Top Performers:
Matt Thomas,
6’4”, 2013 SG, WI Playmakers, Onalaska (WI): With a tournament filled with
knock-down shooters, Thomas established himself as the best of the best. Having
a picture perfect form, Thomas was always good for at least a few three’s per
game. On Saturday morning, Thomas went off hitting 9-11 from deep as one of his
future Iowa State coaches looked on with a smile. While a great shooter, Thomas
also displayed a solid ability to handle the ball both in both one-on-one and
pick and roll situations.
The Harrison
Twins: Before Andrew got hurt, the Harrison twins had it going on all
tournament long. Whether it was driving by a helpless defender for a lay-up,
knocking down a perimeter jump shot, or throwing an alley-oop, the brothers
could not be stopped. Aaron Harrison knocked down six three pointers in one
half on Saturday and was able to take over point guard duties when his brother
got hurt on Sunday. Assistants from Maryland and Baylor made their presence
well known for every Houston game.
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| Aaron Harrison |
Damontre
Jefferson, 5’7” – 2014 PG, Milwaukee Rebels, Milwaukee Hamilton (WI): Despite
always being the shortest player on the court, Jefferson more than made up for
it with his speed, ball-handling and toughness. Jefferson was the catalyst in
both playoff victories on Saturday putting defensive pressure on the opposing
guards which often led to fast break lay-ups for himself or teammates. While
being prone to getting out of control at times, Jefferson did not show any fear
attacking the basket against players much larger in size.
Kevon
Looney, 6’8” – 2014 F, Milwaukee Rebels, Milwaukee Hamilton (WI): Considered
one of the top prospects in 2014, Looney showed a wide variety of skills under
the watchful eye of Buzz Williams and Bo Ryan. Looney was a beast on the
offensive boards and also showed off a nice touch on his jump shot. The long
and sinewy wing always played hard on both sides of the ball blocking shots on
one end and getting to the basket at the other.
Rashad
Vaughn, 6’6” – 2014 SG, Net Gain Sports, Robindale Cooper (MN): The 2014 class is
loaded with top-notch wings and Vaughn might have the most impressive skill set
of anyone not named Andrew Wiggins. Vaughn showed off a three point stroke that
looked reminiscent to 2009 Final Four MOP Wayne Ellington. To go along with his
outside stroke, he also possessed a strong handle that enabled him to create
one on one and get to the basket. He is definitely one of the more impressive
players in the upcoming junior class.
Roddy
Peters, 6’4” – 2013 G, DC Assault, Suitland (MD): Peters has been climbing up
the recruiting ranks and his play in this tournament did nothing to dispel his rise.
Using his 6’4” frame, Peters attacked the basket every chance he got, whether
it was a drive down the left or right side of the court. Peters was one of the
few bright spots in a blowout loss to the Illinois Wolves and also carried his
team to a close victory of LAX Hoops. His tournament was cut short in pool play
as he aggravated an already sore shoulder.
Robert
Johnson, 6’2” – 2013 SG, DC Assault, LC Bird (VA): Johnson made the most out of
Peters’ absence and drained three after three against the 2-3 zone the Atlanta
Celtics employed. Known as the top shooter in Virginia, Johnson showed the Midwest
what he is capable of and was one of the main reasons DC Assault advanced to
the 17U quarterfinals.
Kendall
Stephens, 6’6” – 2013 SG, Illinois Wolves, St. Charles East (IL): The future
Boilermaker was the most consistent player for the Wolves through pool play and
the playoffs. Stephens buried numerous three pointers during the tournament and
also showed a nice ability to slash to the basket. The Wolves trailed at the
half in a few games, but Stephens was always the second half spark plug that
would get the team going with a crucial steal or basket.
Nathan
Taphorn, 6’7” – 2013 SG/SF, Illinois Wolves, Pekin (IL): Fresh off a
Northwestern commitment, Taphorn shot the lights out from three for the
majority of the tournament. Taphorn, similar to Matt Thomas had a picture
perfect stroke, The lanky wing was able to utilize screens and fancy footwork
to connect on several three’s per game. Taphorn utilized a solid pump fake, but
will have to work on his shot off the dribble going forward. When his shot wasn’t
falling (which wasn’t often), Taphorn did not have another way to create
baskets and went scoreless in the championship game.
Jared
Brownridge, 6’2” – 2013 SG, Illinois Wolves, Waubonsie Valley (IL): The Wolves
had a plethora of shooters on their team which included Brownridge. While he
did not start, Brownridge came in off the bench and got right to work. Against
DC Assault, he hit six three pointers in a blowout win. Brownridge has a quick
release which allows him to get his shot off against taller defenders and
showed a good burst when driving to the basket.
Keita
Bates-Diop, 6’7” – 2014 SF, Illinois Wolves, U-High (IL): Bates-Diop spent most
of the Summer Jam playing for his 16U team, but did not disappoint when called
up for some 17U action. Being heavily recruited by the majority of Big 10
teams, Bates-Diop showed off a variety of skills in the 17U championship game
hitting a three, while also having an electric dunk.
Riley Dearring,
6’5” – 2013 G, Net Gain Sports, Minnetonka (MN): Dearring committed to
Wisconsin right before the Summer Jam and after his play this weekend, the
Wisconsin coaching staff was definitely glad to have him locked up. Dearring is
eerily similar to the recently graduated Jason Clark of Georgetown, both in
body type and playing style. If Dearring can have a similar type career, Badger
fans will be extremely happy.
Malik Pope,
6’8” – 2014 SF, Team Superstar, Burbank (CA): One of the fastest rising players
in the class of 2014, Pope presented match-up nightmares at the 16U level with
his height and length. Pope versatility is obvious, but he will need to learn
how to use his 6’8” frame to his advantage against shorter defenders. Pope had
5+ inches on many of his defenders but settled for too many jump shots and
floaters in the lane. Despite settling for outside shots, Pope’s rise will be
one to keep an eye on.
Other News
and Notes:
The shot of
the tournament goes to Oak Hill guard, Nate Britt. Despite struggling during
the tournament, Britt calmly drained a three pointer from the top of the key as
time expired against the Atlanta Celtics. This shot came in the last game of
the night on Saturday and provided DC Assault a chance to compete on Sunday.
The dunk of
the tournament goes to Deonte Burton who threw down a ridiculous reverse dunk
against the Houston Defenders which got the crowd off its feet. Burton is the
most physically imposing player on the circuit not named Julius Randle.
Marquette has already locked Burton up along with in-state guard Duane Wilson.
Wisconsin has already locked up guards Riley Dearring and Bronson Koenig. Both
schools are doing a great job in keeping the top players in state and have
built a nice base for the future.
Saturday
afternoon featured a coaching match-up that would cause the casual observer to
do a double take. In the Homestead high auxiliary gym, former Wizards coach
Eddie Jordan led DC Assault while former New Mexico State and Sacramento Kings
coach Reggie Theus led LAX Hoops. DC Assault won in a squeaker.
Looking at
the tournament roster, one of the main things to jump out is the fact that the
whole Utah Reign team goes to Lone Peak High. Utah made it to the quarterfinals
before bowing out to the Houston defenders and they are led by three BYU
commits. Last year Lone Peak won the state championship 68-38 and it is almost
unfair to think of what they will do this year. After the loss to Houston one
head coach remarked to BYU coach Dave Rose “You’ve got quite the talent coming
in.” Future Lone Peak opponents would agree.
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| Nick Emery |
Note: All photos were provided by Kelly Kline - Under Armour.
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