Camp Season Special
June is usually the off season month when high school coaches rally up the troops and get their AAU impersonations going. Team camps and play dates are happening throughout the state but due to AHSAA rules and by laws, teams can only play in a total of three days of competitive play during the entire month of June. While team camps are going on, most colleges also use the month for their individual elite camps. We had the opportunity to check out a little of both so far.
Deric Patton shot the lights out.
SOUTH ALABAMA ELITE CAMP (6/20/15)
Deric Patton (6'1 // PG // 2016 // Carroll-Ozark) headlined the show with his long range shooting. During the first game of 5-on-5, Patton knocked down 8-threes, got to the rack finishing acrobatic layups and showed off some bounce off one leg. During the second game, just when you think he would've probably cooled off, he showed some freakishly athletic blocks and played above the rim off two feet which he is known for. Patton caught a put back dunk and was head level with the rim and towards the end of the game when he seemed gassed, he threw down a windmill with ease. One thing that caught our eye wasn't his improved handle or his ability to play the point guard spot, which has been questioned but his motor. Even when he seemed to be tired, he would just push through and make plays.
Deric Patton (6'1 // PG // 2016 // Carroll-Ozark) headlined the show with his long range shooting. During the first game of 5-on-5, Patton knocked down 8-threes, got to the rack finishing acrobatic layups and showed off some bounce off one leg. During the second game, just when you think he would've probably cooled off, he showed some freakishly athletic blocks and played above the rim off two feet which he is known for. Patton caught a put back dunk and was head level with the rim and towards the end of the game when he seemed gassed, he threw down a windmill with ease. One thing that caught our eye wasn't his improved handle or his ability to play the point guard spot, which has been questioned but his motor. Even when he seemed to be tired, he would just push through and make plays.
Prince Moss is no longer a sleeper.
Prince Moss (6'4 // SG // 2016 // Hueytown) is a wing in the class who has been having a come out party in June. Long and slender, Moss did a good job of knocking down mid and long range jumpers consistently. He has a nice handle, got by defenders and finished at the basket. Made some plays above the rim in transition and crashed the offensive boards finishing with put back dunks. During 3-on-3 he was the only tall wing posting smaller guards which showed a good level of IQ. On the defensive end he used his length to jump passing lanes and picked a couple pockets on ball. If Moss has a July similar to his June, we wouldn't be surprised if his recruitment took a turn for the good. Didn't really show many weaknesses besides his small frame and needing to add strength but look for him to rise in the next release of player rankings.
Reggie Todd Photo Cred/Jon Lopez
Reginald Todd (6'5 // SG // 2016 // Blount) started off slow like he did at last year's elite camp but got it going once he filled everyone out. He was excellent in transition and did a good job of keeping the ball in the middle of the floor. Todd showcased a good handle once he shook off the bugs and blew past defenders at will going left or right. Probably could have gotten to the rim every play off the bounce but settled for jumpers at times. With his quickness and athleticism, it was almost impossible to stay in front of him with straight line drives. His shot mechanics have improved as he showed the ability to knock down the trey ball. Its always a beauty watching him get rebounds and go coast to coast finishing above the rim.
Joseph Lanzi (6'2 // SG // 2017 // Chelsea) shot the ball well during camp. He knew how to get open and when he did, he started dialing them in from long range. When Lanzi wasn't spotting up for jumpers, he played with a little swag and made some flashy passes in transition. He was a good find for us in the class and will definitely be in the next player rankings. Jacquez Payton (6'0 // G // 2016 // Georgiana) scored all day in transition using his athleticism around the rim. He has a good build and was able to absorb contact. Kevy Eason (6'1 // G // 2016 // Hoover) shot the deep ball well off the dribble and spot up. Has a good enough handle to create space to get his shot off. If he manages his weight, he could have a standout season with the Bucs next year.
Joseph Lanzi (6'2 // SG // 2017 // Chelsea) shot the ball well during camp. He knew how to get open and when he did, he started dialing them in from long range. When Lanzi wasn't spotting up for jumpers, he played with a little swag and made some flashy passes in transition. He was a good find for us in the class and will definitely be in the next player rankings. Jacquez Payton (6'0 // G // 2016 // Georgiana) scored all day in transition using his athleticism around the rim. He has a good build and was able to absorb contact. Kevy Eason (6'1 // G // 2016 // Hoover) shot the deep ball well off the dribble and spot up. Has a good enough handle to create space to get his shot off. If he manages his weight, he could have a standout season with the Bucs next year.
MOUNTAIN BROOK PLAY DATE (6/19/15)
Prince Moss (6'4 // SG // 2016 // Hueytown) was cooking in the morning session going for 20+ with ease. He scored on all three levels knocking down pull up after pull up, step backs and hesitations. He did a good job of mixing it up by getting to basket and knocking down open threes. Moss showed an improved ball handle and worked the glass well rebounding on both ends.On the defensive end he did a good job of using his length to disrupt passing lanes.
Drew Smith (5'9 // PG // Mountain Brook // 2016) puts us in the mind of John Stockton. Not very athletic but smart, plays with heart and plays with confidence. He does a good job of running the team by changing the tempo and always seems to make the right pass. Smith doesn't over dribble and has a high assist to turnover ratio while getting wherever he wants on the floor. When he gets into the lane he usually finishes with a floater or does a good job of drawing defenders and finding open teammates.
Myreon Jones (6'2 // SG // 2018 // Huffman), the sharp shooter was putting on his best Steph Curry impersonation this day. Deep threes, step back threes and pull up threes off the dribble. He also displayed a nice tight handle and play making ability which will allow him to slide over to the point guard position.
Devin Whitfield (6'4 // SG // 2016 // McAdory) didn't have his best outing of the day but he was still productive. When his three point shot wasn't falling, he did a good job of adjusting and started to attack the basket. He also went back to old faithful, his mid range game and did a good job rebounding. One thing you will always get out of him is effort, no matter what.
Shamarkus Kennedy (6'7 // F // 2016 // Northridge) did a good job of displaying the development of his skill set. He also did a good job of posting and scoring off drop steps, hooks over his right shoulder and turn around jumpers. Athlete is what he is known for as he plays the game like he has springs on his feet. Kennedy gets off the floor really quick to block shots, rebound and finish plays above the rim. He had numerous dunks in each and every game.
Ross Harden (6'6 // F // 2016 // Northridge) was an unknown to us but caught our eye. The forward finished well around the basket, hit the elbow jumper and even knocked down a couple threes from the top of the key. He rebounds well for his size but does lack athleticism.
Austin Dowdell (6'6 // F // 2019 // Huffman), the young post has a very high ceiling. He can score on the block facing up. Showcased the ability to put the ball on the floor and blow past bigger and/or slower defenders or stop and pull up for short jumpers. He was able to finish through contact on the block and when driving in the lane.His high motor and aggressive play allows him to rebound well. The future is bright for this kid as he continues to develop.
Prince Moss (6'4 // SG // 2016 // Hueytown) was cooking in the morning session going for 20+ with ease. He scored on all three levels knocking down pull up after pull up, step backs and hesitations. He did a good job of mixing it up by getting to basket and knocking down open threes. Moss showed an improved ball handle and worked the glass well rebounding on both ends.On the defensive end he did a good job of using his length to disrupt passing lanes.
Drew Smith (5'9 // PG // Mountain Brook // 2016) puts us in the mind of John Stockton. Not very athletic but smart, plays with heart and plays with confidence. He does a good job of running the team by changing the tempo and always seems to make the right pass. Smith doesn't over dribble and has a high assist to turnover ratio while getting wherever he wants on the floor. When he gets into the lane he usually finishes with a floater or does a good job of drawing defenders and finding open teammates.
Myreon Jones (6'2 // SG // 2018 // Huffman), the sharp shooter was putting on his best Steph Curry impersonation this day. Deep threes, step back threes and pull up threes off the dribble. He also displayed a nice tight handle and play making ability which will allow him to slide over to the point guard position.
Devin Whitfield (6'4 // SG // 2016 // McAdory) didn't have his best outing of the day but he was still productive. When his three point shot wasn't falling, he did a good job of adjusting and started to attack the basket. He also went back to old faithful, his mid range game and did a good job rebounding. One thing you will always get out of him is effort, no matter what.
Shamarkus Kennedy (6'7 // F // 2016 // Northridge) did a good job of displaying the development of his skill set. He also did a good job of posting and scoring off drop steps, hooks over his right shoulder and turn around jumpers. Athlete is what he is known for as he plays the game like he has springs on his feet. Kennedy gets off the floor really quick to block shots, rebound and finish plays above the rim. He had numerous dunks in each and every game.
Ross Harden (6'6 // F // 2016 // Northridge) was an unknown to us but caught our eye. The forward finished well around the basket, hit the elbow jumper and even knocked down a couple threes from the top of the key. He rebounds well for his size but does lack athleticism.
Austin Dowdell (6'6 // F // 2019 // Huffman), the young post has a very high ceiling. He can score on the block facing up. Showcased the ability to put the ball on the floor and blow past bigger and/or slower defenders or stop and pull up for short jumpers. He was able to finish through contact on the block and when driving in the lane.His high motor and aggressive play allows him to rebound well. The future is bright for this kid as he continues to develop.
Avery Turner made a name for himself.
COTTAGE HILL CHRISTIAN PLAY DATE (6/13/15)
Avery Turner (6'3 // SG // 2017 // Davidson) is a sleeper shooter in the class of 2017 and filled it up all day from outside. He gets good lift and has a picture perfect form. Turner was very consistent all day and even displayed some athleticism. He plays with a motor and passion while rebounding on both ends of the floor. Turner will fare well with new head coach Edmond Wilder who told us about Turner minutes before their first game started and he lived up to everything Wilder said about him. Look for him to jump into the next player rankings and if coaches are looking for a shooter with athleticism they should jump on Turner now.
Richard Lockett (6'4 // SF // 2016 // LeFlore) was an animal all day. He is a freakish athlete who will jump from anywhere trying to punish defenders at the rim. Lockett shot the ball well from deep and showed a lot of confidence. He's a pesky on ball defender and harassed opponents even when they didn't have the ball. Right now he's just a straight line driver who prefers going left but with some development he could easily be a low major prospect. A year at a good JUCO who skill develops kids would be perfect for him.
Avery Turner (6'3 // SG // 2017 // Davidson) is a sleeper shooter in the class of 2017 and filled it up all day from outside. He gets good lift and has a picture perfect form. Turner was very consistent all day and even displayed some athleticism. He plays with a motor and passion while rebounding on both ends of the floor. Turner will fare well with new head coach Edmond Wilder who told us about Turner minutes before their first game started and he lived up to everything Wilder said about him. Look for him to jump into the next player rankings and if coaches are looking for a shooter with athleticism they should jump on Turner now.
Richard Lockett (6'4 // SF // 2016 // LeFlore) was an animal all day. He is a freakish athlete who will jump from anywhere trying to punish defenders at the rim. Lockett shot the ball well from deep and showed a lot of confidence. He's a pesky on ball defender and harassed opponents even when they didn't have the ball. Right now he's just a straight line driver who prefers going left but with some development he could easily be a low major prospect. A year at a good JUCO who skill develops kids would be perfect for him.
DeAntoni Gordon is the next great shot blocker.
DeAntoni Gordon (6'7 // PF // 2019 // LeFlore) is the newest addition for the Rattlers and a good one at that. He showcased a defensive presence inside that the Mobile area hasn't sen in a while. Gordon had a long day playing both JV and Varsity so he was a little gassed but early morning to mid-day he had a block party. One game we counted 12 blocks as he does a good of not getting caught in the air. He showcased some good low post moves and is pretty athletic to be a rising frosh. Curious to see how much he develops in the future but if he grows to be around 6'10 then his future is almost promising as a high major prospect.
Skylar Smith (6'3 // SG // 2017 // LeFlore) is finally coming into his own as a shooter. He always had a beautiful form but just didn't have the confidence. Smith had it going though and scored in bunches but knocking down threes off the dribble and spot and even made some above the rim plays in transition. If he keeps playing with this confidence LeFlore will be hard to beat in 6A especially in the future. His recruitment should pick up in July.
Skylar Smith (6'3 // SG // 2017 // LeFlore) is finally coming into his own as a shooter. He always had a beautiful form but just didn't have the confidence. Smith had it going though and scored in bunches but knocking down threes off the dribble and spot and even made some above the rim plays in transition. If he keeps playing with this confidence LeFlore will be hard to beat in 6A especially in the future. His recruitment should pick up in July.
Nick Preyer will run the show for Leflore next season.
Nick Preyer (5'7 // PG // 2018 // LeFlore) is the general of the loaded LeFlore Rattlers and had his troops rolling as they dominated the competition all day. He got into the lane at will with some craft ball handling and showed a good IQ with ball screens. Another thing he does well is use his mid range pull up in the lane. He does a good job finishing around the basket especially for his size. He bodied defenders his size and made acrobatic layups around bigs. Preyer is an above average long range shooter so defenders had to stay honest and go over ball screens but he did a good job of finding the shake up teammate on the weak side. Alabama and Wichita St have shown early interest.
LeFlore may be back to what they used to be in the past or at least they have a chance with the size and athletes. They will have some competition in the area with rival Blount but expect both to meet up in the south regionals along with Carver-Montgomery for probably the best that region has had to offer in a while.
LeFlore may be back to what they used to be in the past or at least they have a chance with the size and athletes. They will have some competition in the area with rival Blount but expect both to meet up in the south regionals along with Carver-Montgomery for probably the best that region has had to offer in a while.