UA Challenge Day 1 Standouts (Part 2)
Plenty was to be said about the first day of the UA Challenge in Cartersville, Georgia. Over 200 college coaches filled the gym alongside some of the top talent around the country. Even former NBA star Dennis Rodman made an appearance as he rocked a black hat, sunglasses and a white Under Armour shirt.
You know it is a big deal when @dennisrodman makes an appearance. #uachallenge
???? credit: @AyalewAdam @PrepHoops @PrepHoopsNick @PrepHoopsJake pic.twitter.com/9AkTwI3RM4 — ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) July 12, 2018
Here is a look at the top performers from Wednesday’s action at the Lake Point Champions Center (Part 2). ICYMI: Part 1 Anthony Edwards (Holy Spirit Prep/Atlanta Xpress) Playing in front of most of the college coaches in the gym at 5 p.m., 2020 Holy Spirit Prep guard Anthony Edwards impressed. It wasn’t his scoring that stood out, but his high IQ passing against a B. Maze Elite group led by 2020 North Carolina Rocky River guard Jaden Springer. Edwards fell hard with his team rallying late and went to the trainer holding his right hand in discomfort. Edwards is a superb athlete.
Down 84-83 to B Maze Elite, 2020 Holy Spirit Prep G Anthony Edwards drew contact to get to the line. Moments later, he went down hard and walked off the court gingerly grasping his right hand. Updates to come. @AtlantaXpress1 pic.twitter.com/GSET8RR98H
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) July 11, 2018
Sam Griffin (Westminster/Team Auto Nation) When Sam Griffin is in attack mode, he is really fun to watch. The 2019 6’3″ Westminster guard can mix it up as an outside shooter, but there is nothing better than when he gets to the cup and draws contact. He did that several times on Wednesday for his side in a close loss to Team EAT.
Jace Howard (University School/Florida Lightning) With his dad Juwan Howard right behind his team’s beach, 2020 University School forward Jace Howard performed well. The 6’6″ athlete was aggressive and proved to be a finesse attacker. Howard likes to mix it up with the other team’s top player on both ends of the floor.
2020 Gulliver Prep F Jace Howard digging in for a gritty take to the cup here. @jaceh0ward @gulliverhoops #uachallenge pic.twitter.com/C0zoDdriBr
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) July 11, 2018
Ben Lubarsky (Benjamin/Ball4Lyfe United) Solid is the right word to describe the game of Ben Lubarsky. The 2019 Benjamin forward is not overly athletic or super strong. But his jumper is seasoned, his instincts are good and his inside presence is reliable enough. At 6’5″, there is no shortage of interest for Lubarsky at this point with his mature and purposeful style of basketball. Darius Miles (D.C. Theodore Roosevelt/DC Premier) Watching Darius Miles, it is quite clear that his upside is endless. The lengthy 6’5″ forward from Theodore Roosevelt was the best player in the nightcap game against Team Breakdown. Miles, a 2020 prospect is still growing into his frame, but his ability to stretch out his arms on lay-ins and passes down low make him a difference maker.