More reports from last weekend’s Southeast Summer Showcase. I want to also mention that even though we may not mention every player, all attending players are placed into our prospect database for tracking and we go over each game from the event multiple times. No player is missed because we don’t rely on a single day’s play for our ongoing evaluation and tracking.
Zaqwuan Matthews (SG/SF, 6’4”, 2015) Myers Park HS (Charlotte, NC)
Long small forward with a good handle and can get above the rim. Good chance he will be a pure guard at some point and has excellent athleticism and high potential. Excellent passing vision and awareness. Has some quickness and you can see flashes of a high octane player. Would like to see him be more aggressive from the wing and use that first step. Can shoot from deep and has a good, high release and follow through. Fades away a little on his shot but it’s not pronounced. Needs to add strength but looks like there is a very high ceiling for him.
Quick handed guard with good passing vision. Good free throw shooter. Looks to jump the passing lanes in the open court and will strip the ball from bigger players. Has a tendency to reach against guards his own size – needs to move his feet. Can slash and score on the move.
Jalen Ford (PG, 5’9”, 2012) Andrews HS (High Point, NC)
Eyes-up true point guard. Undersized but understands how to run the offense from the PG spot. Above average passer – flashy, behind the back, right on the money to the open man. Good in transition and finds open teammates repeatedly.
Micheal Bowman (SG/SF,6’1”,2014) North Rowan HS (Spencer, NC)
Good slashing guard/forward with nice moves to finish under the basket. Has good form on his release and can hit from deep. Active and can play multiple positions, holds his ground and is a good rebounder. Excellent body control – can stop on a dime at full speed and square up for a shot or pass. Will need to play the 1 or 2 unless he gains height. In order to play the PG spot he will need to work on running the offense but should be considered a SG prospect right now but colleges should be adding him to their mailing lists.
Eli Hyatt (SG/SF, 6’4”, 2014) Piedmont HS (Monroe, NC)
Active guard/forward with good timing and high motor. Great square up on shot and has a knack for finding gaps in the defense. Can create his own shot but makes a lot of little plays – a tap out to another player or rebound. Can shoot from mid range or deep. Definitely a player to keep an eye on. Definitely tracking as a college prospect and could be a breakout player if he continues to work.
Tate Small (SF/PF, 6’5″, 2013) Ardrey Kell HS (Charlotte, NC)
Sure handed forward with good timing. Understands the flow of the offense and will move to make himself an option when the he sees the guards will need an outlet. This is a hidden skill – he makes himself a target either in transition or in the half court. Would need to try and add more SF skill set at his size.
Quick end-to-end player with rapid release. Takes defense seriously and moves his feet extremely well. Quick hands allow him to be a harassing guard on the defensive end. Solid ballhandler.
Sam Buckner (PG/SG, 6’0″, 2013) West Forsyth HS (Winston-Salem, NC)
Active guard who plays with purpose. Always looking to get the ball into the defensive gaps in half court and keeps the defense on its heels. Still working to improve playing off of the ball but can go right or left with the dribble. Good in transition – blasts upcourt and will get the rim before the defense is set.
Part 3 of our Southeast Summer Showcase reports are coming tomorrow. Want to know when the next Basketball Elite event is? Sign up for to be notified here.
Brandon Easter (PF/C, 6’7”, 2014) North Davidson HS (Winston-Salem, NC)
Still working on post moves and back to the basket game, but runs the floor very well and has good hands. Had a nice drop step and two handed dunk but needs to add offensive moves. Decent rebounder and above average passer as a big. Needs to get stronger to play the C and looks like he could be most effective at the PF spot with increased shot range. Right now probably tracking as a D2 or low-major collegiate player but with his size and mobility, he’s a guy who could continue to work and is definitely a player for colleges to be monitoring.
Michael Conner (SG, 6’1”, 2014) North Rowan HS (Spencer, NC)
Most effective in transition, he can get end-to-end with the ball in a hurry and score. Solid athlete who needs to work on his outside shot; his release is flat and not consistent. Needs to improve his off-hand (left) dribble. However, his athleticism makes him a prospect to track and since he is only a sophomore has a lot of time to improve. Definitely a player we started tracking earlier this year.
Enoch Koudja (SG/SF, 6’3”, 2013) Christian Sports Academy (Charleston, SC)
Strong bodied player who has good form but lacks consistency on his deep shot. Excellent rebounder and tough player. Will need to improve scoring to play off of the ball at the guard but is a versatile player who plays hard. Hails from France and is still learning the English language but understands the game of basketball.
Undersized shooting guard that has good strength and good finishing ability. A streaky outside shooter, Chiselom must improve his shooting as well as his passing to find playing time at the next level. Omar is a good defender that plays hard and is a good rebounder for his height. For his size and skillset, Chiselom is currently a lower D2 or JuCo prospect.
Bobby Stenborg (SF, 6’2″, SF) 2015 (Clayton, NC)
Stenborg is a player to watch for the future, already has decent height for a freshman and has a solid build. Has the footwork and offensive moves that would suggest Stenborg would be well suited as a post player but how much he grows will ultimately determine this. Stenborg plays hard and is not intimidated by older, bigger players but he needs to work on his game to further develop into a scoring threat.
Cameron Kirkman (PG, 5’10″, 2013) Heritage Christian School (Granite Falls, NC)
Kirkman is a true point guard with good court vision and solid ball handling skills who plays unselfishly. Had a few flashy passes on the break that were on the money but needs to learn to be stronger with the ball in the half court. He needs to bulk up this offseason, as stronger defenders gave him some trouble. Long range shot must also be improved. Currently a lower D2 or JuCo prospect.
Broderick Avery-Ellis (PG, 5’8″, 2014) North Hills Christian School (Salisbury, NC)
Undersized but quick and aggressive, Avery-Ellis plays as a true point with a good handle. Avery-Ellis looks to push the ball but needs to be surveying the floor for a look-ahead pass or watching where the defense is trying to cut him off. He dribbles eyes-up but can get into trouble by not anticipating where the defense is trying to push him. Quickness and handle make him a prospect to keep an eye on.
Nigel Williams (PG/SG, 6’2″, 2012) Queen City Prep (Charlotte, NC)
Has good size for a guard and gets the ball up the court quickly as a combo guard. Doesn’t look like a true point but has good athleticism. Shot release is high but needs to improve form and elevation on his shot – doesn’t appear to get his legs under his shot. Active. Has good passing vision and first step and can handle with right or left hand. Will slash and find open man when defense collapses.
Good hands and plays assertively without fouling. Does have some back-to-the-basket moves but could expand his repertoire to be able to get off more shots in the post. When he plays in the paint he’s undersized and needs to add strength in order to throw his weight around as a post player. Needs to improve ballhandling but is a solid passer from either post position. Would be most effective right now at the PF but has some ability to face the basket and should continue to improve on SF effectiveness.
Part 3 of our Southeast Summer Showcase reports are coming tomorrow. Want to know when the next Basketball Elite event is? Sign up for to be notified here.
By James Blackburn, Justin Byerly & Lance Everette
MVP: Charis Fitzgerald (PG, 6’1″, 2013)
Listed on every scout’s report as the top player of the 2012 Showcase, Fitzgerald put himself on the map with his athleticism and ability to play both in transition and in the half court.
Since winning the MVP, Charis has been contacted by Middle Tennessee State and East Carolina, with more to surely follow. Charis showed maturity, poise and athleticism; he’s that kind of athletic point guard who can dish or score, and has a deadly first step. He also competed deep into the dunk contest and performed well in the morning drill segment.
The combo guard’s skills, knowledge, and feel for the game were evident early on as he showed the ability to score the ball and defend. He has quick hands and stayed in front of his man. He is a solid ball handler and attacks the rim hard and with a purpose. Very good shooter with 3 point range- can shoot with feet set or off dribble. Surprising athlete who can get way over the rim to finish. Plays with a poise and confidence. Showed a variety of scoring moves including a nice step-back. Size is really only concern right now as he is mainly a scoring guard- needs to continue to improve play-making skills, but Mid-Major schools should definitely begin to watch him if they haven’t noticed already. He is a very close to being HM in our opinion.
Class of 2015
Daryl Myers (G, 5’10”, Oak Hill, Fredericksburg VA)
One of the quickest if not the quickest player at the Showcase. Excellent court vision and handle. Keeps the ball tight and close to body- doesn’t get it stolen much at all- has the ball on a string- even though he was youngest player in attendance. Gets to rim with ease and makes plays. Had multiple highlights with dribbling moves in full display. A good player to keep an eye on for the future as he is only a freshman.
Class of 2014
Larry Curry III (G, 6’2”, East Forsyth HS, Kernersville NC)
Attacks the basket relentlessly and finishes with contact. Strong and mature body- solid and impressive for a player who just finished his sophomore season. Quick and athletic- good leaper. Has a nice crossover dribble that he uses to get to the rim. Showed the ability to knock down the set 3 pointer as well when left open. A steady PG that just makes basketball plays. His shooting, overall play, and confidence seem to improve each time we scout him. He needs to continue to improve overall shooting consistency, but Curry has already caught the eye of several colleges, including Clemson University, with his solid play.
Colton Bishop (G, 6’1”, Forsyth Country Day, Lewisville NC)
Continued his solid play since the last time we saw him at the Rick Lewis Adidas Phenom Camp a few weeks ago. Very good handle and dribbling moves- has the ability to get into the painted area- where he can finish with creativity or kick to open shooters. Great shooter from the perimeter especially from 3. Showed some improved athleticism since the HS season and had a dunk in game 2. Colton seems to improve every time we have seen him- colleges should definitely begin to take notice of the PG who continues to make the case as one of the better guards in the class of 2014.
Cory Hanes (F, 6’5”, High Point Central, High Point NC)
Tough hard nosed player who does the dirty work and rebounds the ball on both ends. Good leaper- finished multiple dump down feeds from guards with drop step dunks. Needs to continue to improve ball handling. D2 and LM schools should begin to monitor his progress.
JaMeal Robinson (G, 6’3”, Greer HS, Greer SC)
Jameal was one of the more surprising players at the camp. Hails from the up-state of South Carolina, where he plays alongside one of SC’s top 2013 recruits LaBrian Shiflet. Robinson made a name for himself at the camp this weekend. A streaky shooter with range and has incredible leaping ability (runner-up in dunk contest). He can get to the rim, finish in traffic, and has a very good handle. He has steadily improved over the off-season and it is starting to really pay off. A low D1 or D2 prospect. Just needs to find the right fit.
Class of 2013
Ty’Quan Bitting (PF, 6’7”, Mt. Tabor HS, Winston-Salem NC)
Works hard on the offensive boards and did a good job of using length and athleticism to keep the ball alive or tip in his teammates misses when he couldn’t grab it with two hands. Didn’t give up on the play- had multiple plays where he would grab his own miss and put the ball back in. Defenders had a tough time handling him especially as he got it going at the end of the day- commanded double teams. Was able to get deep post position nearly every play and at will. Decent shot blocker but could easily become even better in this area because of length and athleticism. Has soft hands and runs the floor well. Needs to continue to improve his shooting consistency from the midrange area and add some weight to his frame (shouldn’t be a problem). Division 1 schools who need a mobile and athletic big should begin to monitor and watch his senior year with interest. Since his appearance in the Showcase, has been offered by Gardner-Webb.
Craig Hinton (F, 6’6”, East Forsyth HS, Kernersville NC)
Craig Hinton’s athleticism was on display from the beginning to the end of the event today. He had multiple dunks throughout the day and won the dunk contest for the second straight year with a between the legs dunk. His elite level leaping ability is off the charts and he is capable of dunking in traffic and over defenders. He did have several blocks today as well and even showed the ability to attack the basket with a couple of dribbles- needs to tighten his ball handling- has shown improvement since the HS season. Multiple Division 1 schools have shown interest.
Lepreece Lynch (G, 6’4”, Mt. Tabor HS, Winston-Salem NC)
Athletic and active guard who has a high motor. He has the ability to break his man down off the dribble and get to the rim. Prolific scorer who can slash to the hoop and shoot from the perimeter. Has good court vision. Gets off the floor quickly and gets high above the rim. Needs to continue to improve ball handling ability when pressured and be more careful as he got caught for some reaching fouls, but should have multiple options to play at the next level.
Tyler Rose (F, 6’6”, Calvary Baptist Day School, Pfafftown NC)
Athletic wing with length and good size. Has a pure shooting stroke from the outside and has range out to the 3 point range- can shoot off the catch and can also create his own shot. Can get to rim and did a good job of drawing contact and getting to the line today. Also showed the ability to handle the ball in the open floor. Needs to continue to improve pressure on ball defense. Schools on all levels have expressed interest.
Trey Mitchell (G, 6’4”, Olympic HS, Charlotte NC)
Versatile player who can shoot and slash/attack the basket. Has a high motor and provided energy for his team throughout the day. Mitchell makes plays, whether it is rebounding, blocking shots, or making the assist (had a nice running-off the glass pass to JaMeal Robinson, for a easy slam in the All-Star game) he does-it-all. Hard working D1 prospect that should get plenty of looks playing for powerhouse Olympic.
Nehemiah Stafford (G, 5’11”, Ashe County Hs, Fleetwood NC)
Strong guard who attacks the basket hard. Has good court vision and passing ability. Looks for his shot and for opportunities to score. Scoring guard who has the ability to play at the collegiate level.
Parker Smith (G, 6’1”, Reynolds HS, Winston-Salem NC)
Smart guard who makes the right plays at the right times. High IQ. Good handle and passing ability- unselfish and is willing to get others involved- not seen much at showcase events. Good court awareness and vision. Uses his body well to shield the ball. runs the floor with his head up at all times. Just another one of those kids’ that just knows how to play basketball and does it a very high level. Coaches Award winner this year (Voted on by the coaches working the event- given to player who does all little things needed by a team to win- an extension of the coach on the floor)
Oshon West (G, 6’3”, North Rowan HS, Spencer NC)
Physically imposing guard who does a great job of using his strength and size to score and rebound- plays bigger then 6’3”. Works hard and competes every play. Leader on the floor. Finishes around the basket with contact. Has a good handle and possesses a solid pull-up jumper. Streaky shooter who can get hot in a hurry- knocked down multiple 3 point shots today- is not gun shy. Gets a lot of rebounds, can finish on the break and is already getting some pretty good looks from colleges. He will be part of a talented North Rowan team that will be going for it’s second state title in three years.
Dylan Wood (F, 6’4”, East Forsyth HS, Kernersville NC)
Came in and played in the games after taking the SAT test in the morning. Contributed when on the floor. Worked hard on both ends. Committed to rebounding and playing defense. Finished around the basket 8 feet and in. Nice left hand mini hook shot. Day was cut short with a foot injury- but played well and had scouts notice his energy when he in the game.
Class of 2012
Chris Harris (C, 6’9”, East Forsyth HS, Kernersville NC)
Big bodied center. Grabs rebounds in his area. Needs to improve quickness. Soft hands- can catch anything thrown to him. Has the ability to shoot the ball consistently from perimeter. Has signed with Peace College.
Part 2 of our Southeast Summer Showcase reports are coming tomorrow. Want to know when the next Basketball Elite event is? Sign up for to be notified here.
We at Basketball Elite focus primarily on HS basketball, but we also scout college and professional basketball as well. We have scouted Winston-Salem State (NCAA DII) basketball in the past. Torez Young is a hometown kid that finished his HS career at Calvary Baptist in Winston-Salem. He finished 2nd in school history in points and 1st in assist and steals. These numbers were good enough for him to be a McDonald’s All-American nominee. Torez chose to attend Grambling State over offers from High Point and Wright State amongst others. After sitting out his first year at Grambling, he started 21 games the following year and was voted onto the 1st Team All-Freshman in the SWAC conference. Young transferred to Junior College- Florida State College the following year and led the entire state of Florida in assist. Halfway through the season Young signed with WSSU to be closer to home. After a disappointing year because of a torn ACL, Young will be counted on heavily this coming season for a talented WSSU squad.
James Blackburn has scouted and watched Torez’s game develop since his freshman year of college. He is a prolific scorer who can shoot the ball from the perimeter as well as beat you off the dribble. He is athletic and possesses decent size and length for the PG position. He is at his best in transition and he is an excellent passer.
Basketball Elite caught up with Winston-Salem State junior guard to talk about his off-season training, goals for next season, and his plans for the future.
The Basketball Elite Southeast Summer Showcase is the flagship event for Basketball Elite, with this year’s sponsors including Chik-fil-a, Pepsi and Basketball Times magazine. One of the features of the event is that players who are under the radar can make a name for themselves over the weekend and start getting more attention. The player who did that this weekend was Charis Fitzgerald (PG, 6’1″, 2013) from West Gadsden HS (Quincy, FL), an explosive slashing guard who can play above the rim as well as shoot from deep. Every scout in attendance had Charis at the top of their list for the day and he is definitely a D1 player. Probably tracking at the MM level right now but one that colleges are definitely overlooking when they shouldn’t be.
While we will have full write ups coming in a the next few days, a couple of other players who were able to raise their profile were Lepreece Lynch (SG, 6’4″, 2013) , Ty’Quan Bitting (PF/C, 6’8″, 2013), Jameal Robinson (SG, 6’3″, 2013), Tyler Rose (SF, 6’6″, 2013), Craig Hinton (SF, 6’6″, 2013) and Enoch Koudja (PG/SG, 6’3″, 2013).
Several media and scouts were in attendance for the 2012 Southeast Summer Showcase, including Rick Lewis of Phenom Hoop Report, Justin Byerly of Carolina Preps and Corey Pegram of Recruiting Hype.
…the Phenom Hoop Report tries to cover events at all levels, especially local and regional events like the 2nd Annual Southeastern Summer Showcase sponsored by Marcus Shockley and staff of Basketball Elite. The Southeastern Showcase was held at the beautiful campus of Forsyth Country Day in Lewisville, North Carolina. Over 75 players were in attendance and one thing was for certain, the high school prospects played with passion and played hard!
BasketballElite’s Southeast Summer Showcase put on by Marcus Shockley was held yesterday at Forsyth Country Day School in Lewisville, North Carolina. A talented group of players showed up for the event, and all of them competed well.
The BasketballElite.com Southeast Summer Showcase was held Saturday at Forsyth Country Day, with some of the more unknown players over the Southeast. This was one of those events that a kid, having a good weekend, could make a name for himself. A few of them did just that.
One of the top things players and parents ask us immediately after our Showcase is “When is the next one?”, which is great to hear, but the answer is that we don’t run many events. However, we will be adding some new events this year, and if you want to be notified of those, you can sign up for the email list here.
With the 2012 Southeast Summer Showcase in the books, we’ll be coming out with our reports, highlights and notes over the next few days. But the first item of business is the awards and all star rosters from the event.
Henry Sims, a 6’11” PF/C who just finished up his senior season at Georgetown, worked to show he might be an NBA prospect at the Portsmouth Invitational this year. We caught up with Henry to get his thoughts on his draft prospects and what he’s working on to try and get to that pro level.
