The Gulf Coast Holiday Classic: Recap 2018
By Kirven Lang Jr
Robert E. Lee Generals were crowned champions of the 2018 Gulf Coast Holiday Classic.
The fourth annual Gulf Coast Holiday Classic was easily the best thus far. College prospects, competitive matchups between players and teams. There were prospects for every level of college basketball. The Robert E. Lee Generals took home the crown, the LeFlore Rattlers lost their first ever game in the four year existence of the event, while Crescent City came in from Louisiana and turned some heads.
The two division-1 signees headlining the event did not disappoint. DeAntoni Gordon (6’8” SF LeFlore HS) who is headed to Wichita State and Demond Robinson (6’8” PF Robert E. Lee HS) who will take his talents to Murray State. Gordon and Robinson met up in the semifinals and matched each other point for point but it was Robinson’s Robert E. Lee team that got the victory and moved on to win the championship. Gordon showcased his versatility, improved ball handling and athleticism throughout the event while Robinson was a shot blocking machine finishing powerful dunks and knocking down the mid range.
Although Gordon and Robinson headlined the event, it was juniors De’Marquiese Miles (6’2” PG Robert E. Lee HS) and Byron Joshua (5’11” PG Crescent City HS) who stole the show.
Miles has really improved since the summer and his calm, laid back demeanor propelled his team to the title. He did a great job of controlling the pace for his team and changed speeds when needed. His all-around play is what really stood out. Miles found teammates even when they didn’t seem to be open as well as scored the rock in a variety of ways.
Byron Joshua was very exciting to watch, especially in the open floor. His speed with the ball was unmatched and his court vision in the open floor made him a fan favorite. Joshua was no stranger to the NBA three as he pulled several from beyond that line as well. South Alabama was in attendance for each of his games.
The two division-1 signees headlining the event did not disappoint. DeAntoni Gordon (6’8” SF LeFlore HS) who is headed to Wichita State and Demond Robinson (6’8” PF Robert E. Lee HS) who will take his talents to Murray State. Gordon and Robinson met up in the semifinals and matched each other point for point but it was Robinson’s Robert E. Lee team that got the victory and moved on to win the championship. Gordon showcased his versatility, improved ball handling and athleticism throughout the event while Robinson was a shot blocking machine finishing powerful dunks and knocking down the mid range.
Although Gordon and Robinson headlined the event, it was juniors De’Marquiese Miles (6’2” PG Robert E. Lee HS) and Byron Joshua (5’11” PG Crescent City HS) who stole the show.
Miles has really improved since the summer and his calm, laid back demeanor propelled his team to the title. He did a great job of controlling the pace for his team and changed speeds when needed. His all-around play is what really stood out. Miles found teammates even when they didn’t seem to be open as well as scored the rock in a variety of ways.
Byron Joshua was very exciting to watch, especially in the open floor. His speed with the ball was unmatched and his court vision in the open floor made him a fan favorite. Joshua was no stranger to the NBA three as he pulled several from beyond that line as well. South Alabama was in attendance for each of his games.
De’Marquiese Miles has really improved as a prospect and is one of the best point guards in the state.
There were a few unsigned seniors that really stood out and are hoping to increase their stock along the way.
Corien Frazier (6’2” CG Vigor HS) led his team to a 3-0 record and the Gold Championship. While doing so, he put up some big numbers in the scoring column as he showcased his deep range and athleticism in the break. The most intriguing part of his game is how he finishes with either hand around the basket and with floaters.
Jordan O’Neal (6’6” F Theodore HS) has grown a few inches since last year and his body has filled out. Athletically, he was arguably the most athletic player in attendance and showcased it as he finished plays above the rim quite easily. He’s still developing his perimeter skills and should be looked at as one of the hottest unsigned senior prospects among junior colleges on the Gulf Coast.
Nick Watts (6’0” PG Vigor) finished some athletic plays at the rim and it was quite surprising. He is starting to get more comfortable handling the ball. He and Frazier in the back court are a tough matchup for most teams and would’ve been good to see how they would’ve faired in the platinum bracket.
Darrell “DJ” Brown (5’5” PG Williamson) may be small in stature but plays a lot bigger than his height. His chiseled physique allowed him to finish through contact around the basket and handle the ball under heavy physical pressure. Brown also shot the ball well from deep and found teammates in tight spots.
Jaries Brown (6'0" G Mary G. Montgomery) was a bright spot for the Vikings with a quick first step and elevation to finish at the rim. He blew by defenders quite easily as he was able to get anywhere on the floor that he wanted to. Brown didn’t shoot many jumpers but his form isn’t bad and will need to do so more consistently at the next level as he will more than likely have to move over to the point.
Angelo Bascomb (5’11” PG Pensacola) was one of the best shooters in attendance. He filled it up from mid all the way out to the three either off the dribble or catch. Solid ball handler and did a good job on the defensive end as well.
Look for each of the Alabama guys to rise in the next rankings.
Corien Frazier (6’2” CG Vigor HS) led his team to a 3-0 record and the Gold Championship. While doing so, he put up some big numbers in the scoring column as he showcased his deep range and athleticism in the break. The most intriguing part of his game is how he finishes with either hand around the basket and with floaters.
Jordan O’Neal (6’6” F Theodore HS) has grown a few inches since last year and his body has filled out. Athletically, he was arguably the most athletic player in attendance and showcased it as he finished plays above the rim quite easily. He’s still developing his perimeter skills and should be looked at as one of the hottest unsigned senior prospects among junior colleges on the Gulf Coast.
Nick Watts (6’0” PG Vigor) finished some athletic plays at the rim and it was quite surprising. He is starting to get more comfortable handling the ball. He and Frazier in the back court are a tough matchup for most teams and would’ve been good to see how they would’ve faired in the platinum bracket.
Darrell “DJ” Brown (5’5” PG Williamson) may be small in stature but plays a lot bigger than his height. His chiseled physique allowed him to finish through contact around the basket and handle the ball under heavy physical pressure. Brown also shot the ball well from deep and found teammates in tight spots.
Jaries Brown (6'0" G Mary G. Montgomery) was a bright spot for the Vikings with a quick first step and elevation to finish at the rim. He blew by defenders quite easily as he was able to get anywhere on the floor that he wanted to. Brown didn’t shoot many jumpers but his form isn’t bad and will need to do so more consistently at the next level as he will more than likely have to move over to the point.
Angelo Bascomb (5’11” PG Pensacola) was one of the best shooters in attendance. He filled it up from mid all the way out to the three either off the dribble or catch. Solid ball handler and did a good job on the defensive end as well.
Look for each of the Alabama guys to rise in the next rankings.
Jordan O'Neal is one of the best senior prospects on the Gulf Coast.
A back court that has been on a tear all season is a compilation of two underclassmen in 2021 Aaron Powe (6’0” PG) and 2020 Demetrice “DJ” Hardin (5’11” PG) of BC Rain. Powe has emerged as one of the best lead guards in his class with elite speed, ball handling skills and acrobatic layups. Hardin is back on the scene after somewhat of a sophomore slump. Good ball handler and shoots it well from deep. Both Powe and Hardin had a lot of success over the weekend losing to Crescent City in the semifinals but gave the Pioneers all they could handle losing a close one by four points. Powe had things going in the first half then things slowed down for him. That’s when Hardin picked up the slack scoring in a variety of ways, mid-range pull ups, three balls and finishing at the rim through traffic.
Blount High School was missing a few players but made do with what they had. 2019 Eric Williams (6’3” SG) and 2020 Jordan Harris (5’11” PG) added some excitement to the event. Williams was on full aerial display in transition as he finished athletic plays above the rim and through contact. His slashing abilities with his size for the position makes him a target for schools if he doesn’t end up playing football at the next level. Harris’ crafty ball handling and tenacity made it tough for opponents. Defensively, both got after it as they scored the majority of their points in transition off forced turnovers.
Tyler Lang (6’6” SF LeFlore HS) is finally back after being cleared from a knee injury and he had a chance to shake off the rust. His last game of the tourney in a semifinal loss to Robert E. Lee was his best game cashing in 19 points on mostly jumpers. His stroke is looking good and that poses a problem for opponents in the future as teams push for playoff positioning in area play.
The biggest player in attendance was Caleb White of Crescent City measuring in at about 6’8” 260 lbs. He hasn’t been playing basketball but a year and his upside is very high as he already has a physical streak about him. He verbally committed to South Alabama a day after the event as the Jaguars locked in a big for the class of 2020 early.
Traysion Wilburn (6'7" SF Crescent City) wasn’t as efficient as he had liked to have been but his talent and skill set for his size was evident. He has a Lonzo Ball type form but has major range. His versatility to handle the ball, find teammates and finish around the basket makes for a solid prospect in the 2020 class.
Pensacola has some legit size in the 2021 class but the one who stood out the most was Nolan Wells (6’6” SF). Wells has range on the three ball and wasn’t shy at all to let it fly. He was quiet above the rim offensively but he did make some athletic plays on defense. Wells was also pretty smooth when he put the ball on the floor.
There's no way we can forget Bennie Gambino. In a tough consolation match-up against Blount, the Coastal Alabama-Bay Minette signee went for 29 points in a close loss. He almost single handily brought his Daphne Torjans back after knocking down three after three. It didn't matter if the shot was contested or not, Gambino found ways to get them to go down.
Blount High School was missing a few players but made do with what they had. 2019 Eric Williams (6’3” SG) and 2020 Jordan Harris (5’11” PG) added some excitement to the event. Williams was on full aerial display in transition as he finished athletic plays above the rim and through contact. His slashing abilities with his size for the position makes him a target for schools if he doesn’t end up playing football at the next level. Harris’ crafty ball handling and tenacity made it tough for opponents. Defensively, both got after it as they scored the majority of their points in transition off forced turnovers.
Tyler Lang (6’6” SF LeFlore HS) is finally back after being cleared from a knee injury and he had a chance to shake off the rust. His last game of the tourney in a semifinal loss to Robert E. Lee was his best game cashing in 19 points on mostly jumpers. His stroke is looking good and that poses a problem for opponents in the future as teams push for playoff positioning in area play.
The biggest player in attendance was Caleb White of Crescent City measuring in at about 6’8” 260 lbs. He hasn’t been playing basketball but a year and his upside is very high as he already has a physical streak about him. He verbally committed to South Alabama a day after the event as the Jaguars locked in a big for the class of 2020 early.
Traysion Wilburn (6'7" SF Crescent City) wasn’t as efficient as he had liked to have been but his talent and skill set for his size was evident. He has a Lonzo Ball type form but has major range. His versatility to handle the ball, find teammates and finish around the basket makes for a solid prospect in the 2020 class.
Pensacola has some legit size in the 2021 class but the one who stood out the most was Nolan Wells (6’6” SF). Wells has range on the three ball and wasn’t shy at all to let it fly. He was quiet above the rim offensively but he did make some athletic plays on defense. Wells was also pretty smooth when he put the ball on the floor.
There's no way we can forget Bennie Gambino. In a tough consolation match-up against Blount, the Coastal Alabama-Bay Minette signee went for 29 points in a close loss. He almost single handily brought his Daphne Torjans back after knocking down three after three. It didn't matter if the shot was contested or not, Gambino found ways to get them to go down.
Crescent City were the runner-ups and will return next year with the same squad as they are all underclassmen.
Greenville didn't just have a bonafide prospect but they did have a group of pure athletes. Dawson Sarblah looks to be more of a football prospect as he played mainly inside at 6'5" but did showcase good touch on his mid range jumpers to go along with his athleticism. 2020 Jadakiss Anderson shot the ball fairly well and at 6'4" with some added strength, he can sneak in on someones radar.
Williamson plays extremely hard with so much size for 4A. They have some good up and coming prospects who have high motors and big time bodies for their age. I'm expecting to see them and Hillcrest-Evergreen in the South Regional Finals if it falls that way.
Williamson plays extremely hard with so much size for 4A. They have some good up and coming prospects who have high motors and big time bodies for their age. I'm expecting to see them and Hillcrest-Evergreen in the South Regional Finals if it falls that way.