Runnin' Rebel Summer Shootout: One Eye-Catcher From Each Team

USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   It's June! The Scholastic Period has begun, meaning prospects across the Palmetto State are back with their High School programs for the next 30 days competing in various camps and events. Thursday I was the Runnin' Rebel Summer Shootout, hosted by Byrnes High School. This has been my first stop for the past three years and the competition has risen with every year. Check out one standout from each of the 11 teams:   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    Headlining my list of standouts from the Runnin' Rebels Summer Shootout is [player_tooltip player_id='1383660' first='Elton' last='Smith Jr']. This was my first look at Elton in a Raider jersey, and he was extremely impressive. Elton's gifted physicals will jump out you immediately as he was the tallest, strongest, and most athletic player on the court. Smith looked to use that to work in the paint, but he is not just a dominant post-scorer but also a gifted passer. Elton showed some skill working in the low post, the high post, and knocking down the occasional mid-range jumper. He racked up 17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks in a win over Byrnes.     Wilbourne had a great day shooting the ball in Duncan. I got to watch the Mavs in both of their games on Thursday, but in game one Wilbourne was particularly hot from behind the arc. He knocked down six threes and they came from all across the floor both off the dribble and off the catch. Nathan's ability to finish in the paint and set up teammates is what kept defenders off balance, as he could often use hesitations or crossovers to create space or get past his man. His size is also a factor, as he can shoot over or post up most guard matchups.     Atkins showed flashes of his potential in the Bulldogs' win over Westside. In the second quarter alone, Isaiah tallied 11 points and 5 blocks, dominating the game at the rim on both ends of the floor. At 6'9", he is an elite shot blocker who can anchor a defense at the next level. However, it was the offensive part of the game that intriuged me the most. Atkins had several nice finishes including one from the dunker spot, one after a move with his back-to-the-basket, and one off a quick spin move.     Dyllan stood out in a crowded Viking backcourt with many mouths to feed on the offensive end of the floor. However, what allowed Dyllan to be successful was his ability to knock down jump shots and be a factor in transition. He started the game with some unselfish passes and athletic rebounds, then began hitting more shots as the game went on. When he gets his feet set, Harris has a pure shot from the perimeter and the mid-range. He finished with 9 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks in game one.     [player_tooltip player_id='2877440' first='Keori' last='Atwell'] is a new name to the Palmetto State after making the move from Westside (GA) where he won two State Championships. I liked what I saw from Atwell in Duncan, as he did several things well for the Predators. Keori has a sturdy frame but also moves with fluidity. He knocked down a pair of threes, showed some polish in the post, and handled the ball well. On the defensive end of the floor, he can match up with other big bodies, protect the rim, and rebound and push the ball in transition. Atwell put up 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks in a matchup with TL Hanna.     Terrance stepped up today for the new-look Rams. He is a two-sport athlete who brings good athleticism and instincts from the football field to the basketball court. However, Estrich isn't your normal big-bodied, high-flying dual-sport guy. He went for 23 points in game two including several clean mid-range jump shots, a spot-up three, and a pair of and-ones. Estrich is a good finisher at the rim, particularly with his right hand. He is also a factor on the defensive end of the floor, forcing turnovers and working on the glass.     Colt stood out for the home Byrnes Runnin' Rebels on Thursday. While he didn't have his most efficient shooting performance, knocking down just four of his 12 attempts from three, Fowler did a good job of limiting turnovers and keeping his teammates involved. Colt tallied 9 assists to go with 20 points and 2 steals. He is extremely fast with the ball in his hands and can fit through tight windows on his way down the floor. Fowler also knows how to navigate big bodies in the paint with pump fakes, up-and-under finishes, and dump-off passes - all three of which were needed against a huge Raider unit.     Bruton-Smith had a monster Spring and continued it with a big first pair of games in June. He has developed into one of the state's premier shooters and is particularly efficient on the left side of the floor. However, Aaden can also make plays that few can on the defensive end of the floor. His long arms allow him to contest jump shots and block layups. One sequence that stood out above the others was a high-flying transition dunk on one end, immediately followed up by an athletic, track-down block on the other. Bruton-Smith should be a name College Coaches circle heading into the SCBCA Live Camp in North Augusta later this month.     Quinton was a bright spot in a tough day for the Raiders. He is a scoring-mind Guard who will be asked to step into a bigger role and counted on for more production in 2025-26. Watts can create his own shot off the dribble but also makes space for other guards to work thanks to his perimeter shooting ability. Quinton had to convert on several tough shots in game one, hitting fadeaway jumpers and playing through contact on his way to the rim. In that matchup with Spartanburg, Watts had 12 points.     Rickey and the Riverside Warriors started off the day with a high-scoring win over Mauldin. Lassiter had lots of success penetrating the Mavericks' defense thanks to his quick first step and nasty crossover. Although he could use some work with his interior finishing, Rickey was relentless in attacking the rim often earning trips to the free-throw line. He also converted on a runner and a pair of mid-range jumpers. Lassiter has polished footwork in attack - another attribute that plays on his ability to get paint touches. He finished with 16 points in the tournament-opening win.     Rounding off my list of standouts from the Runnin' Rebels Summer Shootout is TL Hanna's [player_tooltip player_id='2630771' first='Kaleb' last='Allen']. Kaleb had an eye-opening season on the UAA Circuit and looks like he could be ready to produce as one of "the guys" for the Yellow Jackets this year. He had 14 points in a matchup with Fox Creek, using his size and athleticism to finish at the rim. Kaleb is a smart and active cutter, often helping out his teammates when they get in tough positions. Allen also knocked down a pair of mid-range jumpers in the win.

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