|
|
Home  News Latest GOMAB Hoops Showcase Part 2
|
GOMAB Hoops Showcase Part 2 |
|
|
|
|
Written by Andre Whitehead
|
|
Monday, 20 March 2006 |
The rest of the story
The first 15 are in the books now the final 10, along with the top 10 in the younger division.
Coti Sensibaugh-Dobyns Bennett (6-0 PG) Junior
This young man made a long journey very worth while with his strong performance on Saturday. Coti showed his point guard skills with solid passing and decision making and when forced to shoot the rock did that with skill as well. As with most little guards size and strength always seem to come up when discussing their futures. This is no excepion.
Jeremy Shannon-Watrburg (6-1 PG) Senior
Many times these type of camps tend to favor the guards who are the most aggressive with the ball. Shannon made the most of his opportunities and wanted to show those in attendance that he could play the game to win regardless of the situation. Jeremy made several solid passes and sacrificed his offensive output for the situation at hand. When the shot was available he made it and played solid defense against much quicker guards.
Matt Smigielski-LaVergne (6-2 SG) Junior
A good effort by the LaVergne junior. Matt showed his basketball ability by making great offensive decisions and not always settling for the jumper. Matt was much more effective with his shot when he let the offensive set get him the ball off the pass as opposed to creating his shot off the dribble. Matt has great form and has enough basketball IQ to make a splash on the D11 or NAIA levels.
Clarence Smith-MLK (6-5 PF) Senior
Every year the Showcase has a breakout performer and Mr. Smith garners that accolade this year. Showing incredible athletic prowess, Smith finished everything around the bucket with yeoman style effort and was a streak in transition finishing most possessions with a huge slam. Clarence could use some bulk, but someone is missing the boat with this young man who could be a potential All-Conference player on the DII or NAIA level.
Kevin Smith-Riverdale (6-5 WF) Junior
What an incredible natural athlete. The ability to hammer down on any possession in the interior and the chance to run the floor and finish is the style of choice for Smith. His outside shot is not horrendous, but could use some repetition like work. Smith has good energy and plays hard on both ends of the floor. His decision making could use some work if he wishes to play on the wing like his skills dictate he will.
Scott Thomas-Riverdale (6-1 SG) Junior
A steady hand while on the floor, Thomas seldom makes a bad decision. He has the ability to knock down the open jumper when all goes well with his form and can stick the rock on the pavement and make a move to the rack with either hand. He is a much better athlete than his defensive effort would suggest, so there is a solid area for improvement.
Justin Walker-Austin East (6-3 WF) Junior
Imagine my surprise when I see Walker hustling on most every play and shooting from the perimeter like he knew it was good. My only knock against Walker has always been steady hustle throughout an entire contest. I saw the makings of that here and I loved it. Walker did get happy with the long-range shot as the evening wore on, but his improvement will be directly tied to his conditioning for next season. He finished everything inside and showed good hands and played hard defense as well. I applaud his effort and hope it carries over to this summer and next season.
Rayshawn Walker-Clarksville Northeast (6-4 WF) Sophomore
This young man oozes athletic potential and when he finally learns to play this game he will be one to watch. Walker has the athletic skill to power over his opponent and score. He has the ability to knock down the outside shot and can defend when motivated. The sky is the limit for the youngster if he continues his steady improvement and does not settle for being mediocre.
Ryan Westbrooks-Hillsboro (5-11 SG) Junior
A pleasant surprise if I do say so myself. This thin youngster showed great offensive spark and played hard from whistle to whistle. I loved his outside range and his ability to take the rock into traffic and finish even with contact. When he gains strength and adds a bit of a point guard mentality to his game, he will flourish. At his size, I hope he realizes that making the pass is as effective to the outcome of the game as scoring.
Mike Willis-Hillwood (6-5 PF) Sophomore
Big,strong and athletic are the adjectives to describe the Hillwood sophomore. When motivated to play the youngster was a handful for anyone who attempted to keep him off the block or stop him from scoring. Mike must learn to play with this abandon all the time and not take possessions off. This will come with maturity and age but must be ingrained in his mentality.
Top 10 Underclassmen Division:
Darrell Flourence-Austin East (5-11 SG) Sophomore
A deadeye shooter who has no limit to his range. His strong build gives him strength to take that jumper from long distance. Darrell will need to develop his point guard skills if he wishes to become the complete player he needs to be.
Kaymon Garrett-Dupont Tyler (5-8 PG) 8th Grade
A young man who has a basketball IQ well above his years. Kaymon always looks to get his team into an offensive set and has the understanding to make the correct decision with the ball. He can shoot from outside, but with added strength will be much better situated to control that jumper. Strength will be the key issue for Kaymon from this time forward. His game will expand exponentially when and if he adds strength.
Cody Hudson-Harpeth (5-11 SG) Sophomore
A tough little guy who made good decisions with the ball and always seemed to be at the right place at the right time. His physical size will be his immediate area for improvement. He has the ability to shoot outside, but could use repetition work to streamline the form on his jumper.
Chase Jones-Austin East (6-3 WF) Freshman
A very athletic young player who can rise up and throw it down in any situation. Chase will needs to improve in the other aspects of the game such as ball-handling, shooting and defense to make himself a more viable threat. He has the future in his hands if he works hard on his game and becomes the player we know he can.
Jamal Lundy-Austin East (5-8 PG) Freshman
Another visitor from the East. Lundy showed great shooting ability canning a few jumpers and getting his game noticed by those in attendance. His body is small and needs much work, but then again the young man is only 15 yaers of age. If Jamal works on his ball-handling and decisoin-making, as well as, his physical strength he could be a good player in the future.
Skyler McBee-Rutledge (6-0 SG) Freshman
The young man had his day cut short when he tweaked his ankle, but Skyler showed good basketball ability in his short stint on the floor. These camps tend to glorify the scorers or whomever has the ball in their hands and leaves out the kids who play fundamental and solid. McBee has that game and even during his relatively small time on the court made good passes to the right teammate and played hard on defense. His shooting is outstanding and when he gets stronger and tougher, he will be a handful.
Stuart Mitchell-White County (6-1 SG) Freshman
A very pleasant surprise was the youngster from Sparta. Wearing the gear sported by former White County legend Kyle Gribble, Mitchell showed a penchant for scoring and his smoothness was hard not to notice. A tough defender who makes all around him better with his infectious attitude and hustle. I really liked the game of the young player and wil be keeping an eye out for him as the years pass.
Nathan Parker-Bearden (6-0 SG) Freshman
Toiling in relative obscurity at home, this young man brought his game to where the state could watch him go. Nathan was a wonderful surprise with sterling drives to the bucket and a fierce jumper that always seemed to find net. Playing much older than his appearance, Parker showed skill and toughness throughout the entire duration of the camp.
Aaron Puckett-White County (6-5 C) Freshman
Make no mistake about this one, Puckett is a post. His back to the basket skills were far beyond his grade and his ability to finish and use his size were astonishing. Puckett played strong inside on both ends of the floor and was especially adept at putting the ball in the hole with his up and under or spin move to the center of the lane. Aaron showed great skill and with continued progress could be a player to reckon with down the road.
Trey Smith-Riverdale (5-9 PG) Sophomore
Should see more time this season for the Warriors. Trey has the knack for hitting the outside shot, but his size will be his limit unless he works on his strength. I realize this seems redendant but size and skill are directly related and anyone who has been through the rigors of the next level will tel you that strength is your top asset.
|
|
Event Calendar
 |
August 2008 |
 |
|
|
