DMV Elite 80: Standout Guards (Part 2)
This past Saturday, the seventh annual DMV Elite 80 took place at on the campus of Dr. Henry A Wise. Jr. High School. This event has been a stage for the up and coming stars of the area who are…
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Continue ReadingThis past Saturday, the seventh annual DMV Elite 80 took place at on the campus of Dr. Henry A Wise. Jr. High School. This event has been a stage for the up and coming stars of the area who are now featured playing at the highest level.
This year’s roster was once again filled with talented prospects. For this series, I’ll be taking a look at the standouts from each position starting with the guards.
Jake Koverman | 6’4 | ’21 Southern
Koverman did a little bit of everything to stand out from the rest on Saturday. What’s nice about watching Koverman is that he just seems to make the right, simple play. One thing that impressed me was his vision working in ball screens as the dribbler. Koverman effectively made the defense commit to him by coming off screens closely and hitting weak side defenders for open three’s. In transition, he finished athletically around and above the rim. He has sneaky athleticism that catches defenders off guard. He didn’t dunk on anyone in the game portion of camp, but he is capable of it.
Milton Matthews | 6’3 | ’20 Rock Creek Christian
Matthews put on a clinic Saturday when it came to scoring the basketball efficiently. Matthews was named MVP of the event by averaging 13.3 points per game on an impressive 80 percent success rate. He was also an impact on the defensive end guarding the ball and causing turnovers. Matthews, along with other Rock Creek Christian teammates in attendance, previewed what could be a loaded roster.
Samuel Ejindu | 6’0 | ’22 Glenelg Country
Ejindu caught my eye with the way he broke his defender down on a consistent basis to create his own shot. Even though there were times where it wasn’t the most ideal shot in terms of time of possession, the ability to get a shot off whenever you need to is a big plus for a young age. When Ejindu did make shot, which was quite often, it pleased the crowd and players on the bench with the craft that he uses. He gets good elevation and has good form on his jumper. Once he learns how to become more of a play maker off the dribble, his game will take off.
Elijah Hawkins | 5’9 | ’21 DeMatha
This was my second time seeing Hawkins in a camp setting and both of those times he stood out with his ability to impact both sides of the floor. Hawkins plays with a chip on his shoulder that fuels his competitive fire. Within that intensity, he also channels great pace when handling the ball and making decisions. Hawkins can score and play make for others. He gets after it defensively by guarding his man the full length of the floor.
Kyree Banks | 6’0 | ’20 Surratsville
I hadn’t seen Banks prior to Saturday, but it didn’t take long for him to prove to be a tough shot maker. Whether it was off the dribble or in catch and shoot scenarios, Banks knocked down shots consistently from three and mid-range with hands in his face. Although contested, he didn’t force or rush his jumper. He played with great control and energy. It just looked like Banks was having fun out there. Embracing his teammates, talking on both ends and playing with tremendous effort.
Amir Nesbitt | 6’1 | ’20 Miller School
Nesbitt has the reputation of being one of the better shot makers in the DMV and he proved that once again on Saturday. The 6-foot-1 guard made plays off the bounce and showed great balance on his off the dribble pull-up. He showcased his IQ when operating off the ball and finding openings in the defense while being shot ready on the catch.