Scouting Notes: ScoutsFocus Elite 80

By James Blackburn

The ScoutFocus Elite 80 Showcase was held at Greensboro College over the weekend. Plenty of talent was represented with players from the classes of 2015 and up. Over 200 players were present and I did my best to scout every team at least once, but I may of missed some players, to whom I apologize.

There was a dunk contest in the middle of the day in which Craig Hinton (6’6”, SF, East Forsyth HS) took the crown. Plenty of scoring occurred during the day as many of the teams put up over 100 points routinely, as highlight plays seemed to take place every few minutes. Here are the top players I was able to see listed by class.

Top Players by Class

Class of 2014

Cory Hanes, 6’4”, F (High Point Central)

Cory is undersized playing primarily back to the basket, but makes up for lack of height with good upper body strength and playing aggressive. Good rebounder at both ends of the floor. Great use of ball fakes and uses body to shield defender enabling him to score with contact. Plays under the rim but works extremely hard and runs the floor. Showed the ability today at go by defender with dribble drive and finish. Under the radar forward who was one of High Point Central top players this season.

Travis Waldroup-Rodrigues, 6’6”, F (Thomas Jefferson Academy)

Surprise player of the showcase, as this was the first time I had seen Travis play. Big body versatile player with a strong, college ready frame. Good finisher inside- very effective on the offensive end. Good rebounder, who has the ability to grab a defensive rebound and push the ball on the break…score or find the open man. Was a man amongst boys in most of the games today. According to Maxpreps.com, Travis averaged 32 ppg, 10 rpg, and 5.3 asp this season for Thomas Jefferson. Definitely is a player to keep an eye on in the next couple of years.

Larry Curry, 6’2”, PG (East Forsyth HS)

Great size for the PG position- was playing all 5 positions for his team today because of size, strength, and athleticism- but is a true PG. Terrific vision in the open court- throws darts that lead to easy scores for teammates. Good handle. Fast with the ball and excels in transition.

Cody Cox, 6’5”, SF (Southlake Christian Academy)

Very long who runs the floor well. Great slasher who can get to the rim and use length to score. Showed the ability to hit the open 3 as well. Good upside.

Stavian Allen, 6’7”, F (Word of God)

Elite level athleticism. Good rebounder on the defensive end. Versatile player with good hands. Has the potential to be really good.
Highlights

Jaylen Roberston, 6’0”, PG (Word of God)

Next level PG. Quick in the open court. Can break down man off dribble to get into painted area and hit open player.

Class of 2013

Shane Whitfield, 6’5”, G (Word of God)

Strong guard who is a great rebounder. Athletic wing who fills the lanes on the break and can finish. Good slasher and finisher. He said he has offers from Georgia Southern and Bucknell and is receiving interest from ECU, Clemson, and Tennessee.
Highlights

Craig Hinton, 6’6”, SF (East Forsyth HS)

Very athletic wing who plays above the rim (won the dunk contest as well). Above average 3 point shooter who can hit set shots with consistency. Has the ability to dunk over defenders and in traffic. Next level talent.
Highlights

Yousoppha Kane 6’10”, C (Word of God)

Good shot blocker who really hunts the ball- tries to block everything. Long and somewhat raw still on the offensive end. Major upside.

David “Tyler” Rose 6, 6”, SF (Calvary Baptist Day School)

Solid all-around scorer and playmaker. Can shoot off the dribble or with feet set. Athletic- finishes over the rim (came in second in dunk contest today). Surprising athleticism. Versatile player who is D1 caliber player.

Highlights

Josh Newkirk, 6’2”, G (Word of God)

Best player I saw today in my opinion. The game comes easy to him- high understanding of the game. Makes others better around him. Premier on ball-defender- quick hands and feet, contests shots, plays passing lanes. Competes at both ends. Good all-around scorer and can shoot and attack rim. Shifty. Georgia Tech, Tennessee, and NC State have offered.
Highlights

Class of 2012

Vismantas Marijosius, 6’6”, F (North Hills Christian School)

Skilled player who works hard on both ends. Above average shooter and slasher. College bound senior who played well today.

Jonovan Watts, 6’5”, F (C E Jordan HS)

Long and lanky. Smooth. Can handle and shoot the ball well for size. Good defender.

Highlights

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