Top Friday performers from Nike Summer Championships
The Nike Summer Championships got underway on Friday at Fieldhouse USA in Columbus, Ohio. In this article I will break down the top performers I saw on Friday afternoon from the event. Na’Varion Adams Na’Varion Adams 6'5" | C Westerville…
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Continue ReadingThe Nike Summer Championships got underway on Friday at Fieldhouse USA in Columbus, Ohio. In this article I will break down the top performers I saw on Friday afternoon from the event.
Na’Varion Adams Na’Varion Adams 6'5" | C Westerville North | 2024 State OH , 6’5 PF Westerville North 2024 Nova-Turner: A DOMINANT athletic showing from Adams with some highlight-reel dunks filled throughout the one game I caught of his team. He had a crazy alley-oop slam, a put-back and a standstill dunk. From an athletic standpoint, it was so impressive to watch Adams dominate the competition. This is one of the most explosive forwards in the 2024 class in Ohio.
Max McClellan Max McClellan 6'5" | PF Saint Edward | 2024 State OH , 6’5 PF Saint Edward 2024 TNBA Select 16U: McClellan was the top scorer in the battle with Nova-Turner and despite not being able to lead his team to a win, I liked what McClellan brought to the table. McClellan plays with patience in the mid-post area, using the threat of his mid-range shot to keep defenders off balance and can take it to the hoop as well. McClellan also knocked down a 3-pointer and was confident on both ends of the court. Another impressive play he made was a tip-in at the first half buzzer to give his team a lead at the break. McClellan is looking like a prospect who will receive some scholarship interest on the hardwood, but also has a lot of talent on the baseball field as well.
Derek Fairley Derek Fairley 6'1" | CG Lutheran West | 2024 State OH , 6’1 CG Lutheran West 2024 Mac Basketball 16U: This was Fairley’s top performance of the summer after watching him a couple times for Lutheran West in June. Fairley looked more explosive in the open court and was tough to stop in transition. Fairley also caused havoc defensively for a Mac Basketball squad who likes to push the pressure and trap often. Fairley also knocked down a couple floaters in the half-court, showing some more touch around the basket. His next steps will be to improve as an outside shooter and playmaker, becoming a true point guard instead of a combo right now. Fairley is making strides and is getting good coaching during both the high school and grassroots season, so I wouldn’t bet against him making these improvements.
CJ Hornbeak CJ Hornbeak 6'2" | SG Toledo St. John's | 2023 State OH , 6’2 SG Toledo St John’s 2023 NOVA 17U: Hornbeak had another solid outing, showing off his impressive on-ball defense and finishing around the basket. I think one of Hornbeak’s most underrated skill is his ability to finish with his left hand around the basket. Hornbeak struggled to shoot it from the outside, which is something I think he usually does better, but it was encouraging to see his lack of success shooting from the outside not affect the other ways he impacts the game. Hornbeak is one of my highest rated prospects without a scholarship offer.
Kyle Irwin Kyle Irwin 6'4" | PF Mayfield | 2023 State OH , 6’5 PF Mayfield 2023 TNBA -Select 17U: Irwin has continued to make strides and improve each time I watch him and had a good showing in TNBA -Select’s win over NOVA. Irwin does the little things that small college coaches will love to see. Irwin talks on defense, boxes out and plays his role offensively. Irwin made shots around the basket that were set up for him and made the right pass as well. Irwin will be a prospect that I expect Division III coaches to take a look at.