CBG Fall Series 3: 2022 Standouts (Part 2)

<p>It was the final session of the CBG Fall Series, which has brought grassroots teams from all over the state to Richmond to compete in front of coaches in person and on live steam. The event featured teams from the 757, 804, 703, 434 and 540 area codes, and was chock full of talent for all levels. The games were competitive, well coached and gave the kids a much needed opportunity to get seen in an unprecedented time.</p> <p>Here’s a look at part two of the 2022 standouts, featuring 7 guys who had big days on Saturday.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="815586" first="Greg" last="Melvin"] | 6’7” F | CBG Neptunes</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/Melvin-Greg-CBG.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1082831" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/Melvin-Greg-CBG-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>Melvin continues to show that he’s a guy who will blow up on the recruitment scene here soon as he has improved where he needs to and has a frame that is already college ready with a couple of years left in high school. Melvin has always been a versatile forward who can guard multiple positions, but he’s shown improvements on the offensive end as he looks like he’s shooting the ball better, feels more comfortable handling in transition and on the perimeter and he still has the ability to guard pretty much any position defensively. While all of these are very good for Melvin moving forward, it’s still his motor and strength that makes him productive on the glass and allows him to do the dirty work to help his team win.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962795" first="George" last="Cutler"] | 6’0” PG | CBG Neptunes</strong></p> <p>Cutler is another guy who has improved immensely for this group, and he could be a big reason that his Cape Henry team could be competing in the state final four if we have one. Cutler is as shifty as they come off the bounce as he has a quick first step and good blow by speed, he changes directions and changes speeds well and he has a tight and quick handle that has both flash and substance to it. He showed a great middle game with an array of floaters and pull-ups, he was a blur in transition where he made plays and put pressure on the defense and he looks like the perfect guy to run the show and get his very talented team easy looks and keep everyone happy.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="815588" first="Alphonzo" last="Billups"] | 6’7” WF | CBG Elite East</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Billups-Alphonzo-CBG.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1063289" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Billups-Alphonzo-CBG-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>“Fatts” shows so much potential every time he plays and while he didn’t have his best day, he still had a couple of productive games and when he shoots it well from deep he becomes so hard to guard with is versatility. Billups has all of the tools to be successful at the highest level in college including his size and length, his smooth style of play and explosive athleticism and the fact that he can handle, create and make shots. He just needs to continue to get stronger and hone his skills and he’ll be one of the most versatile wings in not just the state but the region.</p> <p><strong>Amari Baylor | 6’4” PF | CBG Elite East</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Baylor-Amari.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1072306" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Baylor-Amari-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>Baylor was coming off of a big time second session where he helped will East to a couple of big wins, and the rugged forward continued to be productive in many ways in session 3 as well. While he’s only 6’4” Baylor plays much bigger in the paint as he can use his strength to clear out space, he plays with a high motor and attacks the glass on both ends and he’s a good help side defender that gets good position and can protect the rim from driving guards. He’s a guy who can score it in the midrange well and gets second chance opportunities, and he can run the floor with his guards and score in transition as well.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962788" first="Christian" last="Carden"] | 6’5” F | CBG Elite East</strong></p> <p>Carden is still returning from an ankle injury that kept him out of session one but the difference he makes for this group is easy to see as he’s the glue guy with his versatility and ability to do a little of everything on the court. At 6’5”, he’s a guy who can play inside-out, he has guard skills as far as his ability to handle and create for others and he can make shots from all over the floor as well. He has somewhat of an unorthodox game but he finds many ways to make a positive impact for his team and is a mismatch nightmare for pretty much anyone he plays against.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="815580" first="Donald" last="Hand Jr."] | 6’5” CG | CBG 757 VB</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Hand-DJ-CBG.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1072304" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Hand-DJ-CBG-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>Hand Jr. was one of the top performers in session 2 and while he didn’t play much in their second game in session 3, a blowout win where they let other guys get comfortable, he was phenomenal in their win over a good Wildcats team where he scored 24 points and showed his elite ability to score the basketball in a number of ways. With good size and the ability to shoot over top of guys Hand is almost always open, and he showed that he not only has a knack for making big shots but he actually wants the ball and thrives in close, late game situations. He’s a guy who should continue to climb the ranks nationally and will be recruited by some of the best schools in the country.</p> <p><strong>Jackson Tellefsen | 6’4” WG | CBG 757 VB</strong></p> <p>The VB team’s role players played much better in session 3 than they did in session 2, and Tellefsen was one of those guys that looks like he’ll be a key piece for them if they’re going to be successful this season. He’s the ultimate glue guy as he has good size to guard on the perimeter, he’s a good shooter who can make teams pay for doubling off of him and he’s a good rebounder and plays hard on both ends. He’ll be a guy to keep an eye on this season as a possible surprise player in the 757.</p>