Standouts from the Be Elite Showcase

<p>The Be Elite Showcase presented some top-tier talent within the state. With a plethora of explosive guards, dominate bigs, and rangy wings here are the prospects that stood out in my evaluation of these great prospects.  </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1091946" first="LaBaron" last="Philon"] 6’4 SG/PG Baker 2024</strong></span> <br /> Philon was the most promising prospect of the tournament. Despite his young age, he’s one of the best scorers in the state, regardless of class. The subtleness, smoothness, and overall efficiency make him a can’t miss D1 prospect. Philon seems to always be in control when handling the ball and plays at an even keel tempo. As a shooter, he is effective both off the catch and off the dribble. His effortless release is quick and makes him a significant threat as a stationary shooter. Showed an ability to operate and make reads off pick and roll situations as a playmaker and showed an ability to find the open man throughout the game. Philon is a top-tier prospect in the 2024 class and will be a problem for two more years in the state.</p> <p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuUCHhquvXY</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Trent Thomas 6’6 PF/ SF Cottage 2022 </strong></span><br /> Thomas is an inside-out scorer who can dominate with strength. He showed an ability to stretch the floor with spot-up threes and trailing in transition. As a post presence, he’s strong, quick on his feet, and aggressive. He showed an ability to score despite double teams off sheer will. Thomas has an excellent drop step he uses to get past defenders and shows a nice touch when finishing inside. His tenacity and strength are also used on the boards to take over the game and dominate his opponents when crashing for rebounds. Demonstrated an ability to pass well for his position and create for others.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1070702" first="Joshua" last="Bell"] 6’1 PG/SG Cottage 2023 </strong></span><br /> Bell was easily the best shooter in the tournament. His textbook release is quick, compact, and smooth. Showed an ability to catch and shoot at rapid speed while also making plays for himself when attacking close-outs. He excels as a stationary shooter and is excellent when shooting with movement. Rather he’s coming off of pin downs, screens, or relocating to space, Bell shows solid footwork, consistency in form, and accuracy.</p> <p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwlHBWSiqxU</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Will Hawkins 6’4 SG/ PG Sparkman 2023</strong></span><br /> Hawkins is a pure slasher with elite length, athleticism, and tenacity. His ability to consistently put pressure on the rim opens the floor for Sparkman’s shooters. Hawkins’ long strides eat up space when attacking, he also is explosive vertically and can launch from further out than most. In addition to his quick first step and wiry frame, he is a monster attacking the rim. His relentlessness to get to and finish at the rim makes him an elite threat in transition. Hawkins also has a knack for drawing fouls and converting his free throws at a solid rate.</p> <p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKu43kwTCJo&amp;t=266s</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="725183" first="Martavious" last="Russell"] 6’3 SG Sipsey Valley 2022 </strong></span><br /> Russell was one of the more promising prospects in the tournament. His frame is mature for his age, and he possesses D1 athleticism. His strength allows him to impose his will when putting pressure on the rim. Russell finishes through contact at a high rate and has enough explosiveness to play above the rim consistently. His first step is elite and creates many problems for defenses, and he’s constantly blowing by defenders. Russell’s jumper is sufficient enough to keep defenses honest and on their toes. Further opening driving lanes for him to attack. Russell has all the physical tools to exceed at the next level and will look to make some noise at Mississippi State when he steps on campus next year.</p> <p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoyloKik158&amp;t=195s</p>