Adidas DC Friday Standouts
WASHINGTON, DC – Adidas is in DC this weekend for its regional qualifier, and Prep Hoops was in the gym checking out local prospects. Below is a rundown of five standouts from the first night of action.
MARCHELUS AVERY | 6’8 F | LOADED DC/LIFE CHRISTIAN ‘20
There are some things Marchelus Avery can do on the court that you just can’t teach. He’s an explosive leaper at 6-foot-8 with an impressive second and third jump. Avery has an expanding face-up game but is best when he is getting downhill and attacking the basket. He is a relentless finisher who absorbs contact in the lane. Defensively, Avery is able to consistently secure rebounds out of his area and block shots thanks to his length.
ELIJAH HAWKINS | 5’9 PG | NEW WORLD/DEMATHA ‘21
Elijah Hawkins continues to play at a high level for New World this spring. He’s a talented shot maker and skilled ball-handler who can get wherever he wants to on the floor. Hawkins can run ball screens in half-court and complete pocket passes or assist teammates in transition with a simple look-head or a flashy but accurate lob pass. He is also a pest defensively who will pick up full court and constantly turn his man in the backcourt.
SAVEON JACKSON | 6’0 G | NEW WORLD/KIPP ‘21
Saveon Jackson used his length to create havoc on the defensive end where he recorded a handful of deflections. Jackson was active on the boards. He consistently broke down his man on offense and got downhill where he would either kick it out to an open teammate or seek contact while showcasing the ability to finish in traffic. Jackson was equally effective without the ball. He filled the lanes effectively and was in constant motion in half-court offense.
MILTON MATTHEWS | 6’2 G | DC THUNDER/ROCK CREEK ‘20
As soon as Milton Matthews checked into the game, the intensity level for his team increased. A heat-check guy who can get going in a hurry, Matthews fills the lanes in transition and can consistently hit shots from the perimeter even when guarded tightly. On the defensive side, Matthews plays with great intensity. He picks up full court and is a threat to block shots as a result of his blend of length and athleticism.
DAVID N’GUESSAN | 6’8 F/C | TEAM BBC/MT. ZION PREP ‘20
One thing that immediately stood out about David N’Guessan is how well he communicated on the defensive end. While on the back line, N’Guessan was often heard loudly barking instructions to his teammates. Offensively, he was best in transition where he ran the floor with purpose and finished emphatically at the rim.