Sophomore ID Review: Players to Keep an Eye On

Preston Edwards

August 18, 2024 @ 05:13 PM

We are in the prospect and showcase period of the year in reference to basketball. This time of year, old faces separate themselves from the pack and new faces get noticed. For Prep Hoops, the Sophomore ID camp had that mixture. Even mixing the old with the new, there are some players to watch going forward from this camp. In this PHLA review, we will review players to keep an eye on after the Sophomore ID camp.   [player_tooltip player_id='2132750' first='Jakobe' last='Dantzler'] (6'0" | Archbishop Hannan) - Dantzler had a very good day at the Sophomore ID camp. He was part of a team that went 2-0 in 5-on-5 play and was a leader in both wins. In one game, he led the team in scoring by making the three ball and finishing at the rim. Dantzler followed that by making big shots in the final minutes of a tight game to finish the evening. He has a varied offensive game and a ton of upside as a sophomore.   [player_tooltip player_id='2421312' first='Devin' last='Lavalais'] (6'1" | Marksville) - Lavalais displayed the playing confidence of a state champion during the ID camp. He is a true "three & D" player who can defend several positions. His athleticism allowed him to defend the perimeter, help his team with rebounding, and be an active part of the break. Offensively, Lavalais showed he could score on three levels but was highly effective as a slasher. He is a player who is effective on multiple levels.   Brycen Jones (6'4" | Vicksburg) - Jones may have been the best player throughout the whole camp. He got off to a slow start in 3x3. However, it seemed that he used it as a warm-up. When full court play began, Brycen was everywhere. His mid-range shot was very consistent and he was a menace on the offensive and defensive boards. Jones also displayed a calm demeanor playing through bumps and fouls. His played superbly.   [player_tooltip player_id='2132733' first='Carlos' last='Levingston Jr'] (6'1" | St. Michael) - Levingston has burst and athleticism not usually shown in a 6'1" body. He attacks the rim fearlessly and finishes at or above the rim with ease. He is also a hard-nosed defender on the perimeter. Levingston brings an energy to playing that is infectious. When he is on the floor, everyone raises their level of play. While his attributes are outstanding, getting others to play hard may be his real gift.   [player_tooltip player_id='2471554' first='Elijah' last='Garner'] (6'3" | Madison Prep) - Garner was the most impressive offensive player on the floor at the ID camp. He attacked defenses in various fashions and all of them worked. Elijah displayed the ability to spot up from three, take players off the dribble, and complete rebound putbacks. There is nothing that he cannot do offensively. Garner is a highly gifted offensive player as a sophomore.   The sophomores listed here are already heavy contributors or will be heavy contributors when the season begins. They have the ability to play a role for their team or they can be a primary piece in the offense. We are looking at a group of players who can be major factors this fall.

We are in the prospect and showcase period of the year in reference to basketball. This time of year, old faces separate themselves from the pack and new faces get noticed. For Prep Hoops, the Sophomore ID camp had that mixture. Even mixing the old with the new, there are some players to watch going forward from this camp. In this PHLA review, we will review players to keep an eye on after the Sophomore ID camp.