Biggest takeaways from Day 1 of BigShots Carolina Slam
BigShots Carolina Summer Slam invaded Rock Hill, South Carolina on the weekend. Here’s a look at some of the biggest takeaway from Day 1 of the Carolina Summer Slam. Noah Dunn controls the comeback parade Unsigned senior Noah Dunn made…
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Continue ReadingBigShots Carolina Summer Slam invaded Rock Hill, South Carolina on the weekend. Here’s a look at some of the biggest takeaway from Day 1 of the Carolina Summer Slam.
Noah Dunn controls the comeback parade
Unsigned senior Noah Dunn made a surprise appearance with the WCBA Elite squad on the 17U circuit and he put on quite the show. The 6-foot-5 forward showed that he’s still a leader by example, leading the charge in not one but two comeback victories, one of which included a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Dunn put up 25 points alongside forward Michael Boney, who also posted 25 points, in a comeback victory over Vizion 72-67. They trailed by double-digits entering the second half but they never gave up as they saw the momentum swing their way to advance in bracket play. In their next contest, they trailed by as many as 15 points against DTA Elite, but still they never wavered behind Dunn’s scoring efforts. Dunn poured in 28 points including a 3-pointer as time expired to lift WCBA to an 86-85 victory and keep their hopes alive in the Gold title bracket.
The Palmetto City Hurricanes set the tone early
In 15U action, all eyes were on the Palmetto City Hurricanes and 2022 guard Jazian Gortman. Gortman currently holds offers from East Tennessee State and Miles College already and he showed why after posting 30 points in a 66-63 victory over BigShots Elite North Carolina in an upset victory. He scored in a variety of ways, forcing steals and easy buckets on the break then showing off his ability to score on all three levels. It will be interesting to see his development in the coming seasons, especially after having such a strong close to the summer.
Carolina Wolves SC showed their stuff
After watching the Carolina Wolves on the NC circuit do their thing, the Carolina Wolves of South Carolina brought their own flavor to the table led by a trio of 2020s Jahnarious Snell, Latavian Lawrence and Trajon Pate. Each player brought their own flavor and skill set to the table.
Snell showed off a number of high-flying dunks and his ability to knock down 3-pointers. Lawrence played the passing lanes and forced a number of steals, turning them into slashing finishes and above the rim finishes. Pate controlled the tempo as the team’s lead guard, slashing to the rim and finish tough in the paint on a number of occasions.
Snell is a 6-foot-4 guard that’s the leader of the pack from a prospect perspective. He’s already got an offer from Missouri Baptist and is currently drawing interest from USC Upstate, Lincoln Memorial, Morehead State and Campbell among other programs with his ability to play well above the rim.
More sleepers in the upcoming classes
There were a number of sleeper prospects to keep an eye on at Day 1 of the Carolina Summer Slam. Josh Massey, a 6-foot-7 forward appearing with Team United’s EYBL squad, was one prospect to keep an eye on. Massey showed off his ability to score on all three levels and get to the rim with ease. He holds offers from Elon, Wofford, Western Carolina, North Carolina A&T, Hampton and Albany.
2021 wing Mike Dudley was another prospect on Team United’s squad to turn heads. He put up 20 points, showing off his ability to catch and shoot as well as finish above the rim next to Josh Massey in the backcourt. He scored from behind the arc as well as got to the rim to show his ability on the hardwood. He’s currently drawing interest from Columbia, DePaul and Texas A&M among others.
2021 forward Terrence Johnson is an athletic driver with length that showed his ability to create off the dribble for Team Loaded 704. He’ll be a solid addition at Moravian Prep this season.
DTA Elite’s trio of stars showed their stuff
DTA Elite didn’t win in the end but their trio of 2020 guard Anthony Allen, forward Jakeem Verdier and 2021 guard Trevon Williams showed off their stuff without the presence of lengthy forward Omarion Bodrick.
Allen posted games of 18 points and 21 points while sinking a total of seven 3-pointers across their two games. He showed off his ability as a playmaking scoring and distributing the basketball. He’ll be one prospect to keep an eye on in the 2020 class with offers from Lees-Mcrae, Mount Olive, Rider and Mars Hill.
Verdier is a versatile prospect with his size at 6-foot-5. He can play with his back to the basket as well as his ability to get to the rim without the ball in his hands. It will be interesting to see where he ends up when his recruitment ends.
Williams is probably the biggest gem of the group with his ability to score on all three levels and play above the rim at 6-foot-3. He posted games of 23 and 27 points, showing off his ability to get to the rim and finish strong whenever his duty called. It will be interesting to see how his star grows throughout the next few seasons.