Assist 804 Top 48 Camp Notes
Coach William Carter held his annual Assist 804 Top 48 Showcase on Saturday, August 18th, at Prince George High School. The camp featured some of the top talents in the 804, ranging from rising sophomores to rising seniors. With such talent in the building, of course, everybody was “good” but, there were guys who stood out, and a MVP award handed out to end the day. Here we take a look at some of those standouts, beginning with the MVP:
MVP: Teon Tiller | Thomas Jefferson HS (2019)
The best player in the gym on Saturday was without a doubt, two sport athlete, Teon Tiller. The Thomas Jefferson rising senior is a FLOOR GENERAL, who not only gets it done on the offensive end, but can strap up, and defend. Ranked #140 in our PrepHoops Virginia Top 150, Tiller has continued to expand his game, and should expect a big senior campaign. He can not only knock down the three ball, but has a knack for getting to the rim, and scoring off contact. As the point guard, Tiller maintains control, and the tempo of the game is usually dependent on his decisions, a key testament to his leadership abilities. At a solid, six feet even, Tiller is quite athletic for his height. A two-sport athlete (baseball), Tiller’s quickness is also an easy attribute to pick up on. An all-region player last season, in a region stocked with elite guards, expect Tiller to not let his foot off the gas pedal heading into his farewell tour.
Levar Allen | John Marshall HS (2019)
Another elite guard from the 3A region, Levar, or “Tae Tae” as he is commonly known as, is the “bulldog” all coaches want. His stocky build has led to him coining a new nickname, “The Bully,” because his size, and quickness it is hard to guard him going to the basket. His ability to change speed in transition is one not too many guards in the area posses, an additional component to his game that puts him ahead of the rest. Whether contact is drawn or not, Allen typically has the ability to finish. Not only does he et to the basket with ease, but has improved his jumper significantly throughout his high school career, a career in which he has been a three year starter for the Justices, and led them to a state championship this past season, as an All-State selection. This summer, Allen finished his AAU career with Team Loaded VA. He holds several Division I offers. Currently, Allen is ranked #39 in our PrepHoops Virginia Top 150.
Jamon Battle | Lloyd C. Bird HS (2019)
Probably one of the biggest stock risers this summer, Jamon “Doc” Battle, the two-sport (football) athlete, has racked up plenty offers this summer on the court. Running with Team Loaded 804 this summer, Doc led the squad to several tournament wins, running on the Adidas Silver Gauntlet. Saturday, Battle showed no sign of letting up on his summer tour yet. Battle’s athletic ability is quite impressive, and he has a combination of moves to score the basket, whether it be his quite consistent jumpshot, or him navigating to the rim, Battle is quite the talent at the guard position. Battle draws a lot of mismatches at the 2 guard position, making it easier for him to score at will. He recently broke into the, Prep Hoops Top 250 national rankings at #226. He is the #6 ranked player in the PrepHoops Virginia Top 150. He holds 16 Division I basketball offers, and several Division I football offers.
Brandon Jenkins | James River HS (2020) — >
2020 guard, Brandon Jenkins is a quick, crafty guard, that caught our attention Saturday. Coming into the event, Jenkins was not a player I was familiar with, but his impressive play made him one of the best in the gym that afternoon. It will be interesting to see the development of Jenkins in this upcoming high school season. With a showcase stacked with available, elite guards, Jenkins made his own spotlight with his first step, and ability to change directions in route to the basket. It is safe to say Jenkins was the best 2020 player in the gym.
Jason Nelson | Varina High School (2021)
The pointGOD himself, Jason Nelson has certainly made a name for himself this year. First, by leading his Varina Blue Devils to a 5A State Championship, and then completing the summer 40-0 with the Team Loaded VA 15U squad. Nelson probably has the highest basketball IQ of any player in the gym on Saturday, and many guys period. An impressive fact, considering he is only a rising sophomore. One on one, Nelson is a nightmare to guard, with his tight handles, and shifty ability, he also able to score over larger defenders. With his ability to score the ball, that would be enough for most teams, but Nelson is a true floor general. He knows how to get the ball where he wants, and make the best decisions for his team in whether to pass or look to score. With several Division I and Division II offers under his belt already, expect for Nelson’s stock to continue to rise. In our newly released PrepHoops Virginia 2021 Rankings, Nelson is listed at #16.