Summer Rewind: O.W.E. Travel Ball Club (Part 2)
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Earlier this week, I highlighted six players who were on the O.W.E. Travel Ball Club roster during the NCAA live periods. Today, I want to cover the other five. They certainly deserve as much attention as the first group, so…
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Continue ReadingEarlier this week, I highlighted six players who were on the O.W.E. Travel Ball Club roster during the NCAA live periods. Today, I want to cover the other five. They certainly deserve as much attention as the first group, so let’s get to it. (Players are listed in alphabetical order by last name.)
D’evin McDonald D’evin McDonald 6'3" | CG Red River | 2022 State LA // 6’3″ CG // Red River High // 2022
One thing is certain about McDonald: He is a hard worker, and it showed this summer. By the time O.W.E. arrived in Indianapolis, McDonald was a mainstay in the team’s rotation. He is tough to handle off the dribble, can go either way, and is a creative finisher. Though his offensive game is ever growing, defense is still his calling card. The guy loves to guard and is an absolute pest. His athleticism enables him to get in on almost every defensive possession, no matter where he is on the court. He is a steal or deflection waiting to happen.
Martin Mcdowell Martin Mcdowell 5'10" | PG Calvary Baptist Academy | 2022 State LA // 5’11″ PG // Calvary Baptist // 2022
The Calvary point guard is a cool customer, and he is on a mission to bring a state title to the Cavs. McDowell is a sniper on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, as well as off the bounce. However, he is not limited to being a perimeter scorer and is a fixture in the paint. Once inside, Martin is as crafty a finisher as you’ll find. He uses his body and strength very well and has developed a solid floater. I was also blown away by his ball control, decision making, and ability to make his teammates better. Turnovers are not in this floor general’s vocabulary.
Donavan Seamster Donavan Seamster 6'2" | SG Woodlawn-Shreve | 2022 State LA // 6’1″ SG // Woodlawn-Shreveport // 2022
Seamster has never met a shot he doesn’t like, and he is within range as soon as he walks into the gym. I watched him take and make big shot after big shot, including a game winner at the buzzer against Dallas Showtyme. He definitely has ice running through his veins, but what really caught my attention was his improved movement off the ball as the summer progressed. He set solid screens and put himself in spots where passers could get him the ball. Seamster also showed the ability to penetrate and score inside after defenses closed out on him at the 3-point line.
Lance Waddles // 6’4″ CG // 2022
After collecting several All-Team honors on The Circuit this summer, Waddles has established himself as one of the top prospects in the country. There’s nothing he can’t do offensively. His tight handle and variety of moves off the dribble almost make him impossible to keep out of the lane. And once he’s there, he can finish with either hand or above the rim. Waddles is an elite scorer at all three levels, as he can fill it up from midrange and from deep as well. His athleticism and high basketball IQ also make him a solid passer and team defender.
Desmond Washington Desmond Washington 6'4" | SF Huntington | 2022 State LA // 6’4″ SF // Huntington High // 2022
Washington is a very tough guard inside, punishing defenders with decisive and quick post moves. He does a great job of drawing fouls, as he creates contact and goes strong to the rim. You won’t catch him fading away from the basket. Washington knows his role and goes about his business with a blue collar work ethic. He’s always active on the boards and on defense. Most importantly, he is a team player and overall good person. Coaches love to coach him; teammates love to play with him. His positivity is infectious, and he’s definitely a guy you want in your locker room.
It’s going to be fun keeping up with this group as the 2021-2022 season begins. If you’re a college coach at any level, I’d encourage you to put these guys on your recruiting radar and get to know them soon.