By James Blackburn
Over six teams were in attendance at the always competitive Northwest Guilford summer shootout tournament. Here are some notes and reports on some of the players that I saw that stood out in Day 1 of the two-day event.
Class of 2015
CJ Bryce, 6’3”, W/F (Hopewell HS, Huntersville, NC)
Versatile/Long/Athletic- can play the 2 or 3. Had a big time dunk in traffic at end of the 2nd game today. Fills the lanes well on the break and finishes above the rim. Has excellent body control in air- showed the ability to finish with contact. Has a high release on shot- great FT shooter (got to the line a good bit today) – good rotation. Shot is inconsistent at this point from 3- but will/can get better and he will most likely become pretty good shooter with a high release/good rotation. Decent ball handler for size and age. Underrated passer. Showed flashes of very good on-ball defense- has the ability/tools to become a defensive specialist. High upside- DI schools should begin to monitor.
Darius Moore, 5’10”, PG (Greensboro Day School, Greensboro, NC)
Very good defender- especially on the ball D- was in his mans shirt and he picked him up early. Lightning quick. Pass first pure PG. Poised- plays hard. Was committed to defense even in a blowout win. Good passer- puts ball in areas where it is easy for recipient to convert. Underrated athlete-almost dunked on a player at end of the first game- very good for size. Understands the game- high IQ- makes others better. Plays AAU with CP3.
Class of 2013
Kalon Buchanan, 6’6”, PF/C (Hopewell HS, Huntersville, NC)
Very long- moves well- runs the floor rim to rim. Keeps the ball high on rebounds. Didn’t show much offensively today other than put backs off rebounds – did make a midrange jumper in middle of first game- Displayed good timing on several blocks today.
Jackson Kent, 6’7”, SF (High Point Christian Academy, High Point, NC)
Solid outing today for Kent. Great size/length for position- capable of playing some point forward as well. Possesses excellent court vision- willing passer/unselfish- turns down good shots for lay-ups/great shots for teammates- probably had 5 assist in 4 minutes in game 1 today. Has a quick first step- good cross jab step too. Can lead the break-makes good decisions with the ball. Smooth/poised/under control. Good 3-point shooter. Above average ball handler for size- high dribble. Needs to improve defensively and get stronger. Makes game look easy- has a deep offensive arsenal. Has an offer from several LM schools including High Point and UNC-G.
Diante Baldwin, 5’11”, G (High Point Christian Academy, High Point, NC)
Quick/strong guard who can get to the rim and finish with a variety of moves. Highlight reel maker with the ball on a string- quick crossover dribble move. Athletic. Good body control in the air. Needs to improve shooting consistency. Has offers from App State, UNC-G, and Winthrop.
Christian Hairston, 6’7”, SF (Greensboro Day School, Greensboro, NC)
Good effort on both ends for the long/lanky wing today. Came out and showed what he can do defensively with his length/speed/quickness. On the opening defensive possession in game 1, he advanced the ball end to end and finished with a thunderous 1-handed dunk. Played some PG today- can handle the ball and pass the ball decently for size. Versatile player who is a quick leaper. Has offers from 8 Division I schools including Tulane, James Madison, and George Washington as well as interest from a host of others.
Reggie Dillard,6’2”, SG (Greensboro Day School, Greensboro, NC)
Big/strong bodied guard. Deceptively quick and can get to basket- plays below the rim, but finishes. Slow release- but has solid form- will need to continue to improve shooting overall. Has an offer from UNC-G and Penn as well as some interest from a couple of ACC programs.
Chuck Ogbodo, 6’11”, C (High Point Christian Academy, High Point, NC)
Good performance for the most part today from the big man. Has added muscle and looks more defined then the last time I saw him. Impacts the game without touching ball on offense- good shot blocker with good timing. Soft hands. Runs the floor well- high upside- best basketball is ahead of him- has only played the game for 2 years. Has been hearing from ACC schools as of late as well, including Wake Forest. Has several offers, including Winthrop and Western Carolina.
Grayson Vernon, 6’2”, SG (North Surry HS, Mt. Airy, NC)
Excellent set shooter with range beyond 3-point line- knock down shooter when given room. Strong bodied player. Despite not having exceptional speed or quickness he is able to maneuver his way to basket using his smarts and strength- had a nice spin move that lead to a lay-up. Smart player- knows his limitations and doesn’t force any thing- good shot selection. Needs to improve ball handling. Is a two-time All-Conference selection- averaged 18 ppg last season. DIII and NAIA programs in need of a shooting specialist who plays hard on both ends should watch him this coming season.
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