Shooters: Part III
Kevin Campos, Coral Park
The 5-foot-9 guard is a smooth, deliberate scorer who has exemplified efficient progress with his elbow jumpers and 3-point shot. He’s adjusted to creating his own shot and fending off defenders for a good look. He plays within the confines of the system and doesn’t force anything.
With more of a green light this season, Campos has the skill-set to be a dependable shot-maker as a 2021 prospect. He’s added some muscle to a once toothpick-esque frame and is frequently getting shots up. The elevation on his shot and his knack for hitting tough, deep 3-point shots is indicative of his newfound confidence. He’s gone from being a guy who gets loose for corner 3-pointers to a cerebral all around scoring presence who is constantly engaged through four quarters of play.
Liam Lopez, Champagnat
The Class of 2020 prospect has provided that dependable extra leg of scoring behind Julio Rodriguez, the high-scoring Miami point guard who thrives with his manipulative one-on-one game. When Rodriguez catches double teams and attracts multiple defenders, Lopez is the best option for a quick bucket. He’s gone from being a facilitator as a freshman to a facilitator and a scorer who can get spot up and stick shots from downtown. He’s expanded with considerable range. You may even see him pull up from Richard Charles range and bury an NBA area 3-pointer.
He’s playing with much more confidence and know-how. He will likely get more touches this season, especially as he takes the pressure off of Rodriguez. If he can continue to shoot the ball with the confidence and smooth stroke, as he did this summer, expect him to be a double digit scorer who could really spread the floor out and open everything up for this Champagnat team.
Michael Bradley III, Mater Academy
It is hard to project any 2023 guard who isn’t a sheer manchild earning varsity minutes, as the competition level and age/size difference present major obstacles. Yet with the way Bradley III has shot the ball this off-season and his fearlessness in scoring it against the older guys, meaningful varsity minutes isn’t a far-fetched possibility. Mater has a young, inexperienced core this season and the sudden transfers of Seven Ferguson (Westlake Prep) and Jorge Becceril (Coral Gables) appear to have the talent thinning out. Bradley’s fluid deep jumper and ability to pull it from deep have been noteworthy. At 5-foot-7 he needs to continue to grow and develop his body.
Mike Cooper, Inlet Grove
They tend to come in clusters for this hot-shooting 6-foot-2 Class of 2022 guard, who has pioneered the perimeter game throughout a productive summer. Cooper’s catch-and-stick game has a powerful presence, as he’s able to kick-start wild runs and really decimate defenses once he seizes the hot hand.
He’s an absolute gym rat and has the mentality of a 1,000-shots per day worker. If he can continue to hit high-pressure shots and spark scoring spurts with face-guarding and physical defense, expect an exciting four years with a wow-factor in his range and thirst for the big shot.
Marcus Montalvo, Westminster
The ability to spot up, catch, set the feet, and quickly deposit a 3-pointer is arguably the most noteworthy component of Montalvo’s game. He’s the type of shooter who knows how to free himself up off the ball and let it fly, getting ahead of the defense. He’s got a toughness in his ability to hit heavily contested shots and race out to the 3-point line to bag a quickly released trey.
He needs to make defense a livelihood and become a possession to possession defender this season. That’s the explosive element capable of dictating whether he has a good career or a memorable career.
Logan Alters, University School
After shooting nearly 50 percent from 3-point range during the stretch run of the 2017-18 campaign, Alters will savor the role of dagger man on a U-School team front-loaded with talent. He’s got a quick release and will be tasked with burying those pivotal, momentum-rolling treys this season. He’s developed into a tactical passer who knows how to utilize the weapons at his disposal. He initiates play for the star-spangled U-School’s high rising athletes with lob passes and outlets. He averaged close to five assists last season.
With the way he spaces out the floor and opens up the game for high-risers like Scottie Barnes, you simply can’t leave Alters with a touch. The Class of 2019 guard will prolong his basketball career at CAL as a walk-on.