Born 2 Ball All-American Camp Standouts; Part 3
Every article from this camp will come with my statement that when it comes to this age group and caliber camp, all the kids that attended need to continue to work on the fundamentals of the game and improve their…
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Continue ReadingEvery article from this camp will come with my statement that when it comes to this age group and caliber camp, all the kids that attended need to continue to work on the fundamentals of the game and improve their knowledge of the game. Now, here are some more camp standouts…
Preston Hamby (4’6/PG/’32/Samuel Everett)
Preston was amongst the top lead guards at camp. He showed vision, passing skills, and court awareness. He got his teammates involved by using his ability to penetrate the lane, collapse the defense, and spray to his open shooters. He has a good feeling for the game and played with a budding PG IQ. He is a talented and skilled young player who will be exciting to follow over the years.
Jody Stallings (4’8/SF/’33/Dubois Integrity Academy)
Instagram: Allstarboyjody
To say that Jody was a man amongst boys is a funny thought when talking about elementary kids, but you get what I am hinting at when I talk about Jody. He was just about unstoppable at his young age, which made things extremely easy for him at times, which pushed him to start trying under-the-leg lay-ups. I know he was out having fun, but with the skillset and the family pedigree, he could have a long journey ahead of him in the game. Doing things the right way will be key for him because, on the court, he gets whatever he wants. He was tough off the bounce as, at times, he was just too physical for opposing defenders. He is a competitor, and it is going to be interesting to see how it all plays out for him.
Cameron Ellis (4’7/PG/’32/Nickajack Elementary)
Instagram: Cameron.ellis17
Cam is a listed PG but did a lot of work off-ball at the wing position. He was at his best when attacking and getting buckets off the bounce. He is a physical player with a developing skill set. There is nothing flashy about his game, as he consistently produced in both the scoring and rebound column. He finished well in the paint, and at the rim, and with his level of play, if he can stay on the current trajectory, he has a bright future ahead of him.
Vincent Simon, Jr. (4’10/CG/’32/Horrell Hill Elementary)
Instagram: Lil_Vinnie2032
Vincent was one of the best playmakers in his division. He is a crafty little guard who can create his own shot and get teammates open looks. He is a bonafide scorer and a big-time finisher off the bounce. He excels at penetrating the lane and making good decisions in tight spaces. He was one of few in his division who gave great effort on both ends of the floor. He was one of his group’s best scorers and shot-makers, but he also did an amazing job facilitating. Somehow, he almost got left off the all-star squad, but many coaches stepped up and made sure that did not happen.
Omari Smith (4’9/PG/’32/Riverwood Elementary)
Instagram: Osmithballin14
Omari was hands down one of the best scorers in his division. I did not see him until the latter part of the camp, but he showed his scoring prowess when I did. He scores at all levels, can handle the rock, uses his dribble to create space and get to his spots, and was efficient when I saw him compete. He is already the caliber player that coaches can run their offense through and at his young age, and he is showing that he can handle that level of responsibility. He has an energetic bounce to his game, and I look forward to seeing his continued growth.
Carter Burgess (4’10/PG/’32/Martinez Elementary)
Instagram: Carterburgess2032
I did not see Carter until the second day of camp, and he immediately caught my eye. He was tough in transition as he has end-to-end speed that left defenders off-balance and playing catch-up. He is a two-way player with good instincts and contributes to winning with his play on both ends of the floor. He pushes the envelopes a little, but that is okay for a young player as he grows to understand how to take what the defense gives him. For the most part, he ‘plays the right way,’ and he has the tools to develop into a trustworthy floor general.
Chase Scott (4’6/PG/’32/Tara Elementary)
Instagram: Chasemrathleticscott
Chase brought a lot of energy and effort to the floor. He is a shifty ball-handler and does a good job creating off-the-bounce. He has touch and a flash of finesse when finishing in the paint and at the cup. He shot the ball well from deep and forced defenders to stay in a state of guessing whether he was looking for his offense or looking to create for his teammates. He is an unselfish lead guard who knows how to facilitate, but defenders must stay aware that he can go get a bucket at any moment.
Carter Singleton (5’0/SG/’33/Centennial Academy)
Instagram: Presidentcarter_14
One of the most active players in camp was Carter, and he showed great joy while playing. He gave his all on each possession, and it was a breath of fresh air to see someone play with the love for the game that he displayed. He was active on the glass, was running the floor, chasing down ball-handlers, and on the floor after loose balls. I am highlighting his activeness, but he showed his ability to make tough shots off the bounce. Whether in transition or in the half-court, he was one of the best at knifing his way through the defense and scoring the rock.
King Raymond (4’6/PG/’32/Timber Ridge Elementary)
Instagram: Swishking_
King was one of the players who first caught my eye in 3v3 action. What I saw in 3v3, he carried over to 5v5. He was at his best in the open court and getting downhill. He showed his ability to score at multiple levels, but as I said, the strength of his game is getting to the rack. King showed a tenacity to compete and, like all the kids, had some inconsistencies, but he made plays throughout camp that showed his ability and potential, making it hard to ignore him.