Kyle Anderson (LI Lightning)
The 14U Nationals have concluded and Basketball Spotlight wasn’t in the building but after talking to a few well respected scouts from around the country we have compiled a report of the top performers from the event. Here’s a breakdown of the players that shined on the big stage.
14U Nationals Top Performers
Myles Davis 6’2 Guard (LI Lightning)- Davis was virtually unstoppable in Orlando. He scored at will against all the top teams in the country. Davis averaged over 25 points a contest and had his jump shot clicking. Playing a season on the high school level definitely bolstered his confidence and turned him into an assassin.
Kyle Anderson 6’6 Guard (LI Lightning)- Anderson ran the show thoroughly from the point guard spot. His willingness to share the rock while getting the ball to his teammates made the difference in their championship run. His stock has continued to rise all summer. He’s a true point guard. I can’t wait to read his new diary entry.
Nkeurwen Okoro 6’4 Guard (LI Lightning)- Okoro got things going when the National Champs needed him most. His versatility makes him very difficult to guard on this level. He has a multitude of moves and deception that helps him get anywhere he wants on the floor. He’s capable of rebounding the rock and pushing coast to coast. Right now he’s at the top of NY Class 2012.Labrent Walker 6'1 Guard (LI Lightning)- Walker usually a scoring machine sacrificed parts of his game for the team’s success. He played within the offense and picked up intensity on defense. His quality minutes and scoring threat presence on the floor help the Lightning prevail. The southpaw showed good maturity in this situation.
Javon Felix 5’10 Guard (New Orleans Panthers Select)- Felix held his ranked down as one of the best point guard in the country. The stocky point guard quarterbacked his team and provided some point production also. He’s difficult to contain because of his strength and ability to set the tone for his squad. He should be able to walk into high school and play right away.
Ricardo Gathers 6’6 Forward (New Orleans Panthers/ Select)- Gathers was once again a load to handle on the blocks. He’s massive and has a soft touch near the rim. This physical specimen can control a game on both ends of the floor with just his presence. I think he needs to grow about two more inches to have the same effect on the next level. The Dwight Howard comparison are starting already.
Perry Ellis 6’7 Forward (Arkansas Heat)- My sources say Ellis was a total monster at this event. I can understand why because when he wants to play you can see the potential oozing from his veins. He plays above the rim and can be a rebounding force when he applies himself. Many scouts around the nation are very high on Ellis.
Dashawn Suber Guard (Rich Soil)- Suber’s stock probably rose higher than anyone else in Orlando. The southpaw scoring guard put in a show in his teams upset victory over All Ohio Purple. Suber finished with 26 points and was clutch from the free throw line while playing on the main court in front of all the top scouts. He’s now on everyone’s national radar.
Omar Calhoun 6'3 Guard (Rich Soil)- I got a late call from one of my sources and he indicated the Omar Calhoun also performed at a high level in the Sunshine State. The Paul Pierce clone had several 20 plus games and helped Suber carry the load for Rich Soil. Scoring is second nature for Calhoun as he should fall in place at Christ The King next fall. He's also a player with a shot at the top prospect spot in NY's Class of 2012.
Rashard Andrews 6’5 Forward (Rich Soil)- Vince Baldwin said he loves Andrews as a wing guard and if he turns to the corner in terms of aggressiveness his stock will rise. I feel the same about Rashard’s game. In the NY Class of 2012 I think he has the chance to finish in the top 3 when it’s said and done. Whatever school he attends will be getting a gem.
Savon Goodman 6’4 Forward (Team Philly Finest)- Goodman held his own in Florida. He ran the floor extremely well and scored when having the opportunity. Savon’s size on the wing and the quickness the he shows has big time prospect written all over him. I can’t wait to see him in high school.
Brian Bridgewater 6’4 Forward (Houston Defenders)- The rising 8th Grader held a great showing at Disney World. He helped his team reach the Elite 8 and did damage against Ricardo Gathers in their matchup. He’s a Jayvaughn Pinkston type player and he will need control his weight when he reaches high school. But right now he's a major force.
Winston Sheppard 6’6 Forward (Dream Vision Basketball)- Sheppard is another big time athlete to keep an eye. He’s a live wire with extreme length and plays the game with a big time motor. He enjoys roaming the perimeter but is capable of mixing it up inside occasionally. Texas will be buzzing in a couple of years with Sheppard residing there.
Rodney Purvis 6’3 Guard (Greensboro Warriors)- The scouts were also raving about Purvis and hid ability to score the ball. The combo guard from North Carolina has the size and smoothness that make recruiters salivate at the mouth. Besides scoring Rodney is also capable of making plays off the dribble. He also should have a bright future.I would like to thank the numerous scouts that helped me gather information from this event.
