HoopState 252 Invitational – Players/Teams to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Out East, we have our first big event of the season in the Hoop State 252 Invitational. I'm excited to be able to hear about what teams look good and who boosts their collegiate stocks from these early season games, and there are a couple matchups in particular that intrigue me. For those players and matchups to watch, read along below as we give you a preview of the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fayetteville Academy vs. Camden County High - Friday, 530 PM</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1365506' first='Jossiah' last='Johnson'] (FA) - Athletic wing who really can guard multiple spots and attack the basket in transition. Swiss Army Knife for this group at the wing/forward spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2046230' first='Derrick' last='Green'] (FA) - Burly post presence that plays hard around the rim and has great touch around the basket. Moves well for his size. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1959683' first='Xavier' last='Johnson'] (FA) - Scorer first who can get to the mid-range and to the rim to draw fouls/contact. A more capable passer than you'd expect as an off guard, making him an ideal target for regional coaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Xzavior Wiggins (CC) - Volume scorer who can do it from all three levels. Strong rebounder for his positional size, attacks the glass with effort and IQ. Football background that shows off in his athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Harrells Christian vs. Trinity Academy - Saturday, 4 PM</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1280878' first='Antonio' last='McKoy'] (HC) - Elite athlete with burst and vertical pop. Big time slasher and above the rim threat. Want to see his jumper continue to improve and become more efficient this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1220126' first='DaShaun' last='McKoy'] (HC) - Similar levels of athleticism to his brother but defends and rebounds incredibly hard. Tough, scrappy competitor that still plays a part on the offensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1076337' first='Kamran' last='Prince'] (TA) - Athletic guard who really puts pressure on the rim. Can defend his tail off in the backcourt and hound opposing guards. Should have a chance to prove himself this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1165160' first='Parker' last='Bye'] (TA) - Shooter with a high IQ presence and leadership on the floor. Good range and ability to space and move on penetration. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2206385' first='Evan' last='Dean'] (TA) - Long scorer that excels by shooting over people on the perimeter. Developing as a threat in transition with his motor and length. In line to continue adding offers this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wayne Country Day vs. First Flight - Saturday, 530 PM</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2127718' first='Jaelen' last='Solomon'] (WCDS) - Strong bodied, physical forward who doesn't back down from anyone inside. Developing offensive game but brings a lot to the table on defense, including interior defense and rebounding.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1603895' first='Carlos' last='Vasquez'] (WCDS) - Real combo wing who does a little bit of everything. Can be tasked with scoring but will impact the game as a jumbo point guard too. Should be a steal for a D2/D3 program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1120961' first='Kayleb' last='Coles'] (WCDS) - 3 level scorer who is versatile in what he brings each night. Can shoot it or take the ball down low with impressive size and strength.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1220133' first='Mason' last='Dobie'] (FF) - ELITE shooter in every sense of the word. Parking lot range, ability to create off the bounce or catch, and IQ to space and find open spots on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1693993' first='Kaleb' last='Spencer'] (FF) - Legitimate size and mobility at 6'8. Not imposing physically but has the ability to create and score from outside of the painted area. Can defend multiple positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Greenfield vs. Wilson Prep - Saturday, 830 PM</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1280938' first='Kobe' last='Edwards'] (GFS) - One of the best up and coming point guards we have in this state. Impressive playmaker with IQ and vision at his age that rivals anyone's. Capable shot maker and taker as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1154636' first='Nikolas' last='Edwards'] (GFS) - Bigger bodied guard/wing that is an ideal fit for D3 programs. Swiss Army Knife in where he does a bit of everything well. Can guard wing and guard spots on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1772438' first='Leslie' last='Minter Jr'] (WP) - Long, thin wing that is an incredibly underrated shot maker around the perimeter. Takes guys off the bounce as well as knocks down contested/open shots from behind the arc. Needs to see an uptick in his recruitment this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1220103' first='David' last='Ellis II'] (WP) - Thin, pogo stick athlete that protects the rim like no one's business. Lob threat in traffic and affects the game at the rim on offense, whether on put backs or in transition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1104960' first='Brandon' last='Anderson'] (WP) - Composed floor general that should have a great matchup with K. Edwards tomorrow night. Very calm, high IQ guard who has the ability to lead his teams through thick and thin. Confident scorer when asked.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->