Prep Hoops Carolinas Freshman Showcase: Team 6 Evaluations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2024 Prep Hoops Carolinas Freshman Showcase took place on Sunday, September 8th in Rock Hill, South Carolina featuring some of the best young prospects in North and South Carolina. After warming up with some 3v3 action, the players were divided into ten teams for two 5v5 games. Check out my evaluations of the four South Carolina prospects from Team 6 at the 2024 Prep Hoops Carolinas Freshman Showcase:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2561800,"width":"426px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/IMG_8188.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/IMG_8188.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2561800" style="width:426px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#306 [player_tooltip player_id='2194556' first='Kipland' last='Small'] (Heathwood Hall)</strong> - Small had some impressive moments playing inside and out in Rock Hill. He is a solid shooter with a high-arching three, but can also take smaller defenders into the post and score closer to the rim. Kipland has sound feet and uses a spin move to his advantage with the ball in his hands. Small also is an intelligent passer and threw some impressive passes out of the post to shooters and cutters. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2561799,"width":"424px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/IMG_8186.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/IMG_8186.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2561799" style="width:424px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#321 [player_tooltip player_id='2537637' first='Lawson' last='Phillips'] (St James)</strong> - Lawson ran the offense on most possessions for Team 6. He is an extremely crafty playmaker who has a good feel for the game. Phillips handles the ball well under pressure and does a good job of passing his teammates open. When he didn't have the ball in his hands, Lawson stayed shot ready and knocked down a few catch-and-shoot threes. Phillips is also a good defender with great instincts for the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#423 [player_tooltip player_id='2359060' first='Auri' last='Taylor'] (Lakewood</strong>) - Taylor is a lefty from Lakewood High School who showed a balanced skill set this weekend. He was one of their best perimeter defenders when engaged and showed versatility in guarding multiple positions. Auri is also a good option on the wings with his ability to knockdown shots or make plays off the dribble. His athleticism and speed were effective in transition with leakouts and coast-to-coast buckets. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2561798,"width":"427px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/IMG_8184.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/IMG_8184.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2561798" style="width:427px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#447 [player_tooltip player_id='2555248' first='Kiedis' last='Smith'] (Hilton Head)</strong> - [player_tooltip player_id='2555248' first='Kiedis' last='Smith'] was one of my biggest standouts from the 2024 Prep Hoops Carolinas Freshman Showcase. He has the potential to be one of the top wings in the 2028 class because of his positional size and shooting ability. Smith has a nice, compact release on his jump shot which is efficient from the mid-range or behind the arc and off the dribble or the catch. Kiedis is also a solid finisher around the rim, but the improvement of his left-handed driving and finishing skills will help his development. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->