Indy Heat Showcase: Top 16U Weekend Performers
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There was tons of talent in Fort Wayne for the Indy Heat Showcase, headlined by some good high-major talent and other emerging players. Here is a look at some of top 16U performers from the weekend. Ashton Williamson Ashton Williamson…
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Continue ReadingThere was tons of talent in Fort Wayne for the Indy Heat Showcase, headlined by some good high-major talent and other emerging players. Here is a look at some of top 16U performers from the weekend.
Ashton Williamson Ashton Williamson 6'2" | PG Gary 21st Century | 2023 State #287 Nation IN (Indy Heat/CG)
The first thing you see with Williamson is his athleticism. He is terrific off the bounce and difficult to keep out of the lane. Really quick first step and long strides. Whether he is in the open floor or half court, he is difficult to slow down. Decision making is still developing as he can be a bit wild at times but he’s always doing it while in attack mode. Defensively, he gets his hands on everything. Super long wingspan. Much better on the ball than off at the moment. He can fall asleep when he’s off the ball. Indy Heat played zone at times and he had a few deflections at the top of the key.
Jermaine Coleman Jermaine Coleman 6'7" | SF Park Tudor | 2023 State IN (Indy Heat/F)
Coleman has a terrific frame for a perimeter player. At 6-foot-7, he looks every part of a high-major wing. He looks like he could be a hybrid 4-man, but he definitely likes to play more on the wing. He has good length and athleticism. Decent ball handler and can put the ball on the floor. He’s a lefty and at this stage, definitely likes to go way more left than right. Coleman can shoot it from the perimeter, too. Good stroke. Didn’t make a ton this weekend from outside but all of his shot were good looks. Can clearly tell he is comfortable shooting from deep.
Chico Johnson Chico Johnson 6'2" | SG Toledo Central Catholic | 2023 State OH (C2K/PG)
This was my first impression of Johnson and he did not disappoint. He plays with great confidence and the ability to play at his own pace. He will rarely get sped up by defenders and clearly understands when to push the tempo and when to take his time. Johnson’s vision and passing ability stands out and he made numerous terrific passes to teammates in the lane and on drive and kicks. He has a quick burst of speed and is tough to stop when he gets the defender on his hip. Showed good range and ability to knock down 3’s.
Darrion Brooks Darrion Brooks 6'5" | SF New Haven | 2023 State IN (Indy Heat/SF)
Brooks is extremely athletic and will do anything to show off that athleticism. Offensively, there isn’t a play where Brooks doesn’t look to dunk the ball. It can be in transition, through the lane or on a rebound put-back, he will look to dunk it first. He can take opponents off of the dribble and also showed his ability to hit some outside shots. Right now, he is clearly best in transition and attacking the basket. Brooks also has plus passing ability for his age and position, with very high IQ when it comes to making decisions.
Cameron Christie Cameron Christie 6'4" | SG Rolling Meadows | 2023 State #76 Nation IL (Illinois Wolves/SG)
Christie has a pretty well-rounded game and uses all of his tools in most games. He is a bit of an underrated athlete and showed flashes of that athleticism when he can in transition, with a few dunks on the break. In half court settings, Christie played well on and off of the ball, hitting multiple 3’s in most games. His mid-range jumper is extremely solid as well. He has a good, quick and very repeatable release that makes it difficult for opponents to disrupt. His passing ability is better than expected, too.