Forum Credit Union Tip-Off Classic: 2018 Prospects
Following up on a tremendous event at Southport High School, the Forum Credit Union Tip-Off Classic gave us plenty to talk about. We begin today by looking into some of the top talent from the event, class by class. Here…
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Continue ReadingFollowing up on a tremendous event at Southport High School, the Forum Credit Union Tip-Off Classic gave us plenty to talk about. We begin today by looking into some of the top talent from the event, class by class. Here is a look at some of the top 2018 prospects from the day.
Damari Gatewood – 6’0/CG/2018 – Mt. Vernon (Fortville) – Gatewood is a really athletic combo guard who has a chance to play on the ball with a little more work. His handles are solid and have improved over the last year. However, he’s a possible top defender for a team with a little polish. Decently long, Damari can play at a quick pace and showed a great come-from-behind block in transition. Has quite a bit of upside but does look like he is starting to tap into it.
Romeo Langford – 6’4/SG/2018 – New Albany – Romeo doesn’t have to prove much more but this game is one he might want to forget. He was really good in the first half and was going punch for punch with Kris Wilkes. His jumper looked quite a bit better and he playing as smooth with the ball in his hands as he usually is. Langford, a year younger and on a much younger team, was able to match Wilkes right now. Give him another year and you could easily see how good he is nationally because Wilkes is a no doubt 5-star prospect.
Sean East – 6’0/PG/2018 – New Albany – This was a much improved Sean East since last year. He’s a bit taller, up to 6’0, and a little more filled out although still really skinny. Sean’s ball handling has improved as well, looked more poised and overall, just made better decisions which isn’t a strength of his overall. He still will take a few bad shots from deep but he looks better and more under control. Like the progression of his body and the little bit of growth and maturity.
Donald Johnson – 6’1/SG/2018 – North Central – Donald is a strong combo guard with a good perimeter jumper. He did most of it on the catch and shoot but his handles allow him to make a play to create a shot opportunity. He’s not a great ball handler but capable of getting it up the floor and going but breaking a press might be touch. His strength isn’t noticed too often and would like to see him assert it more in his game. He got hot late int he game and really showed the possibility of his scoring capacity.
Jalen Moore – 5’9/PG/2018 – Cloverdale – This was a great showing from Moore to put up 33 points. Neese was really slowed down by Park Tudor’s defense and was forcing shots so it was good to see Moore be in attack mode. He’s a shorter guard but decently long and quick, with the ability to fake on a three and drive to the rim. Was finishing on either side with both hands and really showed some toughness taking it at PT. Not a great rebounder but could be capable as he puts in more time. Can be a dynamic scorer for a team looking to add to it’s offense at the point.
Damezi Anderson – 6’6/SF/2018 – South Bend Riley – This was a much improved Damezi, much more mature and under control. He’s a talent, that is for sure and this version made you think the possibility of reaching his potential was much more within reach. He didn’t overshoot the ball but still had his flair for taking big shots from anywhere on the court. However, he didn’t fall into the trap of trying to make up for bad shots by shooting more. He also was really good attacking the glass and going in search of rebounds. When we get a chance to see Damezi later this year, if this is the version we witness, he could move up the ranks.
Marlon Taylor – 6’4/SF/2018 – South Bend Riley – Marlon has started to develop on the offensive end of the floor where his jump shot has now become a weapon for him. At 6’4+, he brings a good amount of athleticism and strength but the reality is that he’s become much more perimeter oriented and that is going to take away some rebounding opportunities for him on the offensive end of the floor. However, now that he has a main skill on the offensive end, his value is a ton higher.
Antwaan Cushingberry – 5’8/PG/2018 – Lawrence North – For the second game in a row, you saw a few too many three-pointers from Cush. He’s really struggling to make good decisions. The LC game the team was up a ton, the FW North game, they were down. The reality is he needs to slow down on the perimeter shots and get back to his strengths of getting to the rim and finishing strong. He shot 43% from the field on Saturday but if you combine his threes from the last two games, he is 4/16 from behind the arc.
Kevin Easley – 6’6/SF/2018 – Lawrence North – Easley was really good in the first half of the game and showed again how his jumper has improved. He’s doing a really good job picking his spots and not forcing it, however, he did stress a bit in the second half as FW North was starting to run away. When he plays within himself and under control, you see why he deserves the level of offers he has.
Brandan Johnson – 6’1/PG/2018 – Fort Wayne North – Like Quarles, this is the best I’ve ever seen Brandan play. He was ultra aggressive and tough on the glass. He had a double-double and had he not been on a team with Keion Brooks, he might have been the best player in the game. He went for 15 points and 11 rebounds on 5/10 shooting. His athletic ability finally showed as well, playing uptempo and going north and south. Would love to say this is where he turns the corner and he starts taking off. Been on the bandwagon for awhile now.