Breakout AAU players from the Mid-Atlantic Region

By Deante Scott

Now that the AAU season is wrapping up time, it’s to break down the class of 2013,2012 and 2014 breakout players in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Class of 2012

Eric Laster 6’6″ WF DE Team Takeover (Poly HS) This kid really impressed me on the circuit is a gritty hardnosed player who can finish above the rim. Although his ball handling isnt spectacular, Laster can keep the ball away from his defender.

Ronny Paden 6’4 G (Trenton Catholic) NJABC Paden has a college basketball frame who can hit the 20 footer with ease, and is able to open up for his teamates. Recently got his first offer from St. peters.

Mourice Watson 6’0 PG (Team Philly) Great potential! Started off Spring with no offers and now holds 16+. Really showed what he can do this summer.

Darrick Wood 6’5 SG Playaz (hargrave military)VA His long frame helps him finish in traffic, jumps really well and can shoot from NBA range.

Andre Horne 6’4 SG ECE (Newark HS ) DE Skilled combination guard that is more of a shooting guard, although he can help at the point because of his ball handling and basketball IQ. Horne competes and has toughness as well. He can get to the rim off the dribble and does a good job drawing fouls when pressured.

Class of 2013

John Davis Team Final (Nueman Guerreti)PA Davis is an active, long wiry athlete that can get to the rim and finish on the break. In the half court he is a pretty good slasher that likes to use the spin move. Davis is a willing passer and is a good area rebounder on both ends especially defensively.

Isaac Flemming 6’2″ PG ECE (william Penn) DE Flemming is a solid, pure point guard. He is definitely a pass first, run-the-show style point guard. He is a lefty that can score when needed but prefers to set up his teammates. He is effective at getting in the lane with his left handed dribble and either finding open teammates or scoring himself. He is a solid shooter with range to 20 feet.

Antonio Depina 6’3″ SG DE Team Takeover (Poly HS) Depina has a good build and can score in a variety of ways. Uses his size to muscle his way into the lane and score. More of a combo guard but has the ability to handle the ball, change of direction and keep body control in the lane. Good defender that can muscle smaller players around. Must improve jumpshot .

Myreek Folkes 6’3″ SG BMore Elite (Patterson HS) MD Knows how to score and is getting better every time out. He works extremely hard on skill work and will be a great fit at shooting guard in the So-Con/Big South level and mid-major schools, depending on the system.

Jamal Robinson 6’6″ SF DC Takeover (Paul VI)VA A strong and physical wing that attacks defenders off the bounce. He draws fouls because he dribbles through contact and can finish. Robinson also slashes in between defenders. He is a terrific rebounder and passer as well. Robinson is a great defender due to his desire and strength. He has the ability to defend both perimeter wing positions.

Shafeek Taylor 6’4″ SG Team Final (Roman Catholic ) PA has an excellent mid range game off the catch or dribble and did an excellent job making open shots or attacking the defender to make a scoring play when pressured. Taylor can spin and elevate in the lane or hit the open three on a kick out or ball reversal. He is a good rebounder that can push the ball after cleaning the offensive glass.

Class of 2014

Austin Tilghman 6’0″ PG ECE (St Andrews DE) Has the instincts of a pure point guard with a strong on the floor presence, innate feel for the game, and extroverted communication skills. He has excellent court vision and ability to set the table for his teammates but is also capable of making plays in the open court, playing pick and roll, or knocking down shots off the catch or the dribble.

Ben Bentill 6’8 PF ECE ( st Andrews DE) A thin combo forward that is improving by leaps and bounds. He is very, very long and is skilled enough to play the 3 one day down the road. Right now he is more of a skilled power forward. He is a solid athlete and has a tremendous upside. He’s an excellent catch and shoot player out to 15 feet. His release is slow but he’s accurate.

Jaquan Newton 6’0 PG Team Final (Nueman Guerreti)PA Has a tight handle and good quickness, is able to consistently get himself into the lane in both directions, and has a definite weapon with his pull-up jumper. He has a low release point on his jumper from behind the arc, but can nonetheless make open threes when left unchecked.

Romelo Trimble 6’2 SG Dcassault ( Bishop O Connell) MD Young guard that looks to score in transition as well as in the half court. He is very aggressive and has good size and strength for his age. He has a nice pull up jumper that he likes to shoot mostly going to his left and he has the ability to rebound and push the ball and take it coast to coast.

These players have shown they can play and aren’t under-the-radar players anymore. Look forward to seeing these players in the future.