Raine McKeython (Maryland Panthers)Basketball Spotlight has added another writer for the Southern USA. He was present for the Basketball Spotlight MDC and here’s his report.
By Sam Parker (Spotlight South)
RAINE MCKEYTHON – 5’8 FORWARD – MARYLAND PANTHERS
While teammate Boykin anchors the paint, McKeython brings size and skill to the perimeter for the Maryland Panthers. It’s duos like this that dominate and win championships and this tag team didn’t disappoint in New Jersey, as they walked away with the MDC title. When he is not attacking the rim, McKeython is a capable mid-range shooter and also showed the ability to pass the ball from the wing.
ANDRE BOYKIN – 6’3 FORWARD – MARYLAND PANTHERS
It would be difficult to find a bigger and tougher post player anywhere in the country at this age group than Boykin. And while he towers over opponents, his skill level is also fairly high. An anchor in the post, he competes by running the floor and altering shots, but also takes advantage of his touches in an age group dominated by guards. His confidence should only improve as his teammates learn to take advantage of his size and play with the lefty big man.
CHRIS JONES – 5’2 GUARD – CT ELITE
Clearly one of the more polished guards in his age group, Jones plays with confidence, and showed the ability to consistently knock down the jumper from deep. His ability to keep defenders honest also opened up numerous driving lanes that he took advantage of, setting up teammates, and finding ways to use his creativity in the lane.
KEONTE LUCAS – 5’5 GUARD – CT ELITE
Big-bodied guard was one of the most aggressive players in the 11U division at the MDC. An absolute bully going to the rim, Lucas can get anywhere on the floor he wants, and has little trouble finishing through contact at the cup. As he continues to develop his skills on the perimeter, the CT Elite backcourt should be even more dynamic as the summer approaches.
NATE PIERRE-LOUIS – 5’6 GUARD – TEAM BATTLE
Arguably the most gifted scorer at the Basketball Spotlight MDC, Pierre-Louis torched the 11U division, and lived up to his reputation for being one of the top players in the northeast United States for the class of 2017. He’s an athletic prospect with an excellent motor, grabbing rebounds and dishing out assists when he isn’t scoring. Pierre-Louis seemed to be involved with literally every possession and play that was made for his team and that’s a good thing.
JAVON ALLIE – 5’4 GUARD – TEAM FINAL
Athletic guard with speed and quickness, Allie knocked down jumpers with range, but excelled attacking the basket and finishing his attempts at the free throw line. He anticipates well on both ends of the floor, and his defensive prowess set him apart from his peers, coming up with several steals that led to breakaway layups and additional possessions for his squad.
AARON CLARKE – 5’4 GUARD – TEAM BATTLE
Big-bodied lefty looks to have plenty of growing to do yet and is already stroking the deep ball with confidence. If he continues to work on his speed and lateral quickness, his natural instincts should allow him to be an effective defender on the wing, and he has the strength to be an efficient rebounder and undersized defender on the block if his team needs him to do so.
STANLEY DAVIS – 5’5 GUARD – TEAM NELSON
Wiry guard looks to have a significant amount of upside and spent the majority of his time on the court playing off the ball. However, he is confident and versatile enough to play any backcourt position, and certainly has some star power to his game. His length allows him to be disruptive on defense and he is more than effective attacking the rim off the bounce. A steady jumper away from emerging as a national level prospect in his age group if his physical growth continues.
JORDON HARDWICK – 5’7 FORWARD – CT ELITE
Lengthy forward with nice hands and bounce, Hardwick is more prospect than player at this point, but showed his ability and potential in spurts throughout the games we caught. Capable of grabbing a rebound and taking it the distance, he’s a developing finisher, and showed a nice first step on the wing. As confidence and growth continue to work in his favor, expect Hardwick’s game to become more aggressive, and his personality on the court to emerge.
JAMARI VENTER – 5’4 GUARD – M.A.B.C.
Lightning quick guard with some swagger to his game, Venter impressed in the limited look we got. He’s average size, but has the length and athleticism to stand out. Additionally, he is simply more skilled than the opposing guards at this level. His feel for the game and ability to find the open man were remarkable, as was the fact that his puts something on his passes, and delivers the ball to its destination quickly. When tracking guards at this level, Venter is definitely worth another look sooner than later.
