Bigtime Media Commitment Changes the Game for MSAG & Spotlight

The value of playing in and attending the Middle School All-American Game, Coach Francis Classic, and Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp has just exploded and gone through the roof with the announcement that world renown high school scout Clark Francis will be in attendance.

For those that are unfamiliar with Francis; Clark Francis has been the Editor and Publisher of the Hoop Scoop since 1983 and is widely recognized as one of the foremost authorities on high school basketball and recruiting in the United States. 

Francis has a degree in journalism and is a member of the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game Selection Committee, has written a monthly recruiting column for the Basketball Times for over 20 years.  In addition to that he has been published in numerous other publication including but not limited to USA Today, Blue Ribbon Yearbook, Sporting News, Syracuse Post Standard, and the Cats' Pause Pre-Season Yearbook.

Francis is one of the foremost authorities in basketball and his endorsement is a considered a birth right for the top high school player in the country – Francis provides his knowledge  and resources  is to numerous talk shows, newspapers, and magazines and provides a unique perspective based on his experience. 

Francis has been to every NCAA Final Four since 1973 and can be found at every major tournament and shoe circuit event and has consistently been on the cutting edge with his foresight and player.  Clark Francis has long been a proponent of getting an early start on analyzing top players at an early and is attendance at the upcoming events will be invaluable to the players in attendance.

 

The Can't Miss Event of 2016 Register Immediately before Events Sells Out

Click Below to Register

 

Middle School All-American Game Announces Coaches for 2016 Game



Chris Cole, Clinton Christian School

Chris Cole – Men Basketball Coach Clinton Christian School, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Coach Cole has been reinventing himself from a player to one of the best personal trainers and coaches in the game. Chris has worked with numerous NBA, College, and top tier high school players since 2011. From training camps to universities he has learned from basketball icons Mike Krzyzewski and Hubie brown to name a few. His experience for the game stretches beyond his years, but his life experiences have shaped his character.

Coach Cole's playing career was shortened due to illness, beginning a medical bout with cancerous polyps. Ever since then he has been dedicated to inspiring children and cultivating their love for the game while also aggressively advocating for cancer awareness. In three short years Coach Cole has been named Coach of the Year twice in the powerful and competitive Capital Beltway Association while also winning two championships and coaching the MD state player of the year in 2015.  Chris graduated from California State University  Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor's in Kinesiology.

Matt Lochte – Men’s Basketball Coach Dulaney High School, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093

Matt Lochte, Dulaney HS

Coach Matt Lochte is entering his 17^th year of coaching high school basketball. Serving as head coach of Dulaney High School (Timonium, Md.) for the past twelve seasons, Lochte has amassed a record of 179-102 (64% win rate).

While at Dulaney under Lochte’s leadership, 30 plus players have gone on to play college basketball at the NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, Junior College, and NAIA levels. Division I players include Ramos Krywonis, Citadel;  Colin Stevens, Costal Carolina; Dan Ross, Radford; Matt Fiery, Bucknell; Will Darley, UMBC; and Isaiah Lamb, Marist.

Dulaney has also had multiple Maryland All-State and Baltimore Sun All-Met Selections / Honorable Mentions during Coach Lochte’s tenure, including Baltimore County Player of the Year Award Winners Colin Stevens (2001), Gavin Scanlan (2013), and Scott Harrellson (2015).

Lochte, a true student of the game, has coached at dozens of camps over the years, including running/directing his own camp, Future All-Stars Basketball Camp. He is currently involved with the Hoop Group camp organization among others. In addition, Lochte has attended and presented at many different coaching clinics and roundtables across the county including the Nike Championship Coaching Clinics and the Coach Morgan Wootten DC Clinic.

Lochte has coached in multiple All-Star Games and received a number of Coaching Awards. Lochte coached in the Maryland vs Pennsylvania All-Star Game 2014-2016 and the Baltimore City vs Baltimore County All-Star Game 2001, 2012, 2014 and 2016. In 2016 the game was held at Dulaney High School and Lochte and his staff lead the County Squad to victory. Coach Lochte has won a variety of Coach of the Year awards from Baltimore County and Dulaney High School over his coaching career, but his most prestigious award came in 2011 when he was named Maryland State High School Basketball Coach of the Year by National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

When Lochte took the helm at Dulaney, the program was well-respected in Baltimore County, and is now known as one of the top public school programs in the state. The team is regularly ranked in the Top 15 by the Baltimore Sun and takes on some of the top programs in the DMV.  Lochte, a tactician of the game, is probably most known for high-powered offense and a full court-pressing defense.

 

Nick Jones, Spalding HS

Nick Jones – Men’s Basketball Coach Spalding High School, Severn, MD 21144

Nick Jones is preparing to enter his second year at the helm for the Spalding Cavaliers.  After serving as an assistant at his alma matter, St. John's College High  School (DC) for the past six years, Jones made the decision to build a program of his own.  While at St. John's, Jones was responsible for recruiting coordination, player development, and daily administrative tasks.  In his tenure as an assistant, he assisted in the development and recruitment of over 14 Division 1 athletes, including 8 in his final two years. 

Jones brings a tremendous work ethic and unrelenting energy to his coaching style.  A permanent fixture on the sidelines at the local AAU tournaments, it will not be long before the Cavaliers are fighting for a top spot again. Taking over a previously 4-26 team in the BCL and MIAA, Jones more than doubled the program's win total in his first season.  In addition to this, Justin Kane (Coast Guard Academy) was selected 2nd Team All Conference in the BCL.  Excitement is at an all-time high as the Spalding community continues to watch Jones as his program rises.

A native of Washington, DC, Jones finished his career at St. John's in 2003 and continued his playing career at Hamilton College (NY). While there, Jones was honored as the Rookie of the Year and Second-Team All Conference in first season.  For each of his remaining three years, he was a First-Team All Conference selection, finishing his career with over 1,300 points.  Coming from a basketball family, Jones has three brothers and sisters, all who played college basketball and his father, Collis Jones - also a St. John's alum - was an All-American performer at Notre Dame and an NBA first round draft pick of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Chuck Driesell, Maret HS

Chuck Driesell – Men’s Basketball Coach Maret High School, Washington, DC 20008

Chuck Driesell’s career spans 30+ years of all ranks of Division I, Division III and high school basketball. A former ACC all-academic shooting guard and University of Maryland alumnus, Coach Driesell started his career at the Naval Academy Prep School where he amassed a 40-29 record from 1985-88.

He spent nine seasons as Associate Head Coach at James Madison University under his father, Charles ‘Lefty’ Driesell. He helped build and guide the JMU Dukes to unprecedented success. From 1989-94, JMU either won or tied for five consecutive Colonial Athletic Association regular season championships (the only team in the country to do so at the time). JMU captured the 1994 CAA Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament where they lost to eventual national finalist Florida, 64-62. JMU compiled a 159-111 record (85-45 CAA) and made four postseason appearances in nine seasons.

Driesell spent six seasons (1997-2003) as the Head Coach at Division III Marymount where he guided the Saints to an 88-72 mark. In 1999-2000, he led Marymount to the Capital Athletic Conference Tournament championship and its first NCAA Tournament appearance. Driesell also served as Assistant Athletic Director at Marymount from 1999-2003.

Driesell left Marymount to become an Assistant at Georgetown University where he was the Recruiting Coordinator that included the class of Roy Hibbert and Jeff Green; two standout players for the Hoyas.

Driesell moved on to become the Head Coach at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA before Gary Williams, Head Coach at The University of Maryland needed someone that knew and understood recruiting in the DMV area. Driesell served for four seasons at the University of Maryland as an Assistant Basketball Coach where he went head-to-head in recruiting with schools from the ACC, SEC and Big East. His time at Maryland included a 24-9 record in 2009-10 and a share of the ACC regular season title with an 11-3 conference record. Maryland earned a berth in the NCAA tournament as a No. 4 seed and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Coach Driesell became the Head Coach at The Citadel in 2010. He spent five years coaching, recruiting and developing players and cadets in the Southern Conference of Division I basketball. Coach Driesell is currently the Head Coach at the prestigious Maret School in Washington, DC. His experience in coaching and developing talent at the college level will be an asset to any young player that plays under him.

What people are saying about coach Driesell:

“Coach Driesell and I came to the University of Maryland at the same time. Since that time, he has helped me reach my goals as a player. He is a hard worker and builds a long lasting relationship with each of his players.”
-Grevis Vasquez, Milwalkee Bucks

“I have known him for a long time and he is the type of coach that understands the player development with his attention to detail. Chuck’s work ethic in practice and during the game will make for improvement of his players on many levels.”
-CBS analyst Len Elmore-

"Junior" Burrough, Norfolk Collegiate HS

"Junior" Burrough – Men’s Basketball Coach Norfolk Collegiate High School, Norfolk, VA 23505

"Junior" Burrough is entering his first year as Head Coach of Norfolk Collegiate. A 6'8" power forward who attended national power Oak Hill for high school, Burrough play collegiately in the ACC at the University of Virginia where he is still a Top 5 - All Time leading scorer and a Top 3 All Time leading rebounder for the Cavaliers. 

After leaving the University of Virginia Burrough and was selected by the Bostin Celtics 33rd overall in the 1995 NBA Draft.

Burrough has tangible experience playing at the highest levels of basketball; a four-year starter at Virginia, he has not only competed but he has won while playing a prominent role - “Junior” in his senior year was the leading scorer on a squad that won the ACC co-championship. After his time with the Boston Celtics; Burrough had a long tenured career overseas before retiring in 2009. 

Burroughs has sharpened his teeth on the sidelines on the AAU side having coach multiple teams ranked nationally in the Top 5 in the country as well as spending time with one of the most highly regarded AAU programs in the country. 

“Junior” was also seen and heard doing basketball broadcast as an analyst for Comcast as well as other media outlets. He has touch, trained, and worked with several pro and college players maintaining his edge in the gym.

When asked, “why now, and what made this the right opportunity?” Burrough stated “I’ve had other opportunities over the last few years, this will give me an opportunity not to put Norfolk Collegiate back on the map, but to continue its legacy of success. I hope to do that.”

The Norfolk Collegiate Oaks last season won the Tidewater Conference tournament championship and earned a VISAA Division II state tournament berth.

ODU Head Coach Jeff Jones said about Burrough that he was “poised, ambitious and hungry for the job.” It was under Jones at UVA that Burrough averaged 18.1 points per game. Burrough said winning is important, but his goal is to produce well-rounded young men who will be productive citizens and successful after high school.

“I think winning will take care of itself if you take care of those other things first,” he said.

 

Burrough said he’s looking forward to competing in the tough Tidewater Conference closing with “I don’t want to make any crazy promises. That’s not how I work. But I plan on grinding.” Look for “Junior’ Burroughs to continue the winning tradition well into the future.

 

Ralph D. Flowers, Concord HS

Coach Ralph D. Flowers, Men Basketball Coach Concord High School, Wilmington, DE 19810

Coach Ralph Flowers is beginning his twelfth year as Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Concord High School, in Wilmington Delaware. He is a graduuate of both LaSalle University (BS) where he played alongside former NBA lottery pick Lionel “L-Train” Simmons and Central Michigan University (MS). Coach Flowers has also served 28 years with the U.S. Army Reserves as an Engineer and Army Officer.


While at Concord High School Coach Flowers has led his Raiders to four Final Four State Tournament appearances and three conference Championships. Coach Flowers has also earned Conference Coach of the Year and Delaware State Coach of the Year awards while at Concord High School as his teams have won over 74% of their games in the last eleven years.

While at LaSalle University, Coach Flowers played under two Hall of Fame Coaches who taught him the game, Coach Bill “Speedy” Morris and Coach Fran Dunphy. Coach Flowers was also selected to play with the 1992 All Army Basketball while still on Active Duty.

Coach Flowers and his highly skilled Coaching staff run several basketball Camps each year at Concord High to assist the young and upcoming basketball players with skill development. Concord High School also runs a yearly Coaches vs Cancer event that raises thousands of dollars each year toward the fight against Cancer.

Coach Flowers moniker is that ‘Hard Work Always Pays Off’ follow his journey at www.raiderssports.com

  All Middle School All-Americans will compete in the upcoming Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp - if you are ready to Battle against the Best in the country click below to register!

 

Elijah Fisher One Man One Goal: He's Coming for that #1 Spot

Ro Russell has been referred to as Toronto’s pipeline to the NBA; he has worked and trained some of the Canada’s most high level and elite players including NBA players Andrew Wiggins, Cory Joseph, Tristian Thompson, Dwight Powell, Nik Stauskas, and more.  

His assessment and development process cannot be denied and neither can his results.  For those in the know another of Ro Russell’s guys, Elijah Fisher, is already taking the nation by storm in the class of 2023 rather in most cases it’s been in the class of 2022 or 2021 as Fisher has consistently played up and made an impact.

The reality is that Elijah Fisher is not only a member of the 2023 class, approaching 6’1, but that he may be the its most complete, versatile, and following his fellow county man’s footsteps 2019 Rowan Barrett Jr., poised to challenge for the nations #1 spot in the country in 2023.

Elijah is being exclusively developed as a perimeter player and has a prototypical scoring guard frame (great length) and the skills to go along with it. He is deceptively explosive in transition and can put together a highlight reel of moves and counter moves – craftiness usually reserved for player many years his senior. He has a legitimate jump shot out to 22-feet and his release is smooth. He can elevate over his defender and get his shot off or explode off the dribble to get to the paint. Due to his length and quick hands, he has the chance to be a devastating defender both on and off the ball and he rebounds at a high clip both in and out of his area.

Ro Russell Grassroots Elite Director

Elijah has just as much upside of any wing-types you will see at the middle school level. He has all the intangibles scouts look for in a elite scoring guard. He needs to get stronger but that should come with age, maturity and weights at some juncture. Once he masters his mid-range skills, gets his handle razor sharp, and continues with the fundamentals he exhibits (getting on balance/triple threat position) he has the potential to be an upper-tier national level recruit not just now but on the high school level.

Elijah has committed to the Middle School All-American game and will attend the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp with one goal in mind; coming away with the nations #1 ranking and if his work this past year is any indication he has a very good chance of doing so.

 

 

BREAKING NEWS More Justice No Peace: Class of 2022 You Have a Problem

Justice Williams has had a very impactful year playing a large majority of the time with one America’s top 2021 squads Team IZOD.  After making a move to a local outfit, Philly Triple Threat, Williams has expanded his game with a larger role and proved that he can compete with any guard in his class and that he deserved to be in the conversation as one of the elite guards in the country.

 

Well what a difference a day makes; reports are coming out of Philadelphia today that Williams has reclassed to the class of 2022 which immediately impacts the national boards.  There are not many more polished combo guards in 2022 than Williams and with his versatility and ability to play both backcourt spots effectively he will be in the Top 10 conversation effective immediately. Justice affects the game on multiple levels, especially on the offensive end. His jump shot has improved and he has a terrific pull-up game as well. What sets him apart from other prospects is his feel (great passer) for the game. His overall skill level, savvy, and knack of slithering his way to the rim is unmatched. 

The move once confirmed will also impact the upcoming Middle School All-American game; staffers stated in a phone call this morning that “…a player of Williams ability in the class of 2022 would be a no brainer for our voters”  they went on to say “we want the best of the best in the country and he clearly would be that as a member of the 2022 group – we anticipate relassess every year so we set aside time and spots for their consideration Justice must be considered”

All Middle School All-Americans will compete in the upcoming Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp - if you are ready to Battle against the Best in the country click below to register!

 

2023's Best Kept Secret America Meet Franklin Ayissi-Etoh Secret

In the Social Media/Youtube Baby world there are not many youth stars that have consistently gotten the job done as quietly as Maryland’s Franklin Ayissi-Etoh.  He very well may be the best kept secret in the class of 2023; but that secret ends today here on P2bball.com – today we introduce him to the world and his game will speak for itself.

Franklin who has been selected to the Middle School All-American game and is expected to make a big impact once he takes the court in that game and all weekend long as an attended of the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp – Frankin is wing-type with great ball skills, a high basketball IQ, and is an astute passer. He excels in transition where he attacks the basket and has the necessary athleticism to slash his way to the rim. He is a prolific scorer that can carry a team night in and night out even with defenses geared to stop him.  He makes good decisions both in transition and in the half-court set. He is a gifted passer and appears to have the necessary savvy to compete with the very best regardless of position at this juncture.  What makes him tick and how does he do what he does – check him out below and also make sure to check him out at the upcoming Middle School All-American game.

 

Part I

Part 2

 

 

 

All Middle School All-Americans will compete in the upcoming Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp - if you are ready to Battle against the Best in the country click below to register!

 

Huge Media Contingent Schedule for End of August Events in Washington, DC

As has been the case in past years, a large contingent of national/regional media and scouts are expected to attend the Middle School All-American Game, Coach Francis Classic, and Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp. 

National media/scouts already confirmed for the August 2016 event are listed below and more are expected!!!! 

The Middle School Leader in Hoops TV; annually produces the most watched video highlight and mix tapes in the world.  With its own channel and camp its every kids dream to be on Middle School Hoops TV.

 

Basketball Spotlight has decades of experience identifying the top players in their classes and chronicling them on their rises to the next level; the Spotlight feature multiple NBA players and even more high major college players well before they ever stepped into high school.

The Buckeye Prep Report is a Midwest based Media Company that touches all ends of the country.  With a storied history of events and coverage at the highest level of basketball; there are national beacon that has and continues to shine lights on the best and brightest in the game of hoops naming them well before ESPN, RIVALS, SCOUTS.COM, Etc.  

 

Court Cred is a big boy in the industry providing some of the best video highlights in the country; they provide industry news all the way to the college level.  With their extensive knowledge they are a producer of HS Rankings making it an invaluable opportunity for the top MS Players to play in front of.

 

 

If you are familiar with Middle School Hoops then you know City League Hoops the high school, college, and pro side of one of the biggest basketball medial animals in the country; with players getting close to the next level they will be there collecting data to introduce the next coming on the high school side.

One of the most recognizable brands in the history of youth basketball and beyond; JLE reach begins at the youth level and travels all the way to the NBA; you are not certified until you have been through Lucas and they will have one of their top scouts in attendance looking to provide that opportunity to deserving players.

P2BBall.com brings the national news to the front door of youth basketball fans across the country.  With a 70% success rate on the High School side with respect to rankings and a long verifiable track record – you want to be seen and endorsed by this brand to ensure future success.

With some of the hottest beats and tracks Hoop Nation has taken the northeast by storm with it hard-hitting and powerful mixtapes that are sweeping the country;  with a gift for showing the true essence of the players skillset Hoop Nations cameras are one that you want on you on the court.

Finest Magazine is an online magazine created to become the permanent platform for any hoops played in the DMV (DC, MD & VA) FinestMag.com celebrates DMV hoops, past, present and future. In the DMV, basketball has a proud history, inspiring presence and dominant future and to be listed on the pages or video produced by this outfit you are on the way to making a name in basketball.

 

 

 

DMV Elite promotes Youth, AAU, YBOA, Travel Teams, Middle School and High School team exposure events. They offer certified officials, best game facilities, media coverage, athlete and coaches interviews, player evaluations and recruitment services. They work extremely hard to keep their clients, college coaches and the general public informed on both young men and women amateur basketball.

 

 

DMV Preps covers all levels of youth basketball in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area with the goal of providing maximum exposure to players and teams.  Their event coverage and event management is designed with the sole purpose of being a viable high level resource for both High School and College recruiters. DMV Preps does all it can to see your child competing at the next level!

Unlimited Basketball is a Youth Basketball conglomerate committed to youth athletes.  They use their website and social media outlets to nurture, inspire, support and feature youth athletes on their road to success.  Their primary aim is for young basketball players to have access to tools, events and the inside scoop regardless of their family’s cultural, social or financial profile.  Unlimited Basketball is led by the belief; team sports are valuable to the development of a child.

All-Met Elite gets it done with a long tenured and storied history; providing in depth interviews, player profiles, and industry news at all level of basketball.  Its rich history has allowed them to establish relationships at every level of basketball and in turn they are a valued and relied upon voice in the world of basketball.

 

 

 

Legit Stats provides digital in-game statistics for a wide variety for teams, tournaments, and events. Based in the Washington D.C. metro area, they use their expertise and enthusiasm to deliver the best service possible and in turn they use their platform to present an unbiased presentation of statistical date that shows a players true impact on the game.

 

NBA, College, High School, and MS Hoops – the 6ixth Man does it all on one large platform.  With national news coverage and features being part of the 6ixth Man media can turn you into a household name overnight.  If playing in front of the right people is important than these are one of the guys to add to that list.

HWBD Man! Keeps the party rolling at all times, his videos are so hot that they have been featured on Bleacher Report, Ballislife, Slam Magazine, USA Today, and more – if you want to put your performance on the national stage put on in front of HWBD and he will tell your story to the world.

 

Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp - if you are ready to Battle against the Best in the country click below to register!

 

 

America Meet Your Middle School All-American Game Selections

Extensive scouting and resources have been extended to determine the best grouping of players in the country for the Middle School All-American Game.  Over the next several weeks we will introduce America to some of the top talents playing the game at its highest level.  These analyses are not finite and do not represent that any player named will translate continued work and development is essential to the long term future success - hence any player not mentioned therefore has equal opportunity to succeed in the near future or beyond with the requisite hard work.

Dee Morton class of 2022 is as tough as they come framed in a long and athletic body. The Georgia based product is wired to score and he can get it down from all three levels but all excels in transition. He is a good shooter from both mid-range and long range and can be counted on to amass the volume that will impact the game due to his aggressive scoring nature. 

Morton plays with swagger and confidence, uses his strength and skill to get to the rim and finish; in addition he showed the ability to knock down open threes off the catch or dribble and is shooting a true jumper with excellent lift over top of defenders all ready. In isolation situations he can beat his man with quick crossovers and has a dependable floater with touch and body control. Dee Morton  can flat out score in a variety of ways and is one of the best in his class at it – he isn’t a one dimensional guy either as Morton he plays both end and has the tools to be a lock down defender and guard potentially 4 to 5 positions.  These are just some of the reasons for Dee Morton’s selection; we congratulate him on making the Middle School All-American Game.

Paris Dawson class of 2020 has been in the national conversation for several years and arrives to the MSAG with one of the most extensive resumes in the country.  Dawson will be arriving from the west coast by way of California.  Dawson is a rangy/slashing point guard prospect with long arms and quick hands. He is a dynamic passer in the open court and his vision is uncanny. He has a good burst off the dribble to get by his defender and he can finish in the paint, with an array of different finishes. He can knock down the 3-point shot off the high screen and roll as well as the catch.

Watching him operate you notice that he plays the game with good pace and exceptional poise for a young point guard and his upside is tremendous.   He can score with anyone on the perimeter but is the consummate playmaker, leader, and floor general.   He will be handed the keys to a high major program at some point and will act as another coach on the floor – mature and cerebral, he is the ultimate combination of old school floor general and new millennium lead guard one of the few players in the country that can wear both hats equally as well.  The nation looks forward to seeing him on a stage with the very best in his class and witnessing all that he can do; Dawson too impacts the defensive end playing the passing lanes and using his length and lateral quickness to be a top notch on the ball defender as well.  A very complete player we congratulate him on making the Middle School All-American Game.

 

 

 

For those who follow the game and the class of 2022, Antonio Hamlin has been one of the best prospects in the country for years now – the Maryland native has exploded onto the national scene in the last two years showing a diverse skill set that impacts games on all 94-feet of the court.  A player who keeps constant pressure on defenses his game went to another level once he started to consistently hit the jumper; stretching it beyond the arch has open the floor for him as a finisher and has also made him into a bigtime player maker as he works off penetration.  His ability to get into the paint is uncanny and he gets the rock on the glass sometimes at will.  He has also shown the ability like all bigtime scorer and that is the ability to draw fouls and get to the charity stripe – a skill that many do not fully attain or fully understand the value off; Hamlin does understand and uses that understanding to make him one of the most productive players in the 2022 class.

Hamlin who does it all over the floor is at his very best in transition where he can explode in a lane for variety of finishes. He explodes over would-be defenders utilizing his allusiveness and explosiveness knocking down pull-up and jumpers. One of his biggest assets is that he can snatch rebounds, lead the break, and attack the defense with either the pass or finish. He has a high motor at both ends and has the ability to guard multiple positions.  Hamlin no longer will simply be a local gem to experts of the game; his profile is national in every sense of the word and his game is one of the most diverse and effective in his class he was an easy choice we image but we still congratulate him on his selection to the Middle School All-American Game.

 

 

America Meet Your Middle School All-American Game Selections

Extensive scouting and resources have been extended to determine the best grouping of players in the country for the Middle School All-American Game.  Over the next several weeks we will introduce America to some of the top talents playing the game at its highest level.  These analyses are not finite and do not represent that any player named will translate continued work and development is essential to the long term future success - hence any player not mentioned therefore has equal opportunity to succeed in the near future or beyond with the requisite hard work.

Antonio Sellers class of 2022 out of New York City has been wreaking havoc nationally for years his calling card has long been his versatility as he has consistently displayed a multitude of skills on the hardwood. When it comes to scoring he is extremely patient and never forces the issue as his natural basketball instincts and IQ along with his unselfishness are that of a player who is mature beyond his years. 

One of the toughest covers out there Sellers can beat defenses from long, and mid-range consistently while his dribble drive game is most effectively utilized against like sized defenders or bigger – but is developing perimeter game is crystal clear and high level.   One of the few players in the country at affecting the game in so many positive ways: scoring, passing, rebounding and handling the ball in addition to being very unselfish.  He is also a five category contributor: points, rebounds, assist, steals, blocks.  At the end of the day Sellers presents one of the biggest match up nightmare as he goes by taller guys and post up smaller ones using some of the very best footwork for a youth player in recent memory. Overall, great feel for the game it’s with great pride that we congratulate and welcome Antonio Sellers to the Middle School All-American Game.

Jahkary Towns comes to us out of Grand Rapids, Michigan he put his name on the map 3 years ago as part of the USA National Select Team and hasn’t looked back since.  What we have in Towns is an offensive juggernaut that is a prime time playmaker. He scores off the catch or dribble with range extending past the arc. He puts constant pressure on the defense creates help where he can score over two defenders or drop off or kick out to an open teammate. But as a new age lead guard Towns is most deadly when he is clearly thinking about scoring which is what makes him special and separates him from many in his class of 2023.

With a scorers mentality he can score anytime he wants and on any defender. He is an excellent mid-range guy who can finisher on the break and has a lot of versatility when it comes to stop and pop and floater game. He scores is very high clips at times with his ability to slash in between defenders to get into the lane.  We have long like his ability to beat defenders off the dribble and create space for his shot and even at this youthful age he already possesses a a step back jumper which we have seen him knocking down beyond the three point line off the catch or off the bounce.  As Towns grows and adds strength, quickness, and athleticism he will be more than capable of continuing to put up big numbers in a short period of time.

 

Duncan Powell is rated as the #1 player in the class of 2021 in the state of Texas; is a combo-forward standing 6’6 who flat out get the job done.  Displaying great size and length with elite shooting skill, very good athletic ability and strength Powell plays the game with confidence and can get on a roll and drop several buckets in a row before the defense knows what hit it. Powell is made for pick and pop situations with his quick trigger and ability to shoot over smaller defenders with ease. He also runs the floor well and has one of the best motors you will see always playing hard and competing on each possession. We also like his ability to rebound both in and out of his area.

With a solid handle being the top prospect in the huge state of Texas is nothing to shake a stick at and without question puts him in the national conversation as top national prospect overall.  forward he has excellent size already and actually has range on his jumper out to beyond the stripe – with exceptional feet, footwork, and solid mechanics his best days are still in front of him. He can score off the dribble well enough to keep the defense honest,  he is a good ball handler and passer with an excellent feel for the game this is an aspect that really separates him from his peers. You combine all these attributes with shot-blocking ability and a tenacious defensive mindset you have the making of a very complete player.  Reports are that he plays the game with an unbelievable offensive swagger and is capable scoring over defenders like they are invisible; with an array of turn around jump shots and jump hooks he has proven to be very effective combine that with the fact that he nowhere near his ceiling and is expected to add another 4 to 5 inches to his frame and you have a very fascinating prospect. Powell will be bringing his name and his game to put on display and make his statement for the #1 player in the country we congratulate him as well for his selection to the Middle School All-American Game.