Proving Grounds Standout Bigs (Part 2)

<p>This weekend I made the seven hour trip up to Cartersville, Georgia for the Prep Hoops event : Proving Grounds. Across two long days of basketball I was able to see several college level players. These are a few of the big men who stood out:</p> <p>PF [player_tooltip player_id="997734" first="Elijah" last="Strong"] 6-8 (Rod Howard Select) HS: Meyers Park (NC) 2023 U-16</p> <p>I was able to catch two of Strong’s games, and each contest he showed off a little bit more of his offensive arsenal. Against Heart N’ Hustle, Strong scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds, showing off some impressive footwork sealing his man, and scoring off drop steps. On a few separate occasions, he showed excellent vision passing out of the post to cutting teammates, and throwing outlet passes off to create fast break opportunities. In the second game I watched of Strong he showed the ability to handle the basketball, and showed a nice touch sinking four 3-pointers. Helping lead his team to a 2-1 record over the weekend, the big man was the most impressive post player I saw in the 16 U division. With three more years of high school basketball left, this one has a chance to be special.</p> <p>PF Jemez Herd JR 6-7 (Rod Howard Select) HS: Olympic (NC) 2022 U-16</p> <p>Loaded with upside, Herd has the ability to guard big men and switch onto guards in pick and roll situations. On defense, he makes his presence known blocking shots and altering even more with his long wingspan. In the big mans first game against Heart N Hustle, he was able to score 10 points, scoring in transition, and on drives to the basket often finding his way to the free throw line. A role player on one of the better high school teams in Charlotte as a sophomore, Herds play this weekend indicates that he may be in for a break out season.</p> <p>F [player_tooltip player_id="714825" first="Ivan" last="Lawson"] 6-7 (Sky Priority) HS: Impact Christian Academy 2021</p> <p>Against Champions Elite, Lawson was at his best scoring 20 points off of post ups, drives to the basket, and midrange jumpers. Active on the glass the combo forward created many second chance opportunities for his team. As a veteran returnee for a Florida state championship runner-up at Impact Christian, Lawson should be ready to lead in his final year of high school basketball.</p> <p>G/F [player_tooltip player_id="955571" first="Adren" last="Roberts"] 6-5 (Judah Nation) HS: Somerset Academy 2022 U-17</p> <p>It’s tough to put a label on Roberts. Standing at a sturdy 6-5 with a 6-11 wingspan he has the versatility to defend multiple positions. An impressive athlete, Roberts thrives in transition, and is known for catching unsuspecting defenders in poster worthy dunks. With the ability to slash to the basket and score on post ups, the combo forward has scholarship type potential. Any school that values a tough player, who takes great pride in defense, should keep an eye on Roberts these next two years.</p> <p>C Jacob Dunlow 6-9 (Team XFE) HS: Hudson 2021</p> <p>A bully in the post, Dunlow uses his massive frame to overpower smaller defenders to score, and grab rebounds underneath the basket. On a few plays this weekend, the bruiser showed off a few post moves spinning to the basket, and powering his way through contact to score. Improving his overall physical condition, and lateral quickness would do wonders for the big man, but there is potential here. I also understand Dunlow is also an excellent student.</p> <p>F [player_tooltip player_id="955800" first="James" last="Morrow"] 6-7 (Cream City South East) HS: Beaches Chapel 2022 U-16</p> <p>A big man who can handle the basketball, it is evident that Morrow has been working on his game since playing in Florida’s state championship. Against a tough Deep South Blue Devils team, he was able to score eight points, and was active underneath, scoring close to the basket, grabbing rebounds and blocking shots. After transferring from Andrew Jackson to Beaches Chapel, expect Morrow to be one of the better big men in Jacksonville over the next two years. He recently picked up his first Division I offer from Longwood.</p>