Saturday, June 18, 2011

Spotlight CB Spiders Classic: Morning Session Top Forwards (Class 2017)

Trenton Russell (Matt's Mustang)

The Spotlight CB Spiders Classic kicked off today and Basketball Spotlight got a chance to watch some new talent in the South. Finally, here’s a look at the top forwards at this event.

CB Spiders Classic Top Forwards

Trenton Russell Forward (Matt’s Mustangs)- Russell destroyed the Gaters inside during his team’s victory. He established good post position and used polished moves to score at will. He combines a high motor with a good touch and a scorer’s mentality.


Jatirious Smith Forward (CB Spiders)- Smith’s aggression and athleticism had in dominating play today. He’s very active on both backboards and now pushes the pill end to end before finishing. He seems to get better each time he touches the floor.

John Newman Forward (NC Gaters Blue)- Newman is a lefty that plays bigger than his size. He gave IZOD problems on the glass and he seemed to gather every loose ball. He made it his business to draw fouls and was pretty efficient at the charity stripe.

Reginald Davis Forward (NC Gaters Blue)- Davis battled foul trouble but was a menace inside. He’s still developing his touch but clogs up the lane and tries to snatch every rebound. He definitely has an inside presence.

Joshua Howard Forward (Carolina Flight)- Howard spent most of the afternoon roaming the perimeter. I can see he wants to develop his guard skills but he made his presence felt when played in the lane. He grabbed several rebounds and scored on a couple of put backs.

Cameron Hairston Forward (NC Gaters)- Hairston attacks well from the free throw and on the baseline. He’s a quick leaper and changes his shot well to avoid shot blockers. He does get in trouble at times when he leaves his feet and tries a difficult shot.

Tarique Simmons Forward (SC Heat)- Simmons is a flat out finisher. He slices through the lane and glides to the tin. He also will knock down the trey ball from the corner. Simmons looks his best in transition.