Is Sheppard The Next Kevin Garnett?
Saturday night I got a chance to watch some of the rising 9th Graders in action. A few players have national names while others were looking to make a name. Here’s a look at who impressed us that evening.
Class 2012 Top Performers
Winston Sheppard 6’6 Forward (Houston, TX)- Sheppard plays very happily and lively on the floor. He's often moving around and bouncing waiting for the rock. When he gets it the ball he’s capable of making an array of moves. Sheppard has a soft turnover jumper, smooth face up game and explosive leaping ability. The long wing also can create space off the bounce and pull up for mid range shots. Defensively he can be a human eraser as a shot blocker or hit the glass as he rebounds. He looked like a young KG out there.
D’Vaunte Smith-Rivera 6’2 Guard (Indianapolis, IN)- Smith-Rivera is a bruising guard the muscles his way to the goal or will use a crisp crossover dribble to create separation. On this level he’s a total monster in terms of power and finishing. Physically he reminds me of Kelvin Tolbert the former Michigan high school phenom. Hopefully his career will go longer than Tolbert’s.Andre Horne 6’4 Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Horne played impressive defense and drained a few open shots when the rock rotated to him. Andre also knew how to attack the basket from various spots on the floor. His strength allows him to finish.
Perry Ellis 6’8 Forward (Wichita, KS)- Ellis appeared slimmer than on his video highlights but his athleticism was truly off the charts. He often tries to get put back dunks and gets up high on all his finishes inside. He has big time size but doesn’t seem to want to be labeled as a post player thus he does wander on the perimeter. He’s a top notch prospect.Benny Parker 5’7 Guard (Kansas City, MO)- Parker was one of the quickest I saw out there with the pill. He got into the lane like a blur while zipping past defenders.
Dennis Green 6’2 Guard (New York, NY)- Green had his game going that night. I saw him hit the pull up jumper in transition and converted on some drives. He also showed some true point guard instincts while delivering some nice dimes. He raised his level of play in this game.
