My Notebook From November 'Hidden Gems'

Looking back over my notes from November, I see that I put out a lot of the players that stood out in some form or fashion. Still, there were some players that I saw that I had never seen, that were hidden gems. Let me introduce you to a few...   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/PH-Terry-Coner.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1312303 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/PH-Terry-Coner-300x300.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Terry Coner Jr. (6’0/Point Guard/2023)   School: Pinson Valley HS Instagram: iamt3rryconer_ Twitter: @Terryconerjr1   Terry is listed as a PG but can play on and off the ball. He is on a squad with some very good guards that come at opponents night in and night out. He flashed a lot of promise in November, and I keep getting word that he has been a steady contributor for Pinson Valley. <blockquote> He is a versatile guard, as I mentioned, that can shift between both spots and create for himself as well as for others. </blockquote> TC is a hidden gem because even though he is not the 1st or 2nd option for Pinson, at any moment, he can step into that role if needed. He has the tools in the toolbox to get buckets at all levels. He is a player that many will not spend a great time scouting as Pinson is loaded with firepower. Still, if overlooked, he is the player that will burn a defense on the biggest stage.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Wesley-Flakes-Jr.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1344635 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Wesley-Flakes-Jr-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Wesley Flakes Jr. (6’4/Post/2022)   School: Central High School (Phenix City, AL) Instagram: Nextout2004 Twitter: @Flakeswesley04   Wesley is an athletic post that is highly versatile and has tools that keep defenders honest at that same time guessing. He can get it done at all levels and when he takes flight, watch out as he is finishing above the rim. Just as versatile of the player as he is on O, he is just as versatile on D. <blockquote> He is versatile enough to defend in space and bang on the low block. </blockquote> He contests shots when he is defending on-ball, and he is quick and agile to swat shots as a help defender. Wesley is a gem because, for Central, he can fly under the radar, play his role, and help Central win without having to be the guy. Every team needs role players that embrace their role, and Wesley does just that.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Comare-Siriac.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1344636 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Comare-Siriac-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Comare Siriac (6’4/Post/2022)   School: Central High School (Phenix City, AL) Instagram: Cigxrtte Twitter: @C_Siriac   Comare showed a blue-collar approach to the game. He did a lot of things that do not show up in the stat sheet but impact the game. He flashed his athleticism and his motor. He brought a lot of energy to the floor, and it was explicitly seen in the way he ran the floor in transition and how he cleaned the glass. One of the things that separated Comare on the boards was his quick second jump. <blockquote> He is quick off the floor and was one of the best rebounders I saw early in November. </blockquote> He is a gem because he energized his team. One of the most consistent things with many high school teams is inconsistency. Some days they are up to play, and sometimes it is like pulling teeth. However, when you have players like Comare that bring energy and effort every night, he brings his teammates up as his high-energy play is contagious.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Jude-Cleary.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1344637 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Jude-Cleary-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1125847" first="Jude" last="Cleary"] (6’2/Shooting Guard/2022)   School: Vestavia HS Instagram: Judecleary Twitter: @Judecleary   Jude has experienced several injuries over the past year or so and has fought back to be on the court for his senior campaign. With injuries that could cause a player to lose a step, it has not slowed him down. He is back on the court, creating off the bounce and knocking down treys in a system that is high voltage from start to finish. <blockquote> He is a heady player that makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. </blockquote> He processes the game exceptionally quickly mentally while being under control physically. He is a hidden gem because even though he is not the first or second option on his team, he is a reliable option at any point during the game. He has good size, a good stroke, and a good IQ, which could land him on a campus next year contributing.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Derek-Moore.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1344638 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Derek-Moore-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Derek Moore (6’6/Post/2022)   School: Springville HS Instagram: d1.ville Twitter: @_DerekMoore1_   Derek has good size and was physical in the paint. He impacted the game in more ways than just on the scoreboard. Still, in the game that I saw his team play against Vestavia, he was sometimes caught in mismatches as Vestavia had the privilege of running five players that could easily be considered guards. <blockquote> In half-court action, Derek was able to impose his physical play. </blockquote> Still, those opportunities were limited because of the speed of the game. However, when the style of play was conducive, Derek was a difficult cover on the low block. He has a nice touch around the rim and can score in the paint and at the rim. He is a hidden gem because when games get tight and teams are forced to play in the half-court, Derek with his size, will impact the results.   More gems are coming….