By the Numbers-Governor's Challenge Top Scorers

The 40th annual Governor's Challenge took place in Salisbury, MD last week welcoming 110 teams to compete. I was in attendance for the final three days where there were some impressive offensive outings put on by several prospects. Thankfully to Ballstar keeping track of all stats throughout the week, it makes it easier to highlight those prospect with some tangible numbers. For this article, we'll look at the prospects who topped the charts with points per game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1362723' first='Ben' last='Bradford'] | Gaithersburg '23   Points per game: 26.5   Bradford led the event in this statistical category and did so in a somewhat calm manner. The 6'3 unsigned senior showcased his scoring versatility from all three levels and being able to create for himself both with or without the ball. He led his team to a win over Wagner (NY) with 25 points and carried the offensive scoring load in a tight OT loss to Parkville, accounting for 26 of the team's 60 points.   [player_tooltip player_id='2528340' first='Jace' last='Hudson'] | JM Bennett '25   Points per game: 24.5   Hudson took advantage of the big stage and put forth his strongest effort in the final game of the event by pouring 30 points on Cape Henlopen in a win. The 6'1 sophomore plays with a confidence and edge to him that will allow for big scoring numbers moving forward. Every so often there is an explosive scorer that comes from the Eastern Shore and although this was my first and only time getting eyes on Hudson, he has the potential to be the next in line.   Zakai Smullen | JM Bennett '25   Points per game: 22.5   Hudson's backcourt mate, Smullen shares the scoring production and helps control the pace to form one of the formidable backcourt tandems along the Eastern Shore. The 6'0 guard can mix it up in isolations or the open floor, get downhill and finish with regularity. The sophomore was consistent in doing so helping JM Bennett to two wins over Polytech and Cape Henlopen.   John Clemmons | Caravel '23   Points per game: 22   Clemmons had his moment in Caravel's second game, which was a win over Gilman on the final day. The 6'4 unsigned senior exploded for 34 points including five triples and collected 10 rebounds to record a double-double. Clemmons is intriguing due to his size and ability to shoot the long ball, but he also showed willingness to put the ball on the deck, attack closeouts and get to his spots with an efficient manner.   [player_tooltip player_id='1219876' first='Cameron' last='Sparrow'] | New Town '23   Points per game: 21   I was very pleased with Sparrow's performances over the course of the two days. New Town faced a scrappy Linden squad and Sparrow was responsible for bringing the effort in order to match the energy. The 6'4 guard is a smooth operator with a fluid shooting stroke that looks pretty off the catch or off the dribble. He used his dribbles for profit and displayed sound body control on pull-ups after beating his man. He showed good shot preparation when coming off pin downs or rotating to open windows when playing off penetration.   Antwan Wilson | Wicomico '23   Points per game: 21   Wilson has been a part of many successful Wi-Hi teams over the years, but now steps into the spotlight as the primary option offensively. He answered the call in their first game against Dover where despite scoring just 13 points, had the bucket that eventually helped his team to the two-point win. In their second game, his scoring ability was on full display as he finished with 29 points and eight rebounds over Elkins (WV). Wilson is an available senior who stands 6'3-6'4 with good athleticism.   David King | Hayfield '23 (Marymount)   Points per game: 21   No matter what environment or team that he plays for, King is the epitome of production. It may not come in an explosive or showy manner, but the fact is that he'll fill the stat sheet before the final buzzer. The 6'3 senior is an undersized forward who works his tail off every possession and has been a staple for Hayfield's dominant success over the last two seasons. He's a menace on the glass, efficient from inside the arc and can crush a team from the free-throw line. He was instrumental in their wins over Archbishop Ryan (5OT) and Elizabeth posting 22 and 20 points respectively.

The 40th annual Governor's Challenge took place in Salisbury, MD last week welcoming 110 teams to compete. I was in attendance for the final three days where there were some impressive offensive outings put on by several prospects. Thankfully to Ballstar keeping track of all stats throughout the week, it makes it easier to highlight those prospect with some tangible numbers. For this article, we'll look at the prospects who topped the charts with points per game.