Summer Superlatives - The Standouts

Today, we wrap up our Summer Superlatives series with a look at five of the premier performers from this summer, prospects that we have labeled - The Standouts!   These five prospects, our Standouts, played at an elite level all summer long and along the way, not only raised their recruiting stocks, but helped their teams win a lot of games. Offensive production, defensive ability, and versatility of ways to impact a game where things that each of these prospects had in common this summer.   One final time, we'll share a reminder that these lists are not Top 5 lists! In fact, we'll aim to use each list to highlight standout prospects that we believe will eventually play at a variety of levels of college basketball. From high majors to the Division III level, these superlatives will recognize a wide range of prospects that stood out with their play on the hardwood this summer.   Below are five prospects that found a way to take over games time and time again this summer. Proving to be among the best prospects in the region, here are - The Standouts!   [player_tooltip player_id='2470964' first='Antonio' last='Pemberton']   Pemberton, a 6'1" guard out of Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, set the tone for the summer at the NEPSAC Showcase, and honestly, never looked back. A Top 75 prospect in his class, the Mass Rivals guard took over the 3SSB circuit in July with multiple 30+ point performances. He's an uber athlete that, although lacking elite measurables, plays bigger than his size and has the ability to score at all three levels. He easily turns defense into offense in transition, can get to the rim at will off the bounce, and has a knack for making big shots late in the clock. When you add his playmaking for others and defensive intensity to the mix, not to mention his competitive spirit, you have an elite prospect in the Class of 2027. Oklahoma State, Maryland, and Penn State offered in June, Boston College and Georgetown followed in mid-July, and Florida State and Marquette joined the party last week. If it feel like a high major recruitment, that's because it is!   [player_tooltip player_id='2341363' first='Alex' last='Egbuonu']   Egbuonu, a 6'6" wing out of Lawrence Academy in Massachusetts, stands out any time he takes the floor and, seemingly, picked up right where he left off this winter. A Top 100 prospect in his own right, the BABC wing combines athleticism, physicality, and skill to make the game look easy. While he stands out physically, almost immediately when he takes the floor, it's the growth of his overall game that has really stood out. He uses his plus-plus wingspan to his advantage defensively, as a rim protector and rebounder, two areas where he's only gotten stronger recently. Offensively, he has some creativity as a scorer in the paint, can handle the ball and make decisions in transition, and continues to improve his consistency as a perimeter shooter. He's another high major recruit that has seemingly become a priority for schools in the Big East, with reported offers from Providence, Xavier, Georgetown, Villanova and Marquette.   [player_tooltip player_id='2472274' first='Bentley' last='Shelton']   Shelton, a 6'4" guard out of the St. Thomas More School in Connecticut, looks poised to take on a bigger role this upcoming season after a strong showing on the travel circuit this summer. The City Rocks guard was a constant fixture on the EYBL, operating as a jack-of-all-trades on the perimeter that could go for 25 points in one game and then fill up the stat sheet in the next. He does everything well on the floor, playing with a poise and feel for the game beyond his years. At 6'4" with long arms and plus athleticism, he has the ability to be a versatile defender that impacts games by creating turnovers and being a presence on the glass. Offensively, he's an efficient scorer that gets it done at multiple levels while also showing the ability to handle against pressure and make good decisions as a set-up man. July was good to him on the recruiting front, as the first, of what will most likely be many, Division I offers rolled in from Albany, Bryant, Iona, and St. Bonaventure, signifying the start of a long recruitment over the next two years.   [player_tooltip player_id='2818496' first='Jake' last='Freeman']   Freeman, a 6'5" wing out of the Middlesex School in Massachusetts, had a coming out party at the NEPSAC Showcase and did nothing but continue to score the basketball from there on out. The BCRI wing had 30 point outing after 30 point outing, proving to be one of the top shooting wings in New England. With good size and a college ready frame, he had the ability to impact games in a variety of ways, particularly when you combined his physical traits with his high basketball IQ and decision making. He's a quality straight line driver that could finish at the rim, proved to be a willing ball-mover that doesn't make the basketball stick, and did a nice job of making plays in transition. He defended multiple positions, didn't shy away from big-time match-ups, and showed some real potential as a grab and go rebounder. He used the summer to prove what those around him already knew, that he's a scholarship prospect, as D2's officially jumped into the mix when Bentley, Pitt-Johnstown, and Rollins offered.   Javihan Martinez   Martinez, a 6'1" guard out of St. Mary's High School in Massachusetts, finished the summer as strong as any prospect, taking over games down the stretch with his offensive abilities. The Middlesex Magic prospect was a force in the Hoop Group Academic League, asserting himself offensively, while taking on prime match-ups defensively. He's a big, physical, combo guard that knows how to get downhill off the bounce and has the strength needed to finish through contact. He's a plus athlete that can break defenses down off the bounce, makes plays for others when he gets into the paint, and can knock down the occasional jumper. He's a presence as a rebounder and does a good job of getting out in transition off of turnovers. Coming out of July, he should be a priority recruit for D3s throughout New England, as he looks like the type of guard that could have an immediate impact on a program at that level.   And with that, we've wrapped up our Summer Superlatives series! We hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together and look forward to finding our next set of breakout stars this fall!

Today, we wrap up our Summer Superlatives series with a look at five of the premier performers from this summer, prospects that we have labeled - The Standouts!