AC Showcase 8th Grade Top Performers Part 3
Charles Pride (Gym Ratz)
The AC Showcase 8th Grade Division had some of the best talent in the country. Here’s Part 3 of the top performers and our final look at this grade level.
AC Showcase 8th Grade Top Performers Part 3
Charles Pride Guard (Gym Ratz)- This kid helped his team reach the finals and he continues to show he’s on an elite level. Pride was one of the top scorers in the tournament including a 25 point performance against WE R 1 and 26 markers against Expressions in the final four. He scores the ball from all three levels and will take the trey during the big moments. He has shown that he is a bona-fide scoring machine. He seems to be gaining more and more confidence each time he steps into a Spotlight event.
Mika Adams-Woods Guard (Gym Ratz)- MAW didn’t light up the scorebook as he did in previous Spotlight outings but his play helped them get to the finals. His slick ball handling and aggressive style enables his team to set the tempo. The lefty has established himself as one of the best point guards in the Northeast region. He really made a name for himself this season.
Naz Johnson Forward (Gym Ratz)- The intimidating force inside clears space for that dynamic backcourt to operate. He’s a workhorse inside and a capable scorer on the blocks. He stayed in the double digit department in the scoring column.
Shaquest Chavis Guard (Team Twelve)- This lefty has been known to get buckets in a hurry and Team DEMI can confirm that. He hit the New England squad for 30 points including 5 treys. When he is on it’s very difficult for anyone to slow him down. Chavis is just a natural scorer hands down.
Theodore Senior Guard (Team Twelve)- Chavis gains many open looks because of the play of Senior. Theo penetrates defenses like its second nature which gives is teammates open options. His speed is something most 8th graders are foreign to.
Alex Serrano Guard (We All In)- Alex Serrano played with We All In and made his presence be felt. The scoring combo guard collected 25 markers against Team DEMI and finished averaging near 16 points. He has shown over the years to be a legit scorer and he showed that this weekend.
Julian Howell Guard (Team DEMI)- Howell is a guard with a lot of offensive prowess but his defense it what stood out this weekend. He was able to lead DEMI’s pressure attack and cause several turnovers. His style of play ignites his teammates.
Tanahj Pettway Guard (Team DEMI)- Pettway had one of the best scoring outings of the tournament when he scorched We All In for 30 markers. He can hit you up from deep or get to the hole and score. The guy just gets buckets.
Devrae Burns Guard (Team DEMI)- Burns also contributed for Team DEMI. This guard showed the ability to really stroke the rock. In their matchup with We All In he knocked down 5 treys and made it look easy. He can really stretch the defense.
Jamal Whittlesey Forward (WE R 1)- The Delaware boys had a tough weekend as a whole but big Jamal continues to show strides in his game. What’s unique about his game with his array of post moves and passing ability from the blocks. In high school if he dedicates himself to his conditioning don’t be surprised if he emerges as a decent prospect.
Quashawn Lane Guard (Joey’s Angels)- Lane's crew won the Blue Division crown and the guard was a major part of their success. He handled the rock, knocked down a smooth pull up and finished with the floater. He has an air of confidence about his game that cannot be taught.
Reggie James Forward (Joey’s Angels)- James was Lanes sidekick in the finals. He’s the size of a forward but does have good play making ability. He was a match up problem for the Wiz Kids all in the finals. He was too versatile for the big men and too big for their guards. He managed to score the ball in a variety of ways. I’m hearing he will join Lane at Trenton Catholic Academy next fall.
NOTE: Devrae Burns, Tanahj Pettway and Julian Howell photos appear courtesy of Hooprootz.net.
