Bluff City LIVE: Top Slashers
With college coaches on hand, there emerged a number of elite slashing prospects during Bluff City LIVE (July 21-23). The following are wonderful slashers who made their case this July.
2020 WG Jakel Williams (Memphis Showtime 15u) — Wiry and strong Jakel Williams sliced to the basket with regularity Friday night. He has that special bounce and evasive tendencies that get guys good looks at the tin.
2021 WG Alden Applewhite (M33M 15u) Alden is a growing young man who confidently owns his space underneath. He aspires to play on the perimeter and the on-the-job training he engages in with M33M helps. He has good change of direction and court awareness. Applewhite’s game is interesting because he has really crafty body control. He remains lithe and mobile.
2018 WG Tavin Lovan (Team Thad 17u) – Lovan is a reclass from Franklin-Simpson High School in Kentucky. He elected to enjoy a prep year with Hargrave Military this upcoming winter. Lovan’s strengths and weaknesses are both apparent. He can get off the deck, attack the rim, and create havoc in traffic. Outside shooting is not an emphasis of his game and he tends to avoid those opportunities. He projects as a plus perimeter defender and high energy guy, possibly off the bench at MM level. Much of Team Thad’s July success depended upon the fiery slashing of Lovan.
2020 G Jordan Johnson (Team Thad 15u) — Jordan Johnson was really thin, but maneuvered with grace. Good mobility. At this point in his development Johnson cares more about offense. Really good balance. When the ball hits his hands he is ready to attack.
2021 WG Mason Miller (M33M 16u) — While Miller was playing up two levels he still showed off a slick sense of attack. The shooting technique is wonderful. More impressive perhaps was his confidence in traffic against much more physically mature defenders.
2018 G Damion Baugh (Team Thad 17u) — It is tough to see Baugh go, as he was one of the best three players in Nashville. Cane Ridge High taught him well, but Baugh will prep a year outside Atlanta. His quickness with the ball has always been impressive. Playing a summer with Team Thad opened up his confidence level. During Bluff City LIVE Baugh provided an exceptional secondary ball-handler and capable slasher alongside Tyler Harris.
2019 WG Deovaunta Williams (Team Thad 16u) — One of the breakout stars of the event was Deovaunta Williams (Raleigh-Egypt). The sparkling wing glided through traffic like a young Clyde Drexler. Look for an extended interview with Deovaunta in the coming weeks as he opened up on his recruitment and development with @PrepHoopsTN.
2021 G Eli Federman (M33M 14u) — The 14u team played up a division for the event. Eli is naturally quick and can handle very well. Look for him to ascend as he develops strength more appropriate for elite HS level. The entire 14u M33M team has technical players capable of doing every skill well.