PH GA Freshman Showcase – Akiem’s Primetime Performers (Part 2)
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With another travel season in the books, many top-tier ballers from both the state and region are looking for any tune-up they can to make sure their games are sharp in time for the high school season. One of those…
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Continue ReadingWith another travel season in the books, many top-tier ballers from both the state and region are looking for any tune-up they can to make sure their games are sharp in time for the high school season.
One of those tune-ups came in the form of the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase. A cavalcade of 2027s from the Peach State – and even a few from other states – converged on the Atlanta suburb of Marietta and its Next Play 360 complex for this year’s festivities.
And, of course, we were on hand. We acknowledged a few who caught our attention in a previous article. How about we spotlight a few more.
As time elapsed into the later afternoon hours, Cannon’s team at Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase was locked in one of the more competitive contests of the day. Cannon looked like he had been there before in situations where the stakes were much higher than they were on Sunday. One has a hard time containing Cannon once he finds a lane to the rim as he will take full advantage of the opportunity he has. Drawing contact and getting to the free throw line is another advantage he has and he can get creative at times with how he finishes at the cup.
Highlights
Trey Smith
Trey Smith
Kell was well represented at Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase. Between he and Berlin St. John-Love, one had to be smiling to be a Kell fan on hand at Next Play 360. Smith is coming off an AAU campaign where he participated as part of GSW. Standing at an even six feet, he is one of many at the event that displayed a great deal of upside. That included his ability to drain midrange jump shots. Completing plays at the rim is another element to Smith’s overall skillset. If Smith is yet to be on one’s radar, repair said radar because he will be one to watch in the coming seasons.
Based on how Render performed on Sunday at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase, it was another reason why the team and staff at Drew has to be thrilled he will be wearing that school’s colors for this year – as well as the next three. He is listed at 6-foot-2 and recently completed an AAU season with HR Elite. Even if Render does not have the ball in his hands, he maintains a high level of activity with the playing time he is allotted. When he does have the ball in his hand, he fuses together his speed and his ball handling skills to attack the rim with ferocity and finish with accuracy.
Chandler was one of the taller freshmen that was on hand at this year’s Freshman Showcase as he stands at an imposing 6-foot-3. But that height translates to a lot more than simply being able to score close to the basket. Chandler takes advantage of said height by putting a great deal of emphasis on doing work on the glass. If he were to miss a shot, his hustle and rebounding capabilities give him the chance to grab his own board and convert on the two points. Chandler plays the game with a high basketball IQ, is willing to fall to the floor to complete a play and draws plenty of contact.
Highlights
Prather’s AAU spring and summer saw him trade his school team uniform for that of Ballers Dream. When the high school season resumes, one will see him making plays for East Paulding. Prather can convert on his 3-point attempts and his speed and ball handling combine for him to make plays in the transition game. If it means having to endure a hard or tough finish for Prather to complete a play, he is more than willing to take one for the team. Prather is listed at an even six feet. He was one of two representing East Paulding this past weekend at Next Play 360.