Prep Hoops Passion Region Finals Standouts
The Passion Region Finals kicked off at the Champion’s Center at LakePoint Sports in Cartersville, Georgia. All ten basketball courts had nonstop action and plenty of high-level teams and talent on display. The following players put on stand-out performances this…
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Continue ReadingThe Passion Region Finals kicked off at the Champion’s Center at LakePoint Sports in Cartersville, Georgia. All ten basketball courts had nonstop action and plenty of high-level teams and talent on display. The following players put on stand-out performances this past weekend.
Carter McDole 6’6 185 SG/SF, Athletes of Influence c/o 2024
Carter is a natural guard that was playing the post position due to his team’s lack of size. That was no problem for Carter at all. He was in full beast mode blocking shots, rebounding, and scoring down low. When he rebounded the ball, he was looking to start the break with pinpoint outlet passes or he used his handle and speed to put pressure on defenses. He was the single most dominant 2024 player I saw all day and his athleticism is simply off the charts.
Justin Brown 5’9 PG/165, GCPC Stars c/o 2022
Sometimes it’s not how many points you score, it’s when you score that makes all the difference. Justin is a take-charge floor general that plays with a motor that’s always in its highest gear. His team follows his lead on both ends and he has a feel for the game that allows him to be a terrific decision-maker and know when to pick his spots. Justin kept teammates engaged by swinging the ball and making several assist passes. There were plenty of occasions where Justin knew his teammates would be open well before they did, and he got them to the ball with precision passing. Justin also flashed a brilliant offensive game making tough shots from range and blowing past defenders with ease when he was left one on one. He has no weakness in his game.
Skyler Scull 5’9/160 PG, Pinellas Hoops Supreme c/o 2023
Skyler is a coach on the floor. His cerebral approach to the game always keeps him one step ahead of the defense. He has a nice handle and good court vision, allowing him to break down the defense and find open shots for his teammates. Oh, I didn’t mention, Skyler is a sniper from outside. Leaving him open anywhere on the court is a guaranteed bucket. He easily controlled the pace of the game and consistently put his teammates in a position to maximize their talents.
CJ Blount 6’1 170 PG, Iron City Huskies c/o 2022
CJ has all the great intangible attributes a coach wants in a point guard, displaying good leadership and ability to play within himself, and great instincts. His tangibles are just as impressive with a fast first step and “grown man” strength going to the basket, allowing him to finish through contact all weekend. Oh, did I mention he’s a certified bucket? CJ came to the gym on day 2 with a “mamba” mentality scoring over 20 points in both Huskies games.
Akeem Dauphin 6’7/170 SF, Stampede c/o 2022
This kid is all personality. He plays and competes as hard as anyone and continues to have a smile on his face and a humble attitude despite his physically dominating presence. However, don’t let the smile fool you because he will dunk on your entire family if given the opportunity. He’s a lanky, bouncy player with great timing on defense, nice hands, and a soft touch on his mid-range jumper. He toughed through a hand injury this weekend but even still, his talent was always apparent.
Trevon Palmer 6’4/165 SF, Auburn Raptors c/o 2024
Trevon is a really good athlete that just gets buckets. He scored at will in their semifinal game taking the ball to the basket, showing off a good jumper and he also added a few high-flying dunks. He finished with an efficient 27 points in that game. Throughout the weekend, Trevon also displayed he is a willing defender, blocking shots and using his athleticism to dominate the boards.
Jaden Baker 6’0/165 PG, Spartans Elite c/o 2024
Jaden is a certified problem and an assassin. I have seen this kid play about 8 times so far and no matter what opposing teams throw in his direction, Jaden still gets whatever he wants on the offensive end and the Passion Region Finals were no different. He’s just a scorer and when his team needs a basket he rarely lets them down. This kid lives in the paint and has elite body control, hangtime, and an ability to find angles off the glass that you simply can’t teach.
Jordan Pyke (pictured) 6’7/205 SF, Warriors Travel Basketball c/o 2022
I noticed Jordan on a breakaway layup where the defender contested it and he missed a tough attempt. A couple of possessions later, Jordan was on another breakaway with a defender ready to contest again… a big mistake. Jordan dunked on the defender. He’s a classic “than you think” player. He’s faster, stronger, quicker, and jumps higher…than you think. Jordan showed all weekend that he has all the tools necessary to be a good division 1 basketball player. He has a nice handle, soft-touch, sneaky athletic and he’s a big man.