National Hoopfest: Day 2 Standout 2023’s
In this article:
The National High School Hoops Festival is always one of the best events throughout the country during the high school season. I was in attendance for day two and will break down standouts from various classes that caught my eye. …
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe National High School Hoops Festival is always one of the best events throughout the country during the high school season. I was in attendance for day two and will break down standouts from various classes that caught my eye.
For the standout unsigned seniors, click here!
Isaiah Coleman Isaiah Coleman 6'5" | SF Word of God | 2023 State #59 Nation NC | 6’5 | National Christian
Following a productive Saturday showing where Coleman continued to prove that he is one of the top scorers in his class nationally, the 6-foot-5 guard led National Christian to a win over Dream City in the first game slot of the day. He finished with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds in the 76-63 win. Six of those rebounds were of the offensive variety. Coleman is a tough matchup for players his size to keep in front of him given his shifty approach with the ball and ability to score from all three levels. It was good to see his activity on the glass and if he can sustain that effort, it’s only a matter of time before the prized power five programs begin to take notice.
Mathiang Maker Mathiang Maker 6'7" | SF Dream City Christian International | 2023 State AZ | 6’8 | Dream City
Makur caught my eye early on for obvious reasons given his frame and length at 6-foot-8. The cousin of Thon Maker and brother of Makur Maker, Mathiang has a similar body type and showed plenty of potential as a versatile wing. He finished with 13 points and seven rebounds in his team’s loss to National Christian, shooting 3-of-7 from deep and displayed comfort as a ball handler and playmaker in transition. It’s rare you see a player of his height and length be comfortable making plays off the bounce and while his game still needs polish overall, he has substantial promise long-term.
Maki Johnson | 6’4 | Huntington Prep
Johnson caught fire off the bench and was key in Huntington Prep’s 81-66 win over Bishop O’Connell. The 6-foot-4 guard was quick on the trigger in catch-and-shoot scenarios on his way to 15 points and knocking down five of his eight tries from three. Johnson brought the necessary energy to fend off a tough Bishop O’Connell team and bounce back from their loss on Saturday to St. Frances.
Ronald Jessamy | 6’8 | Huntington Prep
Jessamy stood out to me not because he boasted a loaded stat line, but because his efforts and efficiency that he played with I thought helped Huntington Prep establish themselves in the paint immensely. The 6-foot-8 forward finished with eight points and four rebounds in just 13 minutes of play. He converted on 4-of-6 from the field, but did other things that wouldn’t show on the box score such as setting good ball screens and fighting for position to clear out space for rebounds.
DeShawn Harris-Smith DeShawn Harris-Smith 6'5" | SF Paul VI | 2023 State #53 Nation VA | 6’5 | Paul IV
Harris-Smith was one of the biggest stock risers this weekend because of his play at both ends. Many of the local scouts have been well aware of his strength and versatility at 6-foot-5, but Harris-Smith left a lasting impression on the national scouts and could see his recruitment take off in the coming weeks because of it. He finished with 18 points, nine rebound and four assists in the statement win over Archbishop Spalding. Coming into the season, there were folks who had labeled this Paul IV group young and questioned whether they’d be able to compete at the level they have in the past. They were without Harris-Smith during DMV Live and now that he’s back, they take on a completely different look and feel. He’s the glue that holds this team together and will be crucial to their pursuit of a WCAC title.