CBG Fall Series 1: 2022 Standouts (Part 1)
The Commonwealth Basketball Group held their first session of their Fall Series at Guardian Christian Academy in Chesterfield, VA. The goal of the event was to get kids back in the gym in a grassroots setting, and provide a live…
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Continue ReadingThe Commonwealth Basketball Group held their first session of their Fall Series at Guardian Christian Academy in Chesterfield, VA. The goal of the event was to get kids back in the gym in a grassroots setting, and provide a live steam to college coaches to be able to evaluate the talent in a structured environment.
The event had 12 teams and was loaded with talent, so doing the standouts in just one article simply isn’t possible. Here’s a look at part three of the 2022 standouts, featuring six guys to keep an eye on.
Justin Taylor Justin Taylor 6'5" | SG IMG Academy | 2022 State #156 Nation FL | 6’6” WG | CBG 434 2022
Taylor was put through the gauntlet this weekend as he was matched up with two other nationally ranked wings, and he didn’t back down as he guarded them both and went straight at them offensively. Taylor proved why he’s considered a top 50 player in the country, as he showed he can create and make shots, he can guard his position well and is a smooth and improved athlete on both ends. He is a guy that continues to improve and will be sought after by almost every school in the country here soon.
Alphonzo Billups Alphonzo Billups 6'7" | SF Varina | 2022 State #154 Nation VA | 6’7” WF | CBG East 2022
Billups exploded this summer on the recruitment scene with multiple high level offers, and he showed flashes of why he’s starting to get that kind of attention. Billups has tremendous physical tools to him, including long limbs and natural athleticism, and he has a skill set that can built upon and he’s on the verge of being an elite prospect. He can handle and pass, he can score from multiple levels and he can play above the rim on both ends of the floor. He averaged 15 points and 8.5 rebounds in two games in the event.
Tyler Nickel Tyler Nickel 6'8" | SF East Rockingham | 2022 State #85 Nation VA | 6’7” WF | VA Blaze 2022
Nickel was in a tough position as his team was outmatched against some very good teams, but he did his best to carry the weight and showed off some very talented scoring ability while doing so. The 6’7” wing is a guy who can make shots from multiple levels while contested and has good size and athleticism to get downhill and finish through contact. While he had to do a lot including guarding the tallest player and being the primary ball handler for his team, he still managed to average a double-double and show why he’s an elite scorer and rebounder.
Efrem ‘Butta’ Johnson Efrem ‘Butta’ Johnson 6'4" | NA lbs | SG Grissom | 2022 State #NA Nation AL | 6’4” CG | Chesapeake Jaguars 2022
Johnson has to be the most under recruited guy in a stacked 2022 class that features plenty of talented guards. Nicknamed “butter” for his smooth style of play, Johnson is a guy who makes the game look effortless as he can score it from all over, make others better and makes plays on the defensive end. He averaged 15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals in his two games on Sunday.
Xavier Brown Xavier Brown 6'2" | PG Oak Hill Academy | 2023 VA | 6’2” PG | CBG Fastbreak 2022
Brown didn’t have the best start to the day as he struggled in the first game, but he bounced back well in the second game in a win over CBG East. The high motor and athletic lead guard did a good job shaking off the first game as he stayed aggressive, lived in the paint off the bounce and showed his athletic and strong finishing ability around the rim. The newest Oak Hill point guard finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in their win.
Cavan Reilly Cavan Reilly 6'4" | SG Bishop O'Connell | 2022 State VA | 6’3” WG | Team Assist 2022
Reilly was on a stacked Assist showcase team that showed they had as much talent as anyone in their games, and Reilly showed a good IQ as he picked his spots and was successful and productive in a number of ways. The 6’3” wing out of Bishop O’Connell is known as a lights out shooter and he showed that with a number of deep threes, but he also showed he’s a good athlete and a capable scorer in isolation situations and he makes the right play on both ends of the floor. He’s set to have a breakout year in the WCAC.