St. James NIBC Invitational: Tennessee Top Performers
In this article:
Now that the NIBC Invitational is in the books, it’s time to reflect on what we learned during our time in the gym the past couple of weeks. Here are 12 of the top performers from Tennessee schools. Camden Andrews…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingNow that the NIBC Invitational is in the books, it’s time to reflect on what we learned during our time in the gym the past couple of weeks. Here are 12 of the top performers from Tennessee schools.
Camden Andrews | Hamilton Heights ’23
Camden Andrews is known as a shooter and he lived up to that reputation, shooting 43 percent through 6 games, per Legit Stats. What should not go overlooked about Andrews is his scrappiness. He routinely dove on the floor for 50/50’s and was a pest on the ball defensively.
Jerrell Colbert Jerrell Colbert 6'10" | C Houston | 2021 State #56 Nation TN | Houston ’21
Jerrell Colbert Jerrell Colbert 6'10" | C Houston | 2021 State #56 Nation TN is headed to LSU after graduation. The big fella is a bonafide lob threat. Colbert tends to convert the most awkward of finishes in part because of his coordination. He’s still filling out but has a broad frame that will carry the additional muscle mass well.
Cole Farrell | Hamilton Heights ’21
The first thing you’ll probably notice about Cole Farrell is that he’s a terrific athlete. He plays above the rim on both ends and is a versatile defender. Farrell excels in transition and is a confident pull-up shooter but also a crafty finisher.
Johnathan Lawson Johnathan Lawson 6'8" | SF Houston | 2021 State #112 Nation TN | Houston ’21
Oregon bound Johnathan Lawson Johnathan Lawson 6'8" | SF Houston | 2021 State #112 Nation TN oozes upside. He’s a big guard who rebounds exceptionally well and will look ahead to initiate the break. Lawson is a creative lob passer. He is a versatile scorer who can get buckets in the post or stop on a dime and pull-up from 15 feet. Lawson’s defensive potential is through the roof. He’s long, guards multiple positions, makes foes uncomfortable on the ball, but is also active and alert off the ball.
T.J. Madlock T.J. Madlock 6'4" | PG Houston | 2021 State TN | Houston ’21
T.J. Madlock T.J. Madlock 6'4" | PG Houston | 2021 State TN is the son of a coach who was a point guard, and that makes total sense when you watch him compete. He’s a heady player who is decisive. Madlock does all the little things that help win games. He rebounds well for a guard. Madlock sees the floor well and plays unselfishly, but if you’re not careful he will put it on your head.
Yerald Mieses Yerald Mieses 6'2" | PG Hamilton Heights | 2021 State TN | Hamilton Heights ’21
One could argue that Yerald Mieses Yerald Mieses 6'2" | PG Hamilton Heights | 2021 State TN was the single biggest stock riser in the 2021 class at the NIBC Invitational. Mieses was among the event’s leaders in scoring and free throw attempts. He excels in transition where he is a grab-and-go threat who can score or make plays.
Mason Miller Mason Miller 6'9" | SF Houston | 2021 State #92 Nation TN | Houston ’21
Creighton is getting a workhorse in Mason Miller Mason Miller 6'9" | SF Houston | 2021 State #92 Nation TN . The 6-foot-9 lefty finished 8th in scoring average (17.5 ppg) and field goal percentage (60%) respectively. Miller was very aggressive on the offensive boards. He’s got a good feel for the game and knows how to move without the ball. They did a very good job allowing Miller to get downhill to his strong hand and attack the basket on straight-line drives. He showed that he can get up off one foot and dunk the ball in traffic.
Bretner Mutombo Bretner Mutombo 6'11" | C Hamilton Heights | 2021 State #227 Nation TN | Hamilton Heights ’21
Bretner Mutombo Bretner Mutombo 6'11" | C Hamilton Heights | 2021 State #227 Nation TN was one of the most productive rim-protectors at the NIBC. He finished 7th in the event in blocked shots (1.7 bpg). Mutombo also has a developing post-game, which is encouraging.
Ahmad Nowell | Houston ’24
Philly native Ahmad Nowell was one of the top freshman performers at the event. He is a compact guard who handles pressure well and gets to his spots. Nowell is a very good playmaker out of pick-and-roll. He can knock down standstill threes. His breakout performance came against Paul VI where he recorded 15 points (5/7 FG, 3/3 3PT, 2/2 FT), 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal, and 3 turnovers.
Felix Okpara Felix Okpara 6'11" | C Hamilton Heights | 2022 #51 Nation MO | Hamilton Heights ’22
Felix Okpara Felix Okpara 6'11" | C Hamilton Heights | 2022 #51 Nation MO showed why he is considered the top shot-blocker in the country at the NIBC. He led the event, averaging a ridiculous 3.3 blocks per game, but altered dozens of other shots. Okpara was relentless on the offensive glass. He averaged 3 offensive rebounds per game, which ranked 4th overall.
JaMichael Stillwell | Hamilton Heights ’21
JaMichael Stillwell is a 6-foot-7 forward who guard multiple positions and plays extremely hard on both ends of the floor. He is a very good rebounder. Stillwell averaged 8.2 boards per game with 3.3 coming on the offensive glass.
Zander Yates Zander Yates 6'8" | SF Houston | 2021 State TN | Houston ’21
Yates is an athletic 6-foot-7+ forward who is a difference-maker on both ends of the court. He is a vigilant rebounder who can also block shots. Yates hedges ball-screens hard. He’s a smart cutter who tends to come up with offensive boards and finish consistently through contact. Yates plays unselfishly and is a very good passer. He led Houston High with 7 assists in their win against Paul VI.