2023: Big Shots Nationals, Part I

<h5>Big Shots Nationals brought out some talented prospects in the class of 2023. Here's a look at Part I of the 2023 standouts.</h5> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="998235" first="Gio" last="Nannucci"] | 6'4 Forward/Wing | Basketpoint USA</h5> <p>Nannucci made waves with Basketpoint USA in the 16U Red Division on their way to a title. He took home MVP honors when it was all said and done with his relentless ability to get downhill and finish in paint. He's got nice length and a solid frame he uses well to navigate to the rim and finish around the rim through traffic. He finished with 23.0 ppg including 22 in the championship game, with all field goals coming from inside the perimeter.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="1168834" first="Jake" last="Hart"] | 6'1 Guard | [program_tooltip program_id='2078529' first='Strong' last='Center']</h5> <p>Hart continues to impress in the 2023 class with his ability to make plays for others. He finished with 7.8 ppg but his playmaking and defense are what really makes his team successful. They pulled off a huge upset of the Virginia Nets in sudden death in the championship game and Hart was instrumental in getting his shooters the ball as Jesse Mitchell and [player_tooltip player_id="1014990" first="Micah" last="Jones"] both finished with 26 points apiece. He's an unselfish lead guard who can play both ends of the floor to make his impact felt.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="1116124" first="Jessie" last="Mitchell"] | 6'4 Guard/Wing | [program_tooltip program_id='2078529' first='Strong' last='Center']</h5> <p>Mitchell is one of the more underrated shooters and slashers in the state of North Carolina. He posted 26 points in their championship victory of the 16U Orange Division, including the game-winner in sudden death to seal things permanently in the end. He's a sizeable prospect at 6-foot-4 that uses his frame well to get to his spots and knock down shots off the catch. He's worth getting eyes on. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="1156047" first="Jahterius" last="Horne"] | 6'4 Forward | Team DBGH</h5> <p>Horne continues to show his growth on the 17U stage despite being in the 2023 class. He's got solid instincts when to dive to the rim so he can finish with authority through traffic. Defensively, he's a presence blocking shots and rebounding the ball. As he improves his conditioning and learns how to be more consistent on the floor and make an impact, look for his name to grow in the state of North Carolina.</p> <h5>Demarcus Allen | 6'3 Guard | 904 Elite</h5> <p>Allen was a model of consistency on the offensive end for 904 Elite as he posted 22.5 ppg in the 16U Blue Division. In their opening game, he paced the offense with 26 points. He showed off his ability to score on all three levels with and without the ball in his hands. He's got good instincts and solid athleticism he uses well to make things happen.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="1238112" first="Ryan" last="MacKinnon"] | 6'4 Shooting Guard | [program_tooltip program_id='2078487' first='Durham' last='Hurricanes']</h5> <p>MacKinnon was another top scorer in the 16U Blue Division after a productive weekend at Myrtle Beach Live. He posted 17.3 ppg in the division, incluyding 24 points to close the weekend out at Big Shots Nationals. He's got a nice feel for the game as a shooter and playmaker with D'dric Rodgers in the backcourt as well. As he improves his strength and shows he can finish in traffic, look for his recruitment to grow a ton.</p>