June Team Camp & Summer League Stock Risers: Big Men
The June team camps and summer leagues produced some great play all around. There was some expectional play by the big men who played in the various campus and leagues in north Louisiana. In this article, we will take a…
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Continue ReadingThe June team camps and summer leagues produced some great play all around. There was some expectional play by the big men who played in the various campus and leagues in north Louisiana. In this article, we will take a look at some of the bigs that graced the hardwood in June and .
Trenton Colbert / Mansfield High / 6’7″ / 2021
Colbert may be the most athletic of all these big men. He can block shots on the ball or playing help defense. His athleticism also allows him to defend smaller players on the perimeter. Colbert seems to be working on becoming more comfortable handling the ball on the perimeter which would make his game even more deadly. Playing during the live period would help his profile grow if he is able to defend and score around the basket as he did at ETBU.
Kenny Hunter / Huntington High / 6’9″ / 2020
A player who had an impressive June was Kenny Hunter. His defense and offense were on point during the whole month. Huntington’s wins during team camps had a large imprint from Hunter. He had stretches where he would block the shot on one end and finish with a layup on the other. Hunter also displayed a short hook that was effective when he got the ball on the block. ESPN thinks very highly of Hunter as well as they have him listed as the #2 ranked 2020 player. During the Peach Jam, if he plays like he has this June, ESPN might not be the only one that has him highly ranked.
Cortez Collins / North Caddo High / 6’6″ / 2021
Collins is another big who has seen growth during the month of June. During the Bossier summer league and the Benton team camp, Collins played some terrific defense when he was on the floor. His ability to block shots was what helped North Caddo garner wins in Benton. Collins is also a space eater that carves out room around the basket. His rebounds and putbacks spurred different runs by the Rebels. If Collins can continue this play during the live period with Louisiana Select, he should gather some potential suitors going into his junior year.
D’Ante Bell / Bossier High / 6’7″ / 2020 (pictured above)
Bell may be the most talented big out of this group. He has been a big part of the Bossier Bearkats offense since his freshman season and nothing has changed. Well, his game has. Bell took advantage of other bigs guarding him by beating them down the floor repeatedly and taking them off the dribble. While he will hit a jumper to keep defenses honest, most of his hay is made in the paint. His dunks and blocks were momentum changers all June long. During the live period, especially if he gets a chance to run with Pro Skills at Peach Jam, coaches may get the best version of Bell under the bright lights.
Malik Henry / Longview High / 6’8″ / 2020
The Lobos played almost every night in the Bossier summer league and Henry was an instant highly every time he do rolled to the rim. His first play every game was nearly a dunk. Playing high screen and roll with him was an offensive advantage for the Lobos repeatedly. Henry’s hops are ridiculous and he had no one that compete with him at the rim. He has picked up three offers from Division I schools and improved his ranking in Texas. I believe competing with the likes of Cason Dunlap, Mike Jones, and D’ante Bell has helped him also. His Nike team did not make it to Peach Jam but I am sure he will have a live period opportunity to attract more coaches and teams interest.
Wesley Williams / Richwood High / 6’4″ / 2021
While Williams may be the undersized big man in this group, his post moves may be the best. Because he is shorter, Williams uses a bevy of moves to get his shot off. He is also a space eater and is not scared to mix it up underneath the basket. Most defenders are lighter than he is which makes him very tough to block out. The result is a Williams gathering the rebound and making the basket usually. When he grabs a rebound, no one is getting it from him either. That was his June in a nutshell. A team that needs a solid post during the live period may find him to be an interesting add.
Kendal Coleman / Captain Shreve High / 6’7″ / 2020
Coleman had a breakout season with the Gators. He got better and better as he helped to lead Shreve to the playoffs. In June, he played even better. No matter the coach, Coleman displayed that he could dominate on the inside. His jumper was solid to 14 feet and no one could keep him off the boards. Coleman even showed improved speed during team camps and was able to finish above the rim on several break chances. If he can play, during the live period, like he did this past June, offers may begin to come in droves for this post player.
Cason Dunlap / Booker T. Washington High (Shreveport) / 6’5″ / 2020
Dunlap has been the sole post presence for the Lions of BTW the last few years. He has had to bang with Kenny Hunter and other big men in 4A. In June, it appears that Dunlap got a chance to dish out some punishment of his own. Cason was allowed to handle the ball more in the offense this June and he is able to be a player maker when given the chance. His upper body is strong and is coupled with a solid base. This gives him the ability to defend the big men he sees in this corner of the state. If he gets a chance to play during the live period, schools will like what they see from him with and without the ball.
Michael Jones / Woodlawn High (S’port) / 6’6″ / 2020
Jones has been a highlight reel during the June period. Whether it was a summer league or team camp game, he had at least one highlight dunk. He is also a shot blocker who sends messages with his blocks. Jones sent several blocks flying out of bounds. The best part of his game is that he is expanding his offense. During June I saw several free throw line jumpers and a sweeping hook. His most impressive trait is running the floor. If he is found on the break, usually someone needs to duck. Look for him to be at the top of his game during the live period.