Player Standouts at the Hoop It Up Classic (Part One)

The Hoop It Up Classic showcased some of the region's most talented young basketball players, with part one of our coverage highlighting those who made a significant impact on the court. From impressive scoring runs to standout defensive plays, these athletes displayed skill and determination that set them apart from their peers. In this section, we recognize the top performers whose efforts helped elevate the competition and left a lasting impression on coaches, fans, and scouts alike.    Ant didn't have his usual shooting out burst, But he has continued to impress with his vision and efficient floor generalship using creativity to create for himself and others on the offensive end. He has the ball on a string, using his incredible instincts to shift by oncoming defenders as they come at him. He used his craftiness around the rim to finish in traffic and clearly has an advanced understanding of the game for a kid his age. If he continues to develop physically and athletically, there is no reason to believe that he will not develop into a next level prospect. Has the potential to be a solid contributor for the Vanderbilt program next year.     Showcased his ability to operate out of ball screens at 6-4 in the Hoop It Up Classic showcase. If you put him on the court with his versatility, inside/out 3 man and /or a skilled faceup perimeter skills, Seyon energy and ability to score and used his athleticism was game changing in the 72-65 victory over Southern Maryland Christian Academy. Seyon finishes the game with 17 points.     Despite their various weapons on the Varina team, Damari athletic strength on both ends of the floor stood out as one of the most reliable players for this team. He has size and ability to score comfortably from all three levels. Understands how to use his strong athletic body to rebound and contain his assignment defensively. Damari also has a noticeably quick release on his shot and can get off clean looks with very little space and ability to get downhill and finish in athletic fashion. The Two-sport (Virginia Signee Football) athlete lead scoring with 22 points in a victory of against St. Charles (MD).      Bam is a dynamic playmaker! Quick and wiry strong. Sneaky athleticism! When focus has the ability to be a lock down defender and an almost un-guardable ball handler given his shiftiness and quickness. Quick release on catch and shoot 3's, great range. Excellent pullup! Quick first step burst and quick. He has a nasty crossover dribble move and uses hesitation nicely, quick but has another gear to get to his spot or space on the floor. The backcourt mate of Anthony “Ant” Brown is a legit college level prospect in his own right. Finished the hard-fought game against Woodside from Newport News, Virginia with 15 points and took home the Game MVP.      The strong undersize southpaw really impressed me in the MacArthur game. Due to his two-way activity and willingness to protect the rim with purpose. He is mobile strong interior presence and solid touch around the rim with both ends. He is still far from a finished product but displayed a lot of promises as an undersize big that's Oxon Hill number 1 option in their half court sets. Isaiah finished the game with 25 points.     Patton footwork and patience around the basket was very impressive. He steps out and shoots the J if needed or uses his size/ frame to finish at the rim. Aggressive on the boards on both ends of the floor and run the floor with ease.  Timothy with his all-around skill set is obvious. We are talking about a 6-7 prospect that is fluid, shows vision, and impacts the game in several ways. Can plug him in multiple situations.<a> </a>First off, he competes for every rebound. Can score facing up or with back to basket and has a BIG-TIME upside. Has a great looking frame to go with ... Buy stock now!     Aaron is one of the more cerebral lefty guards on display in the 1st game of the day. He used his explosiveness to punish the rim every chance he got while also displaying a reliable outside jumper. He is comfortable on or off the ball and excels in transition where he can display his incredible explosion. There is so much to like about Aaron moving forward and he should be considered a no brainer scholarship level prospect.

The Hoop It Up Classic showcased some of the region's most talented young basketball players, with part one of our coverage highlighting those who made a significant impact on the court. From impressive scoring runs to standout defensive plays, these athletes displayed skill and determination that set them apart from their peers. In this section, we recognize the top performers whose efforts helped elevate the competition and left a lasting impression on coaches, fans, and scouts alike.