Adidas Palmetto Road Standouts – Hoop State Talents
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The awesome part about being in South Carolina this weekend was that I got to watch both the Phenom Hoops event as well as the impressive Adidas 3SSB and Gold Gauntlet championships. With lots of North Carolina teams taking part in the action, I got to watch a lot of our local guys play teams from across the country. Check out a few of the Hoop State standouts from this week.
Parrish has reclassed to the 2024 year and will be taking a prep year at Northfield Mount Hermon. However, playing with local squad Garner Road I was impressed at how much more he seems to have developed. He’s really physical in the paint and under the rim, using his hips and body to seal defenders and take position. He rebounds well because of this, driving other defenders out and taking what’s his. He was functional in the post and finishing layups, and looked to have a bit more of a perimeter game that he didn’t use during warmups. Another year at prep school will serve him well, and many schools should come offering soon.
Anderson logged valuable minutes for his Upward Stars group this week, showing off his multifaceted offensive game and ability to impact a game on defense as well. He’s an impressive athlete with his shiftiness and ability to quickly beat a closeout or defenders hip. If you give him a cushion, he is looking better in knocking down jumpers, with more lift and a more repeatable shot motion. Does a lot of competing and adding energy on defense, using that same athleticism to keep himself in front of others and compete the whole time. While his team didn’t have the best games when I watched them, Anderson was one of the best teammates, most engaged, and most energetic no matter the score. He is a competitor and gamer that should get more offers soon.
I wasn’t sure what to expect out of the Garner Road 15s squad, but Whitner stood out as an energetic, vocal guard who’s calling card is on the defensive end. He was feisty, up in ball handler’s grills, and staying in front of guys all 94 feet in their wins. He’s got active feet and hands that allow him to make life difficult all the time for his matchup. On offense he can really get hot and shoot the ball well from deep. He excels when getting a next one and a catch and shoot jumper. I thought his play making was there but not an essential focus for this group, but his two way ability was on full display. There’s a lot of room to grow for Whitner over the next couple of years.
Highlights
Bloms was a guy I hadn’t seen any of, but his performance for Garner Road 16s was so solid. He doesn’t stand out athletically, but he’s a kind of guy that makes the right play and knows where to be at all times. It was impressive to see how well he operated as a screener and pick and pop threat, with good footwork, physicality, and separation. He knocked down multiple threes from pick and pops and screened well to provide for his teammates. He rebounds well even though he wasn’t the biggest forward on the floor, using his body and legs to take position instead of staring and jumping at the ball. His offensive game as a stretch forward should take him a long way and provide for a big year at Garner.
Kirby helped Warriors Life Elite secure 3SSB status next year, and his mini run by himself was the catalyst to their win. He got started with a few tough finishes at the rim, and then got multiple threes to score 13 straight himself in the first half. He’s got a funky release but it’s going in if he’s left open. Not the biggest guard around, but is very physical on the drive and attacking the bucket. Like I always say about this kid, he’s a proven leader and winner. Even when his opponents closed the gap he created, his head was up and he was keeping his teammates encouraged making sure they finished it off. He should continue to advance in his development and find a home for the next four years.