UA Challenge Day 1 Standouts (Part 1)
Plenty was to be said about the first day of the UA Challenge in Cartersville, Georgia.
Over 200 college coaches filled the gym alongside some of the top talent around the country. Even former NBA star Dennis Rodman made an appearance as he rocked a black hat, sunglasses and a white Under Armour shirt.
You know it is a big deal when @dennisrodman makes an appearance. #uachallenge
???? credit: @AyalewAdam @PrepHoops @PrepHoopsNick @PrepHoopsJake pic.twitter.com/9AkTwI3RM4
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) July 12, 2018
Here is a look at the top performers from Wednesday’s action at the Lake Point Champions Center (Part 1).
Tony Sanders (Gulliver Prep/Florida Lightning)
2020 Gulliver Prep forward Tony Sanders was knocking down the mid-range from the left side with ease against Team Rio in the opening game of the day. The 6’6″ forward is a confident shooter who likes to answer other team’s score with one of his own in transition. His finish at the rim is coming along.
Phillip Wheeler (New Jersey Rumson Fair-Haven/Team Rio)
It is hard to watch Phillip Wheeler and not come away impressed. It was a slow start for the 2020 Rumson-Fair Haven forward. He was called for a technical foul after jawing with 2020 Gulliver Prep forward Jace Howard in the early going. The 6’7″ Wheeler apologized to the referee and all was forgiven. He went on to play hard minutes, grabbing boards and putting in lay-ins.
Jacques Glover (Tennessee Bearden/B. Maze Elite)
A confident shooter, Jacques Glover was able to give B. Maze Elite immediate energy off the bench against Atlanta XPress. Listed at 5’11”, Glover’s big hair makes him a little bit taller. He isn’t afraid to shoot with defenders in his grill and he proved that with some long jumpers in the victory.
Joshua Smith (Georgia Holy Innocents Episcopal/Team EAT)
Joshua Smith does his best work as a finesse attacker and contributor. The 2020 Holy Innocents Episcopal guard was instrumental in the close win over Team AutoNation. A 6’2″ guard, Smith thrives in transition and his frame is in the process of filling out.
Greg Gantt (North Carolina Trinity Christian/Team Felton)
A crazy athletic and long forward, 2019 Trinity Christian forward Greg Gantt is loaded with natural talent. He weaves past defenders and has a burst about him that makes you love his game. Whether Gantt finishes around the rim or not, he’s always drawing attention and contact.
Damari Monsanto (American Heritage/Team Breakdown)
It was a nice outing for 2019 American Heritage forward Damari Monsanto against Team Felton. Alongside fellow New Hampshire Brewster prospects Kai Jones and Jamal Mashburn Jr., the 6’6″ Monsanto was holding his own. He was hitting from outside and the mid-range and digging deep on defense.