Around The HoopState: Weekend Top Performers (Part One)

There were a bevy of high level events going down last weekend around the Carolinas with many of the major operators holding high level events for programs of all levels to take part in as we approach the May Live Period's. Without further delay, let's take a look at some of this past weekend's top performers from around NC.    Rush has really come into his own as a prospect over the last 12 months and it feels like this spring/summer has a chance to be the time where he can really establish himself as a prospect that can get some national attention. Rush helped lead [program_tooltip program_id='2227286' first='Team' last='Loaded South'] 3SSB 17u to a Championship at The Big Shots Rise Tip Off event in Bermuda Run. Rush's ability to score it from multiple levels was on full display as he averaged over 15 PPG en route to a 4-0 debut weekend for his team. Rush should be one of the breakout stars on 3SSB this summer and it looks like he's taking on a real leadership role with this talented group. His positional size, length, and shot making are his true calling cards along with his approach to the game that gives him a ton of confidence to get the job done. As Rush continues to embrace the weight room, he will only get more and more recognition as the performances will be undeniable.     Nelson was another guard from the 919 with a really strong weekend as he helped lead his Harvest Development 16u group to the Championship game vs [program_tooltip program_id='2227286' first='Team' last='Loaded South'] at The Big Shots Rise Tip-Off where they came up short losing by one in that game. Nelson is a supremely confident young lead guard with a really high level of feel and skill despite not being the biggest or most athletic guys. He did it playing up an age group in the 16u division but his level of fearlessness is truly what is allowing him to play at this level at this stage. Nelson's deep range, ability to make the right play, and ability to shine alongside other talented players on big stages make him a 2029 guard to watch closely.     Brunson really looked the part this past weekend with [program_tooltip program_id='2234929' first='1' last='of 1 Elite'] Pro16 16u at The Phenom Grassroots TOC in Rock Hill as he had multiple big performances and highlight worthy moments vs some really high level competition. He's a super high flyer that is showing improvement in his ability to make outside shots right at the time where college coaches will start to play much closer attention as he enters his 16u summer. His high energy game is something that will certainly attract a ton of attention and I feel like as people dig deeper into the total package Brunson possesses as a prospect, they'll only start to like him more. The typical style we see in travel ball is catered to the high flying game that Brunson possesses and last weekend was an incredible launching pad (no pun intended) for him as he enters this pivotal summer.     Allen is a really intriguing wing guard prospect with a ton of skill, including but not limited to his ability to make shots from distance at a high clip. The beautiful part of what Allen was able to do this past weekend is that there were games where he struggled from beyond the arc and he found a way to be a major positive for his team in other ways, showcasing his versatility. He helped his [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'] EYBL 16u team to an undefeated weekend at the Phenom Hoops Grassroots TOC in Rock Hill. Allen made plays at the rim in transition, contributed on the glass, and found a way to be a high level connector at both ends of the floor. Allen's ability to make shots at his size along with all of the other things he is capable of on the floor was on full display last weekend as we expect it to be moving forward this spring/summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'].     Gunter continues to shine with [program_tooltip program_id='2220892' first='Team' last='United'] 16u EYBL and they had a really strong start to the season with the way they played in Spartanburg at The On The Radar Carolina Mania. Gunter's ability to both control the game while taking over from a scoring perspective is incredibly valuable to this group. This team might have the best roster of any travel team in the State regardless of age group, so Gunter's ability to balance his own offense with keeping all of the horses happy will be a great opportunity for him to show his ability to run a team. Gunter has grown to 6'3" and has added strength to his frame to allow him to finish through contact amongst the tree's in the paint. He's got deep range as a shooter and a ton of confidence in that aspect of his game. Gunter helped lead [program_tooltip program_id='2220892' first='Team' last='United'] to a dominant weekend including a statement win over Top Shot UAA 16s.     Cannon had a really strong weekend with his [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'] 15u EYBL group at The Phenom Hoops Grassroots TOC in Rock Hill this past weekend. Cannon helped lead his team to an unblemished weekend and shined in the process with his blend of positional size + ability to make plays on full display. Cannon is a really high level athlete at the wing for a rising sophomore. Cannon is a very aggressive downhill driver and finisher at the rim. He attacks closeouts with real purpose as he looks to finish above the rim when given the opportunity. Cannon is a capable outside shooter, and even showed the ability to play out of ball screens this high school season. There's no doubt that he's a player to monitor closely as the travel season gets into full swing mode here soon.

There were a bevy of high level events going down last weekend around the Carolinas with many of the major operators holding high level events for programs of all levels to take part in as we approach the May Live Period's. Without further delay, let's take a look at some of this past weekend's top performers from around NC.