CBG Fall Series 2: 2022 Standouts (Part 2)
The Commonwealth Basketball Group held their second 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 second 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 16 teams and was loaded with talent, so doing the standouts in just one article simply isn’t possible. Here’s a look at part two of the 2022 standouts, featuring seven guys to keep an eye on.
Efrem ‘Butta’ Johnson Efrem ‘Butta’ Johnson 6'4" | NA lbs | SG Grissom | 2022 State #NA Nation AL | 6’3″ G | Chesapeake Jaguars
Johnson was perhaps the best player in the day regardless of class, as he was on fire from the moment he stepped on the court to the moment he left. His team went 2-0 on the day with convincing wings against very good teams, and Johnson was the day’s leading scorer as he finished with 32 points in their first game and 25 points in the second game. Nicknamed “Butter” because of his smooth style of play, Johnson showed the whole repertoire and filled it up at multiple levels. He changes pace and creates space well off the bounce, he’s consistent from all over the court and he makes things look so effortless it almost surprises you when you go to the stats and see he absolutely torched whoever was in front of him.
Cam Gregory | 6’3” G | Rockett
Gregory is a new name that will be attending Steward School after moving to Richmond from Prince George County, Maryland, where he played for one of the best public school programs in the area in Oxon Hill. Gregory will have his chance to make an immediate impact at Steward that needs a guard who can handle it, and he’s that guy. Not only can he handle the rock but he’s long and athletic, he makes tough shots from multiple levels and he’s going to be intriguing to watch moving forward.
Owen Gray | 6’7” C | Rockett
Another guy at Steward that will be a new name to watch, Gray will get his chance this year to show that he’s been waiting his turn for years. Gray’s long, mobile and plays with a good motor, and he’s a guy who doesn’t try to do too much he just plays hard and makes the most of his opportunities. He had multiple impressive plays above the rim as a finisher and rebounder, he showed touch and he looks like he’s just scratching the surface with how good he can be.
Tyler Nickel Tyler Nickel 6'8" | SF East Rockingham | 2022 State #85 Nation VA | 6’7” WF | VA Blaze
Nickel proved yet again in session two that he’s a guy who can be a go-to scorer against pretty much anyone, as the 6’7” wing showed the full package throughout the event. He can play both on and off the basketball, he’s a guy who can score at multiple levels and make tough shots and he works really hard to get open and get to his spots. There’s a good chance he’ll go down as Virginia’s all-time leader in points in high school, and it’s easy to see why.
Carmelo Pacheco | 6’4” WG/WF | VA Blaze
Pacheco is a new name in this series that I had seen on film and heard a lot about, but seeing him in person makes me think he definitely will play basketball for free in college. An all-state selection last year, his coach raves about how hard he’s worked and how much he’s improved after some injuries slowed him down late in the season, and it’s easy to see he’ll be an All State guy this year too. He has good size on the wing and should fill out nicely, he plays the game with a good feel on both ends and he has an absolute burner on the offensive end as he shot the ball extremely well throughout the day.
Trey Gillenwater Trey Gillenwater 6'2" | PG Eastern Mennonite | 2022 State VA | 6’2” PG | VA Blaze
Gllenwater is another scholarship level guy on this Blaze team that is rightfully named because pretty much everyone I’ve mentioned from their group has been a knock down shooter, Gillenwater included. Gillenwater is a guy who fits well with this group because he’s polished and a high IQ guy who knows that when everyone plays together everyone gets good opportunities, and he’s one of the best at creating them. He can handle and pass with both hands, he can create space and shoot it and he’s a tough kid on both ends too.
Adam Hatter | 5’10” PG | VA Blaze
Hatter is a guy who won’t intimidate anyone when they look at him, but you look at his resume and the way he plays the game and you have to be impressed. He’s the definition of a floor general, he takes care of the ball, he gets his team into sets, he makes great reads and he makes shots when he’s called upon. He plays the game with poise and toughness, and he never gets too high or too low throughout the game, just runs the show.