Carolina Crossover Day 2 Standouts
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If Day 1 was a marathon, Day 2 in Spartanburg was a sprint. Just 5 hours of hoops on 5 courts gave us new matchups and next-level positional battles. Here are the day’s standouts. Patrick Screws Patrick Screws 6'6" |…
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Continue ReadingIf Day 1 was a marathon, Day 2 in Spartanburg was a sprint. Just 5 hours of hoops on 5 courts gave us new matchups and next-level positional battles. Here are the day’s standouts.
Patrick Screws Patrick Screws 6'6" | PF Eufaula | 2023 AL | Auburn Raptors 2023
Screws was one of the most interesting big man prospects all weekend. The 6’7 3-star offensive lineman has great footwork, rebounds outside of his area, and has all the strength you’d expect from a lineman. He seals his man, leaving the ambidextrous lefty the ability to finish plays with both hands. It’ll be hard to pull him away from the gridiron but the ground bound four man is a nice finesse and physical big.
Eli Griffin | Bigshots CPA 2025
Griffin scored 23 points, putting up 15 of them in the second half to keep his team in the game. He knocked 3 of his six attempts from beyond the arc. The 6’ guard is a consistent finisher in the paint.
Andre Akbar | NEB Elite 2024
Akbar is a talented 6’2 shooter. 7 threes pointers spurred his 25 points on Sunday. Akbar moves really well off the ball. He runs to spots and has the balance to stop on a dime for catch and shoot opportunities.
Justice Billings | Zaytoven Elite 2023
Billings is a high energy 6’5 forward. He runs the floor, rebounds on both ends, and finishes above the rim. His athleticism and energy help him affect shots at the rim. Those same skills helped him land the poster of the day.
Kurahn Taylor | UWB 2023
The 2024 prospect played up an age group but didn’t look out of place thanks to 6’5 size as a perimeter player. He used his size to score in the paint. Taylor has a solid stroke from the perimeter.
Amari Willis | Metro Elite Basketball Club 2023
Willis has been a standout at every event in the southeast. The 6’6 unsigned senior creates his shot, is a strong downhill driver, and draws fouls. He’s a next-level athlete that finishes above the rim with authority. The combo guard is one of the better 2022 prospects on the circuit.
Bradley Pearson | Auburn Raptors 2024
Pearson made his presence felt on Saturday just to one up himself on Sunday. The 6 foot guard went into full sniper mode, hitting double-digit threes on his way to a 40 point game. Besides a stroke that can catch fire, he can get downhill for scores and dishes around the basket.
Kendrick Johnson | Underrated Athletes 2025 6’1
The 6’1 guard scores around the basket. Johnson has the speed to get downhill in the halfcourt and create for himself. He draws fouls at a good rate, getting to the line 10 times but only making 4 of his attempts. As Johnson improves as a finisher, he’ll be a more potent scorer. The 2025 prospect runs the break well leading to easy points in transition.
Braxton Baldwin | Georgia Havoc 2025
Baldwin is still learning the game, but his 6’2 size and athleticism helped him produce this weekend. His best performance was a 14 point game that showcased his ability to score in transition and off drives. He showed his defensive tools with several chasedown blocks throughout the weekend.
JC Woods | HYB Raptors 2025
Woods is a high upside forward that stands out thanks to his length and height. He hovers around 6’3/4 and has a great motor. Woods constantly moves around on both ends of the floor. Right now he’s more of a defensive player that can affect shots in the paint and deflect passes. Woods can take bigger players off the dribble for looks at the rim.
Jaki Bell | Metro Elite Basketball Club 2025
Bell has outstanding control of the game for a young guard. He sets the offense, knows where to put his teammates for them to be successful, and has plenty of patience as a ball handler. The lead guard took the game over in the second half, scoring 15 points by knocking down midrange jumpers, layups, a three and 4 of his six free throw attempts.