Hoop Group Jr. Elite Day 2 (Morning Session)

Austin Looked Good Running The Point

The games at the Hoop Group Jr. Elite Camp kicked off today with some fierce battles in the morning session. Some of the players from the scrimmages shined while some other players made their presence felt for the first time. Here’s a breakdown of who we saw this morning.

Class 2012

Jaylen Beckham 6’0 Guard (Lexington, NJ)- Beckham is beginning to establish himself as the best rising 9th grader in the camp. He got it in on both ends of the floor especially on defense causing trouble for Britton Lee from Philly. On offense he was his usual aggressive self but did dominate the rock a little too much at times. When learns to trust he teammates a little he will flourish even more.

Matt Banas 6’6 Forward (Hershey, PA)- I like Banas sized and aggressiveness around the basket. He has nice face up touch and uses his long arms to disturb shooters in his vicinity. Matt uses his work ethic on the floor keeps to the rock alive for his squad.

Elijah Hughes 5’5 Guard (Elizabeth, NJ)- Hughes is a guard built like former Duke Star Jay Williams. He pushed the rock quickly but seems to look for his own shot little too much for a point guard. Working on dishing the rock will help him out in the future.

Class 2013

Britton Lee 5’10 Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Lee didn’t back down in his match up with Beckham and even had his moments. The battle rocket guard put on a couple of dribble moves that had Beckham off balance before hitting his pull up jumper. He competed to the end.

Austin Hawkins 5’9 Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Hawkins showed signs of good skills with his ability to distribute the rock. He isn’t extremely quick at this point but he knows his way around the floor and doesn’t rush opportunities when making plays.

Larry Morton 6’2 Guard (Lexington, KY)- Morton is a bruising player when driving to the hole. His body mass makes it very difficult for defenders to contain him on this level. He matched up with Brandon Austin and held his using his strength to get anywhere he wanted on the floor. Larry also has some mid range touch that stands out.

Kavon Stewart 5’10 Guard (Paterson, NJ)- Stewart wasn’t really in the flow offensively but dug deep on the defensive end locking down his opponent. He moved his feet well beating the ball handler to the spot and making him non- existent at times. Offensively he’s adjusting to playing in the backcourt with Beckham.

Austin Malone-Mitchell 5’6 Guard (Shorewood, WI)- Mitchell took the trip from Wisconsin and isn’t wasting his time. The shifty uses hesitation moves to make his way to the cup before finishing with buckets. He’s strong with either hand and has good court vision.

Class 2014

Brandon Austin 6’2 Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Speaking of Austin it’s totally joy watching this kid play. Today he ran the point and has a natural feel for the position including the love of setting his teammates up for buckets. At times his comrades didn’t even expect for the passes to arrive. His confidence is now oozing when he performs which is making him standout as the top prospect regardless of class at this event.