. Overall, it was an impressive outing for Washington at the Crossroads of The South camp.
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