GameChangers: Freshman Showcase MVP and First Team
In this article:
This content series is sponsored by GameChanger - The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Hoops.
Over 60 players descended on MidAmerica SportsCenter this morning and afternoon to compete in the first ever Prep Hoops Kentucky Freshman Showcase. Games were competitive all day and several players burst on the scene for the first time. Here's a look at the camp MVP as well as the First Team selections.
Gabe was fantastic all day long. He started his first game of the day with several dunks and never really let off the gas the rest of the day. Hard to believe it but Weis hadn’t touched a basketball in over 2 weeks as he’d been in Africa on a mission trip. When our class rankings come out, Gabe is going to be near the top for sure. He was the best player in the gym today.
Highlights
First Team (No Particular Order)
Walker was another player who was locked in from game one at camp and never let up. A long wing who showed he can score the ball all over the court. Craig rebounded the ball well and showed he is comfortable pushing the break after grabbing a board too. At 6’6, he’s got a lot of tools to work with as his game develops.
Highlights
Edelen struggled out of the gate in his first game but heated up as the day wore on. By the end of the day, he was getting downhill and finishing as well as knocking down a 4 point play. Cole is one of those players who has been a known commodity around Louisville for a few years already but showed why he’s widely considered a top 10 kid in the class already.
Highlights
Fraley looked like a man amongst boys at times with his ability to get to the rim at will as well as stepping out and hitting deep threes. Carson was consistently making plays and showing he is just as effective as a passer as he is as a scorer. There were a few “wow” plays over the course of the day and Fraley had his share of them including a beautiful one handed pass that traveled about 3/4 of the court and hit his teammate perfectly in stride.
Highlights
I’m not sure anyone on the camp staff had heard of Close prior to Saturday but he left a strong impression and earned first team honors. Bryten was one of only a few pure post players in the camp and showed polish on his moves around the bucket. Close also showed he can be an excellent communicator on the back end of a defense. If he keeps growing, watch out!
Highlights
Kendall got rolling early in the first game and never really slowed down. A proven scorer who averaged 19 points per game last season, Phillips showed he can score at all three levels. I was impressed with his ability to cut and find open space when he didn’t have the ball in his hands. Already a difference maker in the 12th region, Phillips is a player to track over the next few seasons.
