Prep Hoops Hustle Region Finals: Most intriguing
One of the things I appreciated about the Hustle Region Finals is that it gave us writers an opportunity to see a number of prospects from other regions that we hadn’t seen. Some of those prospects have pieces that, given…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOne of the things I appreciated about the Hustle Region Finals is that it gave us writers an opportunity to see a number of prospects from other regions that we hadn’t seen. Some of those prospects have pieces that, given time and development, could help them emerge as solid college prospects.
Here were the players who intrigued me the most.
Prep Hoops Hustle Region Finals: Most Intriguing
Garrison Sherman, 6-7 2022 F, Arizona Dream
A long, wiry face-up four man with really good feel and ball skills, Sherman picked apart the AZ Select Showtime team in the first half with his passing out of the high post, helping set up his hot shooting teammates on the wing or cutters diving to the basket. He also was the recipient of several assists, moving well without the ball to get open on around the basket.
Autrey Dawkins-Tawfiq, 6-5 2022 G, Coastal Elite
I’ve seen Dawkins-Tawfiq several times this summer, and the one thing that stands out about the Balboa School prospect is his pace. He doesn’t let defenders speed him up, he changes speeds very well and uses his big frame to create space when attacking the basket. In the paint, he plays off of two feet and again uses his body to absorb contact and finish. He’s a very intriguing lead guard prospect that caught the eye of several D2 schools in attendance.
Donovan Sterling Donovan Sterling 6'3" | SF Harrison | 2022 State CO , 6-5 2022 W, L.O.B. Elite
The Harrison (CO) swingman has physical tools you can’t teach: a freakishly long wingspan, exceptional lateral agility and leaping ability. He’s an excellent defender and plays with a high motor, and is active on the offensive and defensive boards. He also knocked down a handful of midrange jump shots and a three in the game I watched. His handle and footwork are a work in progress, and improving his off hand should be a priority.
Omarion Thomas-Marshall, 6-3 2021 G, Splash City
Thomas-Marshall is a potent scorer who can fill it up from all three levels, albeit inefficiently at times. He has a strong frame and thrives off of getting into the paint and scoring through contact. He showed flashes of being able to make the right read when he drew helpside defense in the paint, but his shot selection is still an area where he needs to grow. It will make him that much more effective.
Vaughn Weems, 6-5 2023 WF, Team Fuego
The Federal Way (WA) product (featured image) plays much bigger than his listed height. He rebounds at a prolific rate, especially on the offensive glass, where he scores putbacks through contact. Weems also showed some potential as a spot up shooter from the short corners and midrange. He is also a versatile defender capable of guarding on the perimeter with his length and foot speed.
Nathan Ojukwu. 6-6 2023 WF, Idaho Select
The lefty has a solid frame and length and is a crafty scorer off the bounce. He’s extremely left hand dominant, but at this level, he was able to get to his spots on the court pretty much at will, and showed some athleticism with finishes in traffic above the rim. A streaky shooter from the perimeter, becoming more consistent from three is the next step in his development. But the physical tools are there for him to be a D1 sleeper out of Idaho.
Carter Davis, 6-5 2023 W, Utah Force
In a loss to the eventual champion Roots Academy, Davis was one of the standouts for the Force Team. The Sky View (UT) product has a long, wiry frame and the lefty is a knockdown shooter from three. Davis did a solid job attacking closeouts to set up his one-dribble pull-up, which he also knocked down consistently. The next step for him is getting physically stronger to help finish through contact around the basket.