HoopsFest (Shreveport) Game Changers

With all the talent in the building these are the players that focused on the little things and made the game easier as strong role players. Which players made the winning plays in Shreveport?    Dimitry Baylor was a consistent playmaker at this Showcase. As a small guard, he had all the necessary tools that a coach looks for in a floor general. His exceptional stop-and-go moves left defenders constantly on their heels. Baylor's use of lateral movement to read the defense displayed his outstanding court vision. He effectively used hesitation moves and shoulder-dropping tactics to take advantage of his size disadvantage against taller opponents, consistently shaking them up.    Although Baylor was proficient in three-point and mid-range shooting, his real strength was his ability to attack the basket. His craftiness around the goal made it easy for him to finish high off the glass on several occasions. As a basketball enthusiast, the kid was exciting to watch because of his creativity on the court. He excelled at getting both feet in the paint to finish with a soft floater or distribute the ball to his teammates. A mix of traditional and modern point guard skills, Baylor is a promising talent with a lot of potential.     [player_tooltip player_id='2623478' first='Ashton' last='Jackson'] is a coach's dream because of his strong foundation in basketball fundamentals. He boasts a classic handle, sharp passing skills, and a mature ability to finish with either hand. He keeps his head up, making smart plays and forcing the defense to respect his abilities. I observed him excel both on and off the ball, proving his versatility.   As a point guard, he smoothly navigated up the court under pressure and attacked the defense just enough to create opportunities for his teammates. As a scoring guard, he showcased his mid-range game and three-point shot. It's clear that Ashton has a dedicated support system helping him stay grounded in the fundamentals of the game.   As an underclassman, it's challenging to stand out in this type of atmosphere with older players looking to showcase their development, but this kid is undoubtedly a future game-changer. Bottom line- this kid is a go getter.        Christian Lofton is a baller I had the chance to scout over the summer, and every time I watched him, he leveled up. His game is tailor-made for an up-tempo offense, and during the HoopsFest Showcase, his full skill set was on display. He attacks downhill with ease, finishing strong at the rim, and he's just as comfortable controlling the rock, pulling up, and using the floater as a weapon in the paint.   Lofton's a fierce competitor, locking in to win every possession. He plays with a grit and edge that turns every matchup into a battle. His three-point shot is a solid weapon, but he thrives on physicality, embracing contact on every play. He demands his teammates push the pace, keeping the ball moving and making quick reads, all while constantly cutting off-ball to keep defenders on their heels.   With Lofton running the point, Minden is going to be a force in their division this season. I wouldn't be shocked if they make a deep playoff run. They'll definitely be an exciting team to watch with him running the show.      Kevin Stevenson is a young hooper who's already committed to doing whatever it takes to win and be the ultimate teammate. His game is flashy, but it's not just on the offensive end—he puts in work on defense too. He's a gamer who took full advantage of this showcase, taking risks on the court that most players his age wouldn't even think about.   Stevenson's handles are already sharp—he can break down defenders and get to the rim with ease. Calling him shifty doesn't even do it justice. He also showed off his ability to stop on a dime and pull up for mid-range jumpers, which makes him tough to guard. Beyond that, he's all about the little things, always the loudest player on the floor, bringing energy and vocal leadership every possession.   He's not intimidated by bigger, older players and doesn't shy away from the big moments. This young player is the definition of confidence and has the mindset to be a special talent. He's definitely going to be one to keep an eye on for the next few years.     Delonte Duff is an intriguing prospect with a ton of upside. He's a classic big man with the size and presence to impact the game in multiple ways. A calm, composed giant on the floor, Duff excels at controlling the glass, securing boards, and quickly kicking it out to open shooters. He thrives in pick-and-roll situations, setting hard screens and rolling to the basket with purpose.   Duff's basketball IQ stands out—he's always scanning the floor, looking for teammates cutting to the rim or spotting up beyond the arc. In today's game, where traditional bigs often don't get as many touches, Duff embraces his role perfectly. He doesn't force plays, and his unselfish approach makes him a valuable asset to any team.   At his size, Duff runs the floor well and has a soft touch around the basket, finishing efficiently in the paint. As his game continues to develop, I expect his stock to rise in Arkansas this season. He's the kind of big man who can fit seamlessly into any system with his team-first mentality and ability to do the dirty work.     Pecheone Larry is a dynamic and elusive scorer who consistently puts up points in bunches, making him an absolute difference-maker on the court. With excellent body control and a knack for slipping between defenders, Larry is able to navigate through the paint and get into position to score, even in the face of heavy traffic and congestion.   Larry's creativity truly shines when it comes to generating scoring chances, utilizing an array of moves and fakes to create space and open looks. His high basketball IQ and exceptional passing skills make him a true point guard, capable of running the pick-and-roll and finding open teammates with precision and accuracy.   With an average of 15 points and 5 assists per game in high school, Larry has already proven himself to be a valuable asset on the offensive end. As he enters his senior season, I expect his role to increase even further, as his ability to make his teammates better and make smart offensive reads are two of his best qualities. Larry is a true floor general, capable of taking control of the game and leading his team to victory.

With all the talent in the building these are the players that focused on the little things and made the game easier as strong role players. Which players made the winning plays in Shreveport?