Prep Hoop Tune Up Wings & Forwards
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Guards are the most prevalent basketball commodity Louisiana has. The state also have some forwards that are making their way on the scene as well. During the Prep Hoops Tune Up, some of the wings and forwards got a chance…
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Continue ReadingGuards are the most prevalent basketball commodity Louisiana has. The state also have some forwards that are making their way on the scene as well. During the Prep Hoops Tune Up, some of the wings and forwards got a chance to showcase their wares as they began what their grassroots season in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Sedric Applewhite Sedric Applewhite 6'6" | SF Bossier | 2022 State LA (6’6″ / O.W.E. Travel / 2022)
Applewhite was the consistent link in the O.W.E. lineup all weekend. He proved to be more than a rim protector and defender during the weekend. Applewhite showed off some of his offensive skill as well. His ability to rebound and push was a skill that helped him gain an advantage several times in the open floor. Applewhite also has a soft touch around the rim which allowed him to make short jumpers and hooks in the paint. His multi-faceted skill set is very attractive and should be a large part of the O.W.E. success in future tournaments.
Kameron Coleman (6’7″ / O.W.E. Travel / 2023)
Coleman got into foul trouble a lot during the weekend playing against some older and more experienced post players. However, the upside of this athletic forward is scary. He has a seven foot wing span (maybe more) and can block shots playing one-on-one post defense. Coleman is very active around the rim on both ends. His defensive tools are already there. Playing against players with similar skill sets as O.W.E. progresses during the summer will only help him improve. As he gets stronger and adds some tools to his toolbox on the block and in the mid-range, the potential for him to end up as one of the top players in 2023 is there.
Josef Hoduh (6’4″ / Showtime Elite 16U / 2023)
Hoduh was a key reserve in Showtime Elite going 3-1 during the weekend in Dallas. He was more of a screener and rebounder for Showtime but did his job well. Guards were able to get a free release from their defenders can score off jumpers or drives from his screens. Hoduh was also active on the boards and had several putbacks just by being active. Look for Hoduh to continue his role as a key reserve for Showtime going forward.
Noah Jonker Noah Jonker 6'5" | PF Alexandria | 2022 State LA (6’5″ / O.W.E. Travel / 2022)
Jonker had a frustrating weekend. He got a lot of calls that he probably is not accustomed to. However, that did not stop him from filling the stat sheet during weekend gameplay. Jonker is got at pick-and-pop sequences and several of those from the middle pick-and-roll. He attacked the boards and was a major contributor on the defensive boards. Jonker also displayed his improved ability to put the ball on the deck and make plays. With Jonker as an offensive threat on the perimeter and in the paint, O.W.E. will be hard to stop going forward.
Jermireck Jordan (6’4″ / Showtime Elite 16U / 2023)
Jordan displayed the ability to rebound and finish during his minutes at the Prep Hoops Tune Up. What he was most effective at was reading the drive by his guards and making himself available for layups as the broke down the defense. In their initial win, Jordan dove to the goal and finished three consecutive layups to help close out that win. If he continues to fill that need the way the 16U guards played, Jordan will score plenty of buckets at the rim.
D’evin McDonald D’evin McDonald 6'3" | CG Red River | 2022 State LA (6’3″ / O.W.E. Travel / 2022)
McDonald had a tough weekend from deep playing with O.W.E. As he got more comfortable on the floor, he made up for his shooting with a stellar defensive effort and his play in transition. McDonald had several deflections when O.W.E. was playing either man or zone which led to them getting out in transition. When he led the break, McDonald either finished on his own or made the proper pass for a layup. As an athletic wing, he showed that he is more than capable of defending the wing and finishing in transition. Once he gets his shot working, observers will get to see his full game on display.
Donavan Seamster Donavan Seamster 6'2" | SG Woodlawn-Shreve | 2022 State LA (6’2″ / O.W.E. Travel / 2022)
Seamster is known as a marksman and has range from anywhere in the halfcourt. This particular weekend, he struggled as well with his shot. However, his shot not falling actually opened up more of his game. Seamster displayed the ability to cut off action happening on the opposite side of the floor and found himself open for layups underneath. Because he worked so well at spotting up, he was able to catch some aggressive defenders slipping and get to the cup. Seamster also showed why he is so deadly in transition by flowing to his spots as a trailer in transition. By not making his usual jumper, Seamster showed there was more to his game than just the three ball.
O.W.E. and Showtime Elite will be participating on the Hoopfest Tour and the Prep Hoops Circuit the majority of the summer. Look for these players to improve as the summer goes on and become some of the players to watch headed into next season.