Grind Session Elite: Marshall County Hoopfest
Charles Bassey, Aspire Academy Class of 2019
In a marquee and memorable matchup, Bassey solidifed his status as a top-3 player in the Class of 2019. The 6-foot-10 Nigerian played physical and asserted himself in the confines of the paint, displaying powerful finishing ability throughout.
With a superior above the rim game and an ability to easily maneuver his way to the rim and finish, Bassey has the essential ingredients of one of the nation’s most highly sought after bigs. His impressive performance against Findlay Prep, in which he got the better of prized Oregon commit Bol Bol, should bolster his stock considerably.
Bassey scored 16 points, tore down 13 rebounds, and blocked two shots. He outdueled Bol (14 points) on the glass by a 13-4 count. Athletic and plenty capable in the rim to rim game, Bassey is growing in versatility and national stock. Strength and physical nature makes him unrivaled imposing rim protector at this level.
Joel Ntambwe, Aspire Academy Class of 2018
6-foot-8 jack of all trades has been point forward for head coach Jeremy Kipness. In addition to triggering the high-low attack, Ntambwe brings deft handle and attacking ability. A consistent mid-range and 3-point game would be pivotal factor in making Ntambwe more appealing at the high-major level. High IQ, ability to guard from the 1-5, and ability to trigger the transition game fresh off the defensive glass makes native of The Congo a rare talent.
Tyrese Patterson, Tennessee Prep Academy, Class of 2018
Son of famed DePaul guard and Indiana Pacers draft pick Kenny Patterson, 6-foot-2 guard Tyrese Patterson authored head-turning 23 point, four assist performance against Prolific Prep. With highly-touted teammate Antavion Collum saddled with early foul trouble, Patterson stepped up at the opportune time. The all-around skill set and heady play Patterson displayed should awaken many.
He finished on the break, knocked down 3-pointers, and provided the pesky defensive effort required against a national power of Pro Prep’s stature. An energizer who gets to the rim and finishes with relative ease, Patterson helped whittle down a 16-point deficit to one in the Pro Prep loss. Hard-slashing guard scored 25 points in second game of the tournament, again bringing boundless energy and impacting the game across all 94 feet. Underrated guard is lesser known recruit with tremendous upside.
Antavion Collum, Tennessee Prep Academy, Class of 2019
Now growing on the national recruiting market, highly-touted 6-foot-8 point forward exemplified what all the noise is about. Collum hit timely shots, showed NBA 3-point range, and facilitated offense. Averaged 19 points throughout the tournament and drew plenty of comparisons to Shawne Williams, who shined as a big guard for Chris Chaney at Laurinburg Prep before playing at Memphis and later the NBA. Ball handling and physicality is extremely advanced at this level.
James Wiseman, Memphis East Class of 2019
Arguably the country’s best in the class of 2019, highly-versatile 7-footer proved just why Coach John Calipari and Kentucky are prioritizing him. Smooth lefty is menacing shot blocker and possesses innate scoring ability at all three levels.
In 82-66 drubbing of Aspire, Wiseman scored 22 points, grabbed 10 boards, and blocked three shots en route to Game MVP honors. While Memphis East head coach and former NBA star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway lost Collum to the transfer market, he gained a transcendent talent in Wiseman. This weekend was indicative of this.
Devan Cambridge, Believe Prep Academy, Class of 2019
The Nashville native is undervalued on the recruiting market. A titanic 39 point performance, in which he shot a scalding 14-for-24 from the floor during a sizzling battle with Michigan-bound Ignas Brazdeikas (30 points) of Orangeville Prep, should open Cambridge up to a bevy of high-majors.
Cambridge, who generated buzz when he scored 30 points during a win over Tennessee Prep Academy last month, added seven boards, three steals and two blocks. Long and athletic 6-foot-6 junior is underrated defender, with a knack for blocking shots. While many have him pigeonholed as an athlete or a “dunker,” Cambridge answered critics by hitting six 3-pointers. On one of the biggest stages the prep scene had to offer, Cambridge looked Blue Blood caliber good. Anticipate much of the same moving forward.
Keldon Johnson, Oak Hill Academy
Kentucky commit has a major thrill factor to his game. The five-star recruit had a number of extravagant, powerful dunks that sent the crowd into a frenzy in Benton, KY. Possesses the sky-rising athleticism which puts him on constant aerial watch, as any lob pass floated up near the rim is an easy alley oop with him in sight.
Smooth and gifted in all components of his game, Johnson authored efficiency with 15-point (6-for-7 fg), five rebound showing en route to Game MVP honors of a 97-67 trouncing of Tennessee Prep Academy. The 6-foot-6 Class of 2018 small forward plays with unbridled relentlessness and a ferocity. Both factors were integral in making Johnson such a hotly pursued recruit.