Super 80 Showcase-Class of 2022 Notebook
This past Saturday, I hosted the inaugural Super 80 Showcase, an event designed to showcase the top freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. There was no shortage of talent in any of the four games that took place. Thing were kicked off with the class of 2022 game, which featured a number of highly anticipated freshmen who are primed to have a big impact on their respective school teams this upcoming season.
Here are some notes from this game:
Mt. St. Joseph’s Antonio Hamlin wins MVP honors
Hamlin has an argument to be one of the best freshmen not only in the city of Baltimore, but the entire state of Maryland. His skill set is well beyond his age with his ability to score at all three levels both off the dribble or off the catch. At 6’2 and a solid frame, he can impose his will and finish through contact when attacking the rim. Hamlin plays with a competitiveness that overwhelms his opposition. Saturday, all of these were on display as he led his team to a 100-91 victory behind his 22 points, six assists and four rebounds.
2022 game White wins 100-91. Antonio Hamlin MVP 22pts. Kai Brooks led Red with 22 in the loss. @TeamThrillUAA @Super80Showcase pic.twitter.com/TcNa0vRXxM
— Next Sports Phenom (@NSP_Sports) August 18, 2018
Cameron Whitmore has a chance to be special
Whitmore is a a legit 6-foot-4 guard (could even pass for 6-foot-5) who can do everything on the floor. Of this freshmen class, he is probably the least talked about when you consider how high his ceiling is. He can finish well above the rim as well as score from anywhere at a decent clip. He and Hamlin paced the 2022 white team to their victory Saturday. Whitmore finished with 20 points and seven rebounds. Although he didn’t hit any three’s, the mechanics on his shot are solid. As he gets more repetitions, the results will follow. He’ll have no issue playing at the varsity level even in a very challenging MIAA A Conference for Archbishop Spalding.
Andrew Rheubottom is a Swiss army knife
Every coach longs for a player like Rheubottom on their team. A guy who makes an impact in a multitude of ways, while also being able to capitalize by putting the ball in the basket when called upon. The 6-foot-3 freshmen doesn’t need the ball in his hands to find his points either. He crashes the boards on both ends aggressively and moves well without the ball. Rheubottom assisted Hamlin and Whitmore’s efforts with 14 points and nine rebounds. He’ll be a good piece for a City team that will rely on his hustle.
@Super80Showcase – Andrew Rheubottom (2022/City/Team Thrill) is as versatile as they come. Can do a little bit of everything. #finestmagazine
— Finest Magazine (@FinestMagazine) August 18, 2018
Kai Brooks lights it up from deep
When Brooks watches his shot bounce off the rim, he doesn’t let it effect his confidence on shooting the next time he is in rhythm. Saturday however, he didn’t see many miss the mark. The 5-foot-11 guard canned six triples for the red team on his way to a team-high 22 points. Don’t be surprised to see scoring outbursts from Brooks this upcoming season for City.
Christian Winborne is as smooth as they come
When you watch Winborne play, he never look to be in a hurry. That’s not a bad thing either. Winborne plays with great pace and just because he isn’t in a hurry, doesn’t mean he isn’t quick. Good players never let defense speed them up. Often times those situations lead to turnovers. The 6-foot guard can break you down off the dribble and is an efficient shooter off the catch. He finished with 16 points in a loss to the white team, but proved why he will be an impact immediately for a young, skilled Gilman team.
Carlos Alexander shows his flash
Alexander is guaranteed entertainment. The way he passes, dribbles and scores almost always has a hint of flash in it. He may be 5-foot-11 and have a slight build, but his toughness is off the charts. He isn’t afraid to match up with anyone on the floor. The southpaw finished with a solid stat line of 16 points, four rebounds, four steals and three assists. St. Frances struggled last season with depth at the point guard position behind Ace Baldwin. Alexander is a strong suitor to have those problems disappear.
Bryce Lindsey has solid outing
Lindsey is known for his ability to score the ball. He can shoot from outside with range, as he showed Saturday burying two deep triples on his way to 13 points. He also was crafty off the dribble and effective getting into the paint and finishing with soft touch. It doesn’t take long when watching him to see that he knows how to control the pace of a game and will be a solid back up floor general for the back-to-back 3A state champion Poly Engineers this season.
*Feature photo and some photos in the article are credited to Finest Magazine