By Charles Clark

Well by now I’m sure that you have already heard about the Trinity vs. Village matchup Tuesday night, the environment was absolutely insane with fans being turned away at the door due to overcrowding inside. Fans sat on bleachers, chairs, stood in corners and some even sat on the floor just to see this matchup, As one coach mentioned to me ‘‘ this is what high school basketball is all about!!’’ The game was a great matchup with Village and Trinity going back and forth up until the 3rd quarter where Village would make a run to stretch the leads to 11 points, But Trinity would make a comeback and cut the lead to 4 at the end of the 3 rd quarter. In the 4th Quarter the two teams would go back and forth up until the final minute when Trinity would come up with multiple steals and Scores to take the win at Village Christian. It was very impressive to see the amount of talent that was on the floor, so with out further ado let’s take a look at some of the prospects that stood out to me:

Trinity Christian:

Zo Tyson, 6’9, 2015 Center (High Point Commit)- To see the progression that Zo has made over the past few years has to make you smile, this young man has worked hard and will be an asset to the High Point Program. Zo was very active on both ends of the floor, on the defensive end he challenged and blocked shots at high rate as well cleaning up the glass for rebounds. He’s one of those players that does the dirty work and the small things that may not get a ton of publicity but at the end of the night you love him if he’s on your squad. What may have impressed me most was how well he played on the offensive end, Zo has become comfortable playing with his back to the basket, he has used a short jump hook shot for a while now that goes in with regularity. Zo was also outstanding on the offensive glass getting rebounds and put back dunks for Trinity. However there was one move in particular that impressed me, in the 2nd half he was guarded on the baseline and looked as if he had no where to go, instead of forcing a bad pass he took one dribble and knocked a beautiful fade away jumper. Very impressive performance for this young man in the win for Trinity

Dennis Smith Jr. 6’2, 2016, Point Guard- As most people know, Dennis Smith Jr. has gone from being an unranked PG to being ranked the #1 PG in the class of 2016 by ESPN.com and numerous other scouting services. Smith has very good height for a PG and uses that height along with his IQ and outstanding athletic ability to help his team. Smith Struggled shooting the ball through three quarters but still made plays and passes that would help his team stay in the game and eventually take the lead. Smith has a very competitive nature, you can see that he absolutely hates losing and will do anything possible to help his squad win. The 4th quarter is when Smith really put his stamp on the game, he got to the paint time after time, finishing layups and drawing fouls to get to the line. Smith has the potential to be an outstanding player at the next level if he continues to progress, I would love to see Smith improve his shooting so that he’s knocking down the perimeter shot with consistency.

Cameron Campbell, 6’2, 2016, Guard- An impressive showing for this young man, he showed outstanding ball handling and decision making throughout the game. What impressed me the most was his perimeter shooting, although he didn’t knock down a high amount of threes you can tell that he absolutely is a shooter. Has good elevation on his shot and good form, knocked a huge three pointer in the 4th quarter to help Trinity gain more momentum
Joey Baker, 6’6, 8th Grade, Forward- The key word with Joey Baker is POTENTIAL; he’s only in 8th grade but is logging solid mins on a varsity squad that is a target for its opponents on a nightly basis. Although he didn’t have a big scoring night, he competes and It’s easy to see that he has a natural feel for the game and will be a player that coaches around the country will come to see in a few years if he continues to progress. Can already shoot it from outside and with added strength will be able to play inside the paint as well.

Village Christian:

Michael Hueitt Jr. 6’2, 2017, Guard- If you have known me the past few years then you know that I’ve been a believer of the young man Michael Hueitt Jr. He has the potential to be an even better player than he already is now if he continues to work and progress in a few areas. To make it plain and simple he’s is one of the best shooters in the state this year and is averaging close to 20 PPG.This young man brings a ton of intensity on a nightly basis and is a fan favorite, All Hueitt needs is just a small amount of space to get his shot off and he knocks it down on a regular basis. On Tuesday he showed that not only can he knock down the trey ball with regularity but also the midrange shot and even can throw it down when he gets in transition. One area that I would love to must see more from Hueitt is on the defensive end, he has a very long wingspan and can develop into a defensive specialist, If you haven’t added Michael Hueitt Jr.to your ‘Players to Watch’’ list , you definitely should because he’s worth the price of admission without a doubt. It also should be noted that Michael Hueitt Jr. was my ‘‘Hand Down, Man Down’’ award winner last season.

Kwinton Hinson 6’4, 2015, Wing- I saw Kwinton two years ago at the Eastern Regional Championship at Crown Arena, you could see that he was a talented player but was young and his body would still need some work. Well lets forward to Tuesday night, Kwinton has a college body already and was very impressive, especially in the first half. He knocked down shots from the Perimeter and Midrange as well as getting to the basket when he wanted; although he scored 16 Points I was more impressed with the 12 Rebounds that he pulled down. With his height and frame he’s definitely an asset to a program, he is the type of player that can pull down a rebound, push the ball the full length of the court and make a play. Kwinton has a very mature game but I would love to see him get him a little better handling the ball; however he definitely was impressive and looks like he will have an outstanding senior season.

David Strother 6’2, 2016 Guard- David played a solid game , he handled pressure very well throughout the night, This young man knows how to keep defenders guessing by using a variety of moves and fakes , especially when bringing the ball up the court. On the defensive end he read the opposition very well and came up with numerous steals, offensively he has a nice floater that he uses once he gets into the paint and his jump shot is improving as well. David is one of those players that may not jump out at you but he knows how the Point Guard position is supposed to be ran.

Juwuan Wright, 6’5, 2015, Forward- Village was definitely undersized in their matchup with Trinity so a big night from Juwuan was needed. Although he didn’t have his best night offensively, he was very active throughout the night, especially on the glass,
He finished the game with 10 Rebounds and 8 Points. One attribute that I def like about Juwuan is the intensity and enthusiasm he brings to his team on a nightly basis. No matter how big the opponent he’s def not backing down for anyone, is progressing on the offensive end and will be very dangerous if he’s add more midrange/perimeter shooting to his game.

Want more scouting notes and player details? Be sure to follow Charles Clark on Twitter @CHC3, right this second!

Mark Tollesfsen Basketball

By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: San Francisco vs Evansville (Gulf Coast Showcase)
Evansville wins 79-72
Box Score

Mark Tollefsen (F, 6’9″, JR)

Stats
11-21 FG , 9 reb, 3 assist, 1 steal, 2 TO’s, 23 TP

Strengths
Tremendously skilled lefty with good length and athleticism. Versatile SF with a high motor. Is active around the rim and sticks with his own misses- has a quick 2nd jump. Can put the ball on floor and score off the dribble in a variety of ways. Underrated passer who sees the floor very well and delivers passes on time and on target. Above average shooter who gets great arc on his shots and has soft touch. Terrific face up shooter. Good athlete who finished multiple lob plays above the rim.
Was willing to do whatever the team needed him to do. Can play on the wing and he can pick and roll or pick and pop.
High IQ player who has a great feel for the game.

Weaknesses
Needs to get stronger in both upper and lower body so he can keep his lines on drives. San Fransisco played a mix of zone and man on defense. Mark was average on this end. Didnt stay in stance and I question if he can stay in front of good SF’s. Is a tweener on the defensive end.
While Mark is a good shooter, he needs to continue to improve his range and consistency shooting the 3- better midrange shooter.
Good offensive rebounder because of activity but needs to improve on the defensive glass- struggles to hold ground when boxing out.

Overview
Mark was his teams best and most consistent player throughout the three days of the Gulf Coast Showcase tournament I was able to watch him in. The more you watch him play, you realize how valuable he is to his team. It was hard to keep him off the floor.

He has a player who has a lot of potential and while he is an average defender at this point, I could see him becoming a great defender because of length and athleticism. Still has another year left to improve and get stronger. I can see him becoming a player that could garner a Portsmouth Invite and possibly a summer league spot. At the very least his skills would be highly coveted by a European club. He could play for a 1st division in a mid-tier country or a 2nd division team in a top tier country (Turkey, Spain, Israel, etc). The D-League would also be an option for him too, but I think his skills would be more utilized in Europe.

Michael Okauru

Michael Okauru showed a flair for scoring at the Phenom High School Jamboree

By James Blackburn

I was able to attend the Phenom Hoop High School Jamboree on Saturday held at Proehlific Park in Greensboro, NC. 24 high school teams from around the region attended the event which was well attended by college coaches of every division. I was able to see see just about every team during my time spent there and my reports on some of the top performers are below.

2015


Cecil Moore

(5’10”, Calvary Baptist)
Super quick guard who can get to paint. Defends the ball baseline to baseline. Needs to improve playmaking ability but is a solid guard.

Xavier Hill-Mais

(6’8″, Greensboro Page)

One of the strongest bigs in attendance today. Great post defender who protects rim without fouling. Tough nosed and physical.

Dusan Kovacevic

(6’10”, Rabun Gap)

Was the top player in attendance today in my opinion. Is a point forward and ran the PG position for most of the day. Is in great shape and played almost every minute in all 3 games and was the number one offensive weapon. Has a great feel for the game and is highly skilled. Reminds me of Joe Ingles who played for Team Australia this summer in the FIBA World Cup. Is vocal and a floor leader. Solid ball handler who can also knock down open 3’s. Unselfish. Is from Serbia and played for the Junior National team this past summer. Utilizes pump fakes and can score the ball when needed. Not afraid of contact. Needs to improve quickness and explosion. Already holds several D1 offers and is a HM player in my opinion.

Luka Majstorovic

(6’9″, Rabun Gap)

Back to the basket C who has great hands and footwork. Is great in the high post or on the block. Has a soft touch and showed off several post moves including a nice turn around. Solid defensive rebounder and made several terrific outlet passes. Reminds me of Kennedy Meeks in several ways. Very good passer. Strong and big bodied post who has lost weight since the summer. Not very athletic but moves well for his size. LM/MM schools should be recruiting him hard.

Christian Adams

(6’3″, Calvary Baptist)

The Coastal Carolina commit looked solid on both ends all day. Lefty wing with good size and has the ability to create for himself and others. Can score in multiple ways.

Kentrell Barkley

(6’6″, 2015)

The ECU commit was all over the floor today. Love his energy and his motor. Uses his athleticism to his advantage. Solid rebounder who can score above the rim.

Rob Brown

(6’8″, Millbrook HS)

Mobile big who has tremendous strength and good size. Has solid upside. Would be a steal for some D2 teams.

Marko Tomic

(6’8″, Freedom Academy)
Stretch 4 who has a terrific stroke from 3-pt line. Skilled player who can pass, dribble, and shoot. Unselfish player who has a great feel for the game. Is from Serbia. LM schools should be all over this kid.

Corey Hanes

(6’5″, Forsyth Country Day)

Hybrid forward who looks more explosive then the last time I saw him. Can score above the rim and create own offense from perimeter or in post. Needs to improve consistency, but any D2/LM schools still needing a 4 man, they should give him a look.

Peter Parkitny

(6’10”, Calvary Baptist)

Mobile big who can shoot the midrange with consistency. Shows solid effort and is mobile. Would be effective in the right system. Hasnt been the states long and I expect his recruitment to pick up soon. D2/LM prospect.

James Dickey

(6’9″, Word of God)

Best shot blocker I saw on the day. Uses his length, timing, and athleticism to alter and block shots. Runs the floor well. Unselfish player who has upside. Can hit the 3 and has good arc on his shot. Needs to add weight. Dickey has committed to UNCG.

Darius Moore

(5’10”, Greensboro Day)

Smooth and unselfish. One of the best pure PGs at the event. Poised floor general who is a terrific passer. Scoring ability has improved. Has a great feel for the game and has good creativity around the rim. Will be heading to PC to play.

Peter Agba

(6’6″, Greensboro Day)

Always will be a big fan of Agba game. Plays much bigger then 6’6″ because of a great frame and a never ending motor. Tremendous rebounder and finisher inside.

2016


Kevin Quinn

(6’4″, Virginia Episcopal)

Underrated player who does the little things to help a team win. Elite shooter who can also score at the rim. College prospect without a doubt.

Delante Jones

(6’5″, Virginia Episcopal)

Loved this kids game. Super bouncy wing who defends and makes plays on both ends. American University got a steal with this kid.

Sacha Killeya- Jones

(6’10”, Virginia Epsicopal)

One of the top bigs at the event today. Mobile and athletic. Can block shots and finish inside. Is receiving interest from multiple HM schools.

Justice Kithcart

(6’2″, Virginia Epsicopal)

Shifty, quick, and athletic PG who can score with contact and get to rim at will.

Greyson Kelley (6’0″, North Raleigh Christian)
Plays extremely hard. Gives 100% energy every play on both ends. Attacks the rim hard. D2 prospect.

Jay Huff

(6’10”, Voyager Academy)

Good shot blocking mobile big man. Great length. Needs to improve conditioning and strength. Can stretch the floor with a solid looking stroke out to 3 and a soft touch. MM prospect.

Casey Penland

(6’1″, High Point Christian)

Athletic guard who is smooth and attacks the rim hard. Can finish at rim in creative ways.

Lawrence Williams

(6’7″, New Hanover HS)

Bouncy and long player with potential.

Michael Steward

(6’5″, Asheville Christian Academy)

Showed good patience in the post and some solid back to basket moves. Has a soft shooting touch out to 15′. Needs to add some muscle but has potential.

Jordan Shepard

(6’2″, Asheville Christian Academy)

One of the top players on his team and one of the best guards I saw today. Ball pressure doesn’t effect him. Poised and patient PG. Smooth and athletic player who can create his own shot. D1 prospect.

2017


Michael Okauru

(6’4′, Ravenscroft HS)
Terrific playmaker with solid court vision especially in transition. Capable of getting to the paint. High energy player on the offensive ends. Capable of becoming a solid defender because of athleticism, but needs to be more consistent on this sid of the floor. Better on the ball defender at this point, lost his man more then once when his man didn’t have the ball. D1 prospect at the guard spot.

JP Moorman

(6’5″, Greensboro Day)

Can catch and finish on the run. Runs the floor well and defends.

Kameron Langley

(6’0″, Southwest Guilford HS)

Kameron was another PG who stood out to me today as someone who was able to use his speed in the open court and also get to the rim. Excellent in a high tempo system. Can finish with contact.

Todd Smith

(6’4″, 2017)

Terrific athlete who had several highlight finishes today. Good shot blocker for size.

Douglas Elks

(6’4″, Ravenscroft HS)

True PG who plays with poise. High IQ player who is unselfish and willing to make extra pass. Moves feet well on defense and makes team better while on floor. Is an underrated player in my opinion and is someone D1 schools should begin to track.

Kaleb Hunter

(6’3″, North Raleigh Christian)

Active lefty who is a good wing defender. Solid across the board.

2018


Drew Tazuma

(6’4″, Knightdale HS)

High energy player who impacts the game on both ends. Love his motor and his potential. Mobile and athletic.

James Blackburn is the Director of Scouting for Basketball Elite and Power to Win Sports. You can keep up with James on Twitter @JamesJunior21