#TerryTalks: Talent That I Saw In January; Part 3

Here is my third article on young talent I saw during January, which I believe is ready to have an impactful spring and summer. Let’s take a look at a few more of the talented players I saw…

McDavid All-American Camp

Elijuwon Hale (5’7/PG/’27/Lewis Frasier)

Instagram: who_is_20__

Elijuwon had the handles on display at camp. He has developed the ability to create separation off the bounce and was one of the more skilled PGs when it came to being the ball-handler in p&r action. He showed the ability to get to his spots and get in the heart of the defense off the bounce. His dribble penetration kept the defense collapsing, and he was making good decisions after forcing the collapse. As he prepares to make his move to the high school level, he has to continue working on his PG IQ and honing his PG skillset. He is going to be a valuable addition to a team at the next level because he has a purposeful handle and knows how to orchestrate from the lead guard spot.  

He showed the ability to get to his spots and get in the heart of the defense off the bounce.

Terry J. Drake

Sagers Wickham (5’2/PG/’30/Trinity Prep)

Instagram: Sagerswickham

Twitter: @Sagerswickham

Sagers had the scoring arsenal on display at camp. He has developed early the ability to get to the rim off the bounce and finish through contact at the rim and in traffic in the paint. He has a downhill attacking game and brings a lot of energy when he is on the floor. He is an emerging playmaker with good foundational skills. He has a developing game that will be interesting to keep tabs on over the next couple of years. As I mention with all kids his age, I encourage Sagers to stay in the lab working on all facets of his game.    

Sagers had the scoring arsenal on display at camp.

Terry J. Drake

Jacob Jimenez (5’0/CG/’30/Davinci Public School)

Instagram: jacob.jimenez14

Jacob was one of the younger guys in the group that has a good developing game. He played with a lot of energy and effort throughout the weekend. He has a good understanding of the game and a good knowledge of how to play. He made good decisions with the ball in his hands, and what I liked that I hope he continues to hold on to is that he did not force action, and that was something that a lot of his peers his age did a lot of in every game. He plays at a good pace, and you can tell he spends a lot of time in the lab. He plays both ends of the floor and I really liked watching him play because he is playing the right way and developing the right habits. As I mention, with all kids his age, I encourage Jacob to stay in the lab working on all facets of his game.  

He played with a lot of energy and effort throughout the weekend.

Terry J. Drake

#BOTBFL Middle School Showcase South Edition

Kellson Sandi  (5’10/SG/’27/Xceed Prep)

Instagram: Kjsandi11

Kellson was hands down one of the best slashers in camp. He lived in the paint and was absolutely unstoppable off the bounce. He had his handles on display as well as his ability to score at all levels. He’s scary in the open court as he is wired to score the ball and has the tools to make it happen. He was one of the best at creating off the bounce, was highly productive in iso situations, and was one that could really get his own shot. He was so good off the bounce getting to the rack and scoring, that his ability to create for his teammate off the bounce could have easily have gone unnoticed, but he did that well as well. I am looking forward to seeing him at the next level and seeing how his game transfers.     

Kellson was hands down one of the best slashers in camp.

Terry J. Drake

Dylan Johnson  (6’1/SF/’27/Silver Trail MS)

Instagram: datboydylanj

Dylan is a multi-level scorer that had the entire bag open throughout camp. He has good length and was difficult to contain offensively. DJ still has a ways to go in developing and polishing his game and playing at a consistently high level at all times. As he gets ready to take his talents to the next level, his mid-range skills and craftiness with the ball are going to be highly useful as he journeys throughout his high school career. As he matures, he can develop into a valuable player that can provide shooting well from the outside, transition production, and playmaking ability for himself and his teammates.

Dylan is a multi-level scorer that had the entire bag open throughout camp.

Terry J. Drake

Ethan Matthews (6’1/SF/’27/Seminole MS)

Instagram: Ematt2027

Ethan made noise at the camp as he is a lengthy wing player with a strong middle game. He scores the rock at all levels and does a good job creating separation in order to get his shot off. At times when he really wanted to, Ethan got whatever he wanted. He still has to work on getting stronger and being more decisive at times, but when he has his mind made up, he is an extremely tough cover. His length allowed him to impact both ends of the floor as well as be a factor on the glass. He showed that he can break down defenders off the bounce, and as he prepares to go to the next level, he will be a young player with the potential to emerge into a solid offensive weapon over the years.   

At times when he really wanted to, Ethan got whatever he wanted.

Terry J. Drake