Peach Jam: Scotty B’s Friday National Notebook
It was another full day of action at the Nike Peach Jam as pool play finished up and teams were fighting to make the playoffs on Saturday. Let’s dive into what we saw in Peach Jam: Scotty B’s Friday National…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt was another full day of action at the Nike Peach Jam as pool play finished up and teams were fighting to make the playoffs on Saturday. Let’s dive into what we saw in Peach Jam: Scotty B’s Friday National Notebook!
Oklahoma State Landed Impact Early Commit in Davonte Davis
Friday was my first look at Oklahoma State commit Davonte Davis for Woodz Elite and was he impressive! The long and angular lefty combo guard got in the lane absolutely at will. Quick first step with the ability to slither through the defense. Took quality angles to the rim each time and finished with layup after layup. Not much of a perimeter shooter as he went 0-6, but it didn’t matter as he dominated with his scoring off the bounce for 23 points (8-16 FG). Also have to make note of Chris Moore in the Woodz Elite win. He was a beast inside recording 15 points (7-11 FG) and snatching an insane 19 rebounds! High energy forward that is so active around the hoop on both ends.
NY Rens Trio Flexes Muscles in Win
I have felt for a long time that Jonathan Kuminga was a top 2 player in the 2021 class. He showed why at Nike Elite 100 last month and is crushing people at Peach Jam. The strong and explosive small forward is one of the best drivers in the country regardless of class. Burst off the first step and when he takes a straight line angle to the hoop and jumps it is over. Finishes with such power around the hoop. Plays so hard! Struggled shooting from deep in the game we saw. Finished with 25 points. RJ Davis is a volume scoring point guard that takes some unforced shots, but can also score in bunches. Did that on Thursday against The Family recording 26 points. Continue to be intrigued by 2020 post Lance Ware. He has legit size and the lefty threw down a nasty poster dunk early in their game. Decent skill level and good hands for the five man. Went for 14 points.
Recap of The Family Prospects
Michigan State commit Jalen Terry is another volume scoring point guard. Athletic and creative with the ball in his hands. Quick and has plus handles. Takes some wild shots at times, but can get in the paint and to the line. He had 13 points. Inside I liked the duo of Carlos Johnson and Isaiah Jackson for The Family. Johnson is a powerful combo forward. Sound mid-range jump shooter that can stretch to three on occasion. Brings a lot of toughness inside. Really like the passion and intensity he brings to the game. He had 25 points. Jackson is a long and angular power forward who is off the charts athletic. Very efficient inside with his touches getting on the glass for put backs. Good rebounder and rim protector. Went for 10 points (4-4 FG) and 7 rebounds.
Texas Titans Roll Over Alabama Fusion Behind Top 5 Duo
The Texas Titans are primed to take a shot at winning the whole thing on Sunday! They could have possibly the two best 2020 prospects in the event in point guard Cade Cunningham and combo forward Greg Brown. Cade Cunningham stuffed the stat sheet like usual in their win over Alabama Fusion. He is a jumbo point guard with strength that has incredible vision and feel as a distributor. Always sees the floor one play ahead of the defense. As a scorer he used his broad shoulders getting downhill and finishing at the cup. Also has such a smooth pull up mid-range game. Posts up smaller defenders for buckets on the block. Line read 29 points (13-18 FG), 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. As for his running mate Greg Brown he is the best pure athlete in the class. At 6’9” with his length and hops it is just unfair. So explosive around the hoop with his second jump as he can grab a rebound and throw it down with force like it is nothing. Mobility and quickness around the hoop are impressive. Long strides with the ball in his hands. He had 21 points (10-14 FG) and 12 rebounds.
Vegas Elite Defeats Nightrydas in 5-Star Battle and Fight for Playoffs
This was a key game as the loser would for sure go home on Friday night. It also featured four 5-Star prospects in Scottie Barnes, Isaiah Todd, Josh Christopher, and Jaden Hardy. The difference maker ended up being 2020 guard Noah Taitz. The good sized combo guard is a lights out three point shooter and he did just that going 5-11 from deep for 22 points. Solid ball handler who is strong with the ball. Josh Christopher carried Vegas for stretches ultimately helping his team win 86-78. The skilled two guard consistently got to the foul line as well as knocking down runners and mid-range jumpers for 28 points. For Nightrydas Scottie Barnes did his part. The do it all wing scored in a variety of ways, but was most effective using his length to covert around shot blockers at the rim. He had 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Efficient night for Isaiah Todd inside. The mobile big man sealed in the post, put the ball on the deck, and even hit a three going 7-9 from the field for 15 points.
Team WhyNot Super Talented Group Closes Pool Play with W
One of the most talent laden groups at Peach Jam was the California based Team WhyNot. Elite prospects all over the floor. They got the win over Mac Irvin Fire 88-79. Top 5 2020 prospect Jalen Green is an athletic freak. He showed that off at the end of the game with an insane windmill. Green turned it on in the second half when his team needed him to close out the win. At times he seemed disinterested and had bad shot selection. No denying his natural talent though as he finished with 19 points. Devin Askew was exceptional running the point for his squad. High IQ guard that works great in ball screens. High level shot maker from both mid-range and three with outstanding form and elevation off the floor. Plus passer who is one of the best 2021 lead guards in the country. Nimari Burnett went head to head against many of his former teammates as he played with the Fire when he was young. Skilled combo guard that can score at all three levels. He has greatly improved as a passer from his younger days. He had 18 points.