Court XIV Classic Preview
It’s not often in February when you can carve out two days in early February to watch some of the best basketball talents in the country locally if you are a native of Charlotte. Big Shots changed that this year…
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Continue ReadingIt’s not often in February when you can carve out two days in early February to watch some of the best basketball talents in the country locally if you are a native of Charlotte. Big Shots changed that this year with their Court XIV Classic. Every participating team will be mentioned below and the impact players you may not be familiar with.
Huntington Prep (Huntington, VA)
Jimma James is a name you should know, I’m a big fan of Elijah Fisher, however by the end of the 2023 season James might be regarded as the best Canadian player in the class. James is an athletic 6’5″ wing with a soft touch, he has the ability to become a tri-level scorer. Opening up the floor for his teammates with his amazing athleticism and dunking ability. A force on the offensive glass with his quick second jump, as he continues to get stronger he will become even more of a force. The Canadian-born player just picked up an offer from Washington State. Very excited to see how Vertical Academy schemes for him, with them lacking size against this big Huntington Prep team.
AZ Compass (Chandler, AZ)
Junior Marquis ‘Mookie’ Cook is the player that can fill it up in a hurry and is one of the more exciting players within the 2023 class. He is a lob away from a Highlight play, Cook is an aggressive offensive rebounder. He gets a lot of his points off of the offensive boards. Cook has a silent assassin approach about him that I love. A hard worker, that has shown that he can become a high-level playmaker as the talent around him continues to increase. He has a reliable mid-range shot and corner three-pointer. He still needs to become a little more consistent so he is not only known as predominately an inside finisher. Also going head to head with Vertical, between Mookie’s athleticism and Trey Parker jumping ability we will be in for a treat!
1 OF 1 Academy (Charlotte, NC)
Over the next few years, I expect Lamelo Ball and manager Jermaine Jackson to turn this Puma travel team into a national powerhouse. Orlando Lovejoy Orlando Lovejoy 6'3" | CG 1 of 1 Prep | 2022 State NC is only half of the dynamic duo that has kept this team pushing throughout this season. Senior Lovejoy is. a 6’3 guard from Michigan that has a strong upper body and can finish at the rim with the best of them. An above-average playmaker with a good understanding of where his sports are on the court. He is a confident jump shooter, he will attempt jumpsuits that don’t seem fathomable and he makes them.
Winston Salem Christian( Winston Salem, NC)
The Lions are coming off a disappointing tournament loss to The Burlington School. I believe they will come down ready to play as a collective in two weeks. Sophomore Lewis Walker Lewis Walker 6'6" | PF Winston-Salem Christian | 2024 State #178 Nation NC is a big cornerstone in their future, rightfully so. Walker is a hustle player that also has impressive footwork. His elusiveness makes him a tough guard for a bigger player and he’ll punish a smaller defender. You are in somewhat of a tough pickle when matching up against Walker. This season defensively he has taken a jump, because of his hustle. It’s scary where his footwork and mentally where he could be in two years if he stays on this path.