The War: Best “Feel For The Game” Prospects
The War, presented by War Hoop Events, gave us what might possibly be the last grassroots tournament or event of the year, seeing as though the school year is starting for most kids in Texas. This event consisted of the…
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Continue ReadingThe War, presented by War Hoop Events, gave us what might possibly be the last grassroots tournament or event of the year, seeing as though the school year is starting for most kids in Texas. This event consisted of the absolute best teams in Dallas along with some of the top teams from Utah, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. The building was filled with talent and future NBA prospects, this tournament had every type of recruit from the class of 2021-24 that a college coach could possibly be looking for. Here are a few prospects that showed an outstanding feel for the game from The War.
Elijah Hughey Elijah Hughey 6'4" | SG Lancaster | 2021 State TX | Combo Guard | Lone Star Elite | 2021 |
Elijah Hughey Elijah Hughey 6'4" | SG Lancaster | 2021 State TX was one of the best feel for the game guys in the whole tournament, displaying a good IQ, consistently making smart plays on both offense and defense. This guard can be the floor general on the court, he’s an elite ball-handler, his in and out move, hesi, and crossovers looked flat out unguardable at times. Very instinctual playmaker that can create offense for himself and teammates in the half-court. Hughey is also unselfish, he did a great job of distributing the ball, protecting the ball, and keeping his turnover rate down to a minimum. Eli also knows how to move and play off the ball as well, he showed an outstanding ability when it came to getting open, constantly finding open shots around the perimeter and soft spots in the paint. A good natural scorer with an excellent sense of urgency, a good balance of knowing when to score, when to facilitate, and when to take over the game. Impressive defender as well, he stays low, communicates effectively, fights over screens, and even played exceptional help-side defense by jumping the passing and driving lanes and getting his hands on the ball when guys came his way. Elijah Hughey Elijah Hughey 6'4" | SG Lancaster | 2021 State TX ‘s game will be a perfect match for his new school, he recently made a transfer from West Mesquite high school to the defending state champions, top 5A program in Texas, Lancaster High School, adding to their collection of guards, where I believe he’ll be a great fit alongside his teammates Wade Taylor Wade Taylor 6'0" | PG Lancaster | 2021 State #103 Nation TX and also incoming freshman Deontrell Barrett.
Tobey Schmitt Tobey Schmitt 6'4" | CG American Fork | 2021 State UT | Small Forward | Think Swish | 2021 |
An intense competitor with a high motor and high energy. Not only was Tobey Schmitt Tobey Schmitt 6'4" | CG American Fork | 2021 State UT a great feel for the game player, but he was also a great glue guy for his team. An outstanding cutter of the lane, he always slashes or attacks the lane for quick, easy buckets at the right time. Teams had an extremely hard time keeping Tobey out of the lane due to his power and size. He excelled most when taking the baseline off the dribble, once he was inside, he then used up and under or reverse layups to finish at the rack. His play in their final game was out of this world, he showed the ability to beat his man off the bounce on a regular basis by using his strength to his advantage as soon he got deep into the lane bouncing off of defenders for clean open looks. Tobey Schmitt Tobey Schmitt 6'4" | CG American Fork | 2021 State UT doesn’t shy away from physicality one bit, if anything, he invites it. Schmitt stands 6’4, with an incredibly strong build, the young man is built like a linebacker, it’s pretty obvious that he goes extremely hard in the weight room. The one thing that stood out the most about Tobey Schmitt Tobey Schmitt 6'4" | CG American Fork | 2021 State UT was his effort, he gives you nothing but his best all game long on both ends of the floor, a noteworthy attribute.
Chauncey Gibson
Chauncey
Gibson
6'6" | SG
Dallas Kimball | 2022
State
TX
| Shooting Guard/Small Forward | Dallas Showtyme | 2022 |
Chauncey Gibson
Chauncey
Gibson
6'6" | SG
Dallas Kimball | 2022
State
TX
is the ultimate feel for the game guy, he does just about everything on an above-average level, always showing a wide range of skills that are highly effective on the floor. This smooth forward put his skill set on full display at this event, catching and shooting from deep, running in the transition to catch alley-oops at the rim, and locking his assignment down on defense. A high-level offensive talent that stays active without the ball, often leading him to open 3-point shots, lob dunks, and easy finishes at the rim. Able to spot-up, come off a screen, or create a shot off the dribble comfortably; nice fluid high release. Chauncey has shown the potential over and over again to become an elite lockdown defender, and this tournament was no exception to that. Good on-ball defensive presence, lockdown on the perimeter, and showed great versatility with his ability to defend multiple positions.
Chauncey Gibson
Chauncey
Gibson
6'6" | SG
Dallas Kimball | 2022
State
TX
ended his summer looking ready to make an impact at Duncanville High School this season.
Jovani Benae | Small Forward/Shooting Guard | Court Of Dreams | 2021 |
Jovani is an all-around ballplayer that does it all out there, he can rebound, pass, shoot, and play effective defense. Phenomenal poise when looking to score on offense, Benae makes the simple plays, he doesn’t try to force anything. He was most dangerous when playing off the ball as a high IQ cutter, it was great to watch him make that perfect cut at the right time leading him to multiple open layups. Jovani can put the ball on the floor, attack closeouts, and drive in a straight through the lane. Has a knack for crashing the offensive glass, getting putback layups and second chance shots for his team. Also, a solid on-ball defender who was a difference-maker with his hands. Jovani Benae is a terrific piece to have due to his team-first mentality, and the productivity that he brings to the floor each game.
Corbin Green | Power Forward | Lone Star Elite | 2021 |
6’5, super-strong body with broad shoulders and high-level athleticism, the kid is built like a mack truck. Corbin has great strength and leaping abilities that allow him to play much bigger than his actual height. Capable of absorbing body contact from defenders, and still snag the rebound or get his shot up. Green knows how to use his strength to get the job done, he muscles his way to the rim and finishes strong in the low post. This active rebounder gives a considerable amount of effort on the glass on both ends fo the floor, impressive anticipation and nose for the ball, constantly crashes the boards extremely hard, particularly on the offensive end. Corbin Green is a hard-working postman with a high motor, everything he did on the court won’t show on the stat, but what he brought to the table benefited his team well, making him a solid glue guy for Lone Star Elite.
Jordan McCullough | Combo Guard | Dallas Showtyme | 2022 |
Jordan McCullough played an important role as the sparkplug player coming off the bench. As soon as he stepped on the floor he started to make a big impact both offensively and defensively, bringing shooting, defense, and most of all energy. Jordan has sweet spots in the mid-range that he got to with deceptive crossover spin moves. When his shot stopped falling he found other ways to be effective by making the extra pass, giving up a good shot for a great shot, and communicating with his team on defense. His defensive presence completely changed things for his team, his quick reaction and movement in the zone shut off assists to the paint due to him playing the passing lanes that were previously open before he came into the game. McCullough even picked up the game-sealing steal by jumping the pass on the inbounds, where he was then fouled, and went on to sink both free throws. Jordan McCullough has proved time and time again to be a very reliable player to coach and play alongside. He’s a high motor player that gives you nothing but sheer effort.
More from The War tournament below