ROCK Spring Classic: 15u And 16u Standouts
In this article:
Recapping the top performers I saw at the 15u and 16u levels at the ROCK Spring Classic! Vince Vandervest (6’4 2023 W, Team 1848 16u)- Vince impressed on Saturday morning, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends of…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingRecapping the top performers I saw at the 15u and 16u levels at the ROCK Spring Classic!
Vince Vandervest (6’4 2023 W, Team 1848 16u)- Vince impressed on Saturday morning, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. A long and athletic wing prospect, Vince was able to use his length to get up in passing lanes, and impressed with an open floor dunk. As one of the bigger players for Team 1848, he doubled as a rim protector, elevating to contest and block shots in the paint. He was capable of attacking the basket off the dribble, and also opening up some second chance opportunities by crashing the board hard. A nice two-way player with plenty of promise due to his length and athleticism.
Colin Hardrick Colin Hardrick 6'3" | CG Wauwatosa West | 2022 State WI (6’3 2022 SG, Wisconsin PGC 16u)- A year young for his grade, Colin Hardrick Colin Hardrick 6'3" | CG Wauwatosa West | 2022 State WI competes at the 16u level and put in a dominant performance on Saturday morning. He’s got some nice explosiveness and length, and used that to finish above the rim in transition on multiple occasions. He also exceled at weaving through traffic and then hanging in the air and contorting his body for some tough finishes. Colin is a three level scorer who was able to get to his spot and pull-up from mid-range, or find space beyond the arc to get a clean look from three. On the defensive end he’s a menace using his length and timing to jump passing lanes and create turnovers.
Emmett Lawton Emmett Lawton 6'2" | SG Notre Dame Academy | 2023 State WI (6’1 2023 G, Team 1848 16u)- It was my first time watching Emmett play, and I came away impressed with some of the things he was doing on both ends of the floor with his effort and quickness. He did some nice things defensively, able to guard opposing ball handlers as well as on the wing. Emmett has some versatility on the offensive end, and was a top scorer for a well-rounded Team 1848 throughout the weekend. A high effort prospect who can get it done on both ends of the floor, and should be in for a strong spring/summer season.
Jaquan Johnson Jaquan Johnson 5'10" | PG Pius XI | 2024 State WI (5’9 2024 G, Wisconsin PGC 15u)- An electrifying scorer who has an endless bag of tricks, Jaquan was putting on a show for Playground in the two wins I saw. His quickness with the ball in his hands is hard to match at the 15u level, as he was burning defenders to the rim all day long. He’s such a crafty finisher who makes difficult lay-ups look routine and is fearless going up against length at the rim. Jaquan has a quick release on his jumper, and range that extends to well beyond the arc which makes him that much harder to guard.
Simeon Murchison Simeon Murchison 6'9" | PF Milwaukee Bay View | 2023 State WI (6’9 2023 PF/C, Playmakers South 16u)- One of the top big men in the 2023 class, there’s a lot to like about what Simeon brings to the floor. Though he didn’t put up huge numbers against, he showed a lot of promise on both ends. Defensively he moves well and is capable of sliding into position to contest at the rim, and his long arms constantly made things difficult for opponents. On the offensive end he showed touch from beyond the arc, and was dangerous rolling to the rim. Simeon showed soft hands to catch on the move, and either drew contact or finished his looks efficiently at the rim. Though still raw, Simeone has a lot of potential to continue improving.
Cole Hansen Cole Hansen 6'4" | SG Legacy Early College | 2024 State SC (6’3 2024 SG, Wisconsin PGC 15u)- Cole put in a really strong performance in a close win over Martin Bros on Saturday. He showcased a lot of toughness and confidence, and scored the ball in a variety of ways. Cole was able to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket, but he also has to constantly be accounted for from beyond the arc. On the defensive end he brings some intensity, fighting over screens and sitting deep in a stance to defend on the ball. Cole isn’t afraid to go up against anyone, and proved it in his team’s win against a tough team Saturday afternoon.
Amari McCottry Amari McCottry 6'5" | SF St. Thomas More | 2024 State #304 Nation WI (6’5 2024 W, X-Men United 15u)- When it comes to potential as a prospect, Amari is up there with the best in the state. At 6’5 he has a ton of length, and despite being so long at his age, he has a strong frame that helps him play through contact. He has a creative handle that is rare to find in a 6’5 freshmen, and used that to continuously get to the rim and draw fouls, putting multiple players into foul trouble. Amari worked hard on the glass, pulling in a handful of offensive rebounds in traffic that led to some second chance opportunities. Tons of potential from a player with impressive length and skills.
Luther Smith Luther Smith 6'1" | SG Sussex Hamilton | 2023 State WI (5’11 2023 G, Wisconsin PGC 16u)- Another electrifying scorer in the Wisconsin PGC program, Luther was lighting it up from beyond the arc on Saturday. He has a quick release from three which allowed him to beat the close out, but he was also able to create some space off the dribble to get off a clean look. Luther also does a great job of attacking the basket, getting his defender on his hip and then extending the ball away from his body to finish against longer players. A true spark for Playground Club who can put up points in a hurry.