Adidas Invitational (Class of 2021 Wings)
Here is a look at the top Class of 2021 wings from last weekend’s Adidas Invitational in St. Louis:
Carter Hoog 6’2″ Bullets: The versatile guard led the Bullets to the championship of the 15U tournament and earned Co-MVP honors in the process. He played virtually every position for his team and did everything well. He scored from the post and the perimeter, facilitated the offense from the point and rebounded the basketball. He has a solid build and he played with strength and stamina throughout the weekend.
Kalin Black 6’0″ Midwest Jets: A physical wing player who played with a high motor throughout the weekend and got excellent results. He stayed in attack mode and did an excellent job of finishing at the rim in traffic. He was also very good in the transition game. He was often matched up against bigger defenders and he took advantage with his quickness to the basket.
Demarion Shanklin 6’1″ Midwest Jets: A smooth lefty who displayed the ability to attack the basket on the dribble and knock down 3-pointers off the catch. He had a big steal and layup at the buzzer to give the Jets a one-point victory over a good LHBA team in bracket play. He is a solid athlete who plays the game with a lot of pace.
Nicholas Kern 6’2″ Gateway: A talented wing player who has a healthy scorer’s mentality and the skills to get the job done. His quick first step allows him to get to the basket easily, plus he can stop and pop for the short jumper. He can create his own shot off the dribble and will knock down a 3-pointer as well. He has a high ceiling.
Myles Estrada 6’0″ Larry Hughes Basketball: A solid wing player who was very good in the one bracket play game I witnessed in which he scored 17 points. He knocked down 3-pointers and used his strong body to get in the lane to score buckets on confident drives.
Blake Fowler 5’11” SEMO Bulls: A high school coach’s son who plays the game with a lot of poise and savvy. He has nice handles and he knows how to create space for himself to knock down open jumpers. He is always under control and doesn’t get rattled when he has the ball in his hands.
Jack Pronger 6’4″ Gateway: A young wing player with good size who can really shoot the 3-pointer with a lot of confidence. He was very good off the catch in the half-court, and he was really effective in knocking down transition 3-pointers. He’s not afraid to let it fly. He also did a good job using his size and length to rebound throughout the weekend.