Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp Class of 2022 Top Performers Part 2
Emoni Bates (Michigan)
The Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp is in the books. The top talent in the country brought their game to District Heights, MD and we have tons of coverage to release. The Class of 2022 is the most loaded group at this event. Here’s Part 2 of our rising 7th Grade report.
Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp Class of 2022 Top Performers Part 2
Emoni Bates Forward (Michigan)- Bates was introduced to the East Coast style of play Friday night during the Middle School All American Game. After making the adjustment the lanky forward used length and skills to get going. This effort carried over into the Future Phenom Camp as Bates showed he could get it done on all three levels. He averaged over 15 points a contest and finished the camp as a Top 5 player and as the best prospect. This kid once again put his name in the mix as the best rising 7th Grader in America. He has the unique size, skill and motor that should make him a top notch player in the future.
Justice Williams Guard (Pennsylvania)- Williams reclassified into the Class of 2022 and represented himself well. His improved size allowed him to shoot and pass over smaller defenders. He also was able to slip through the defense with his quickness. He could become a match-up problem next season because of his height at the guard position. Now he need to work on getting a little stronger to absorb the contact when he penetrates. He should be a nice contribution with Team Thrill. He finished the camp in the Top 20 All Star Game.
Raydon Thorson Guard (Arizona)- Thorson came in with the Canada crew but I later found he’s an Arizona native. This kid is a pass first point guard that looked marvelous playing off the pick and roll. He knew how to get into the teeth of the defense before drive, drawing and dishing. This was my first time checking him out and I was totally impressed. He was one of the top guards in attendance.
Antonio Hamlin Guard (Maryland)- Hamlin was one of the strongest and most explosive guards in the building. He attacks the basket every chance he gets and can finish with the best of them. On defense he has quick feet and bullies ball handlers to give up the rock. Now in terms of being a point guard Hamlin will need to pick his spots a little better and take a little more time when making decisions. This kid was a joy to watch and will be a name to know for years in the DMV area.
Michael Montano Guard (Virginia)- In a setting where most players are programmed to get buckets, Montano made it his business to pass the rock. He throw nice look away dimes in transition and hit cutting teammates in the half court set. Moving forward if he keeps this type of approach it will help him to continue to stand out. Keep up the good work kid.
Dean Newsome Guard (Pennsylvania)- Newsome is always in attack off the dribble. The bounce in his game makes it difficult for defenders to stay in front or slow him down. Once he gets past the first layer of defense he possesses enough body control to finish at the tin. We look forward to seeing him with Team Final next season. He finished with a Top 20 selection.
Louis Hutchinson Guard (Maryland)- Hutchinson didn’t score a lot of buckets but he did all the other things to make the coach proud. He played defense like a mad man while guarding multiple positions and hit the boards against bigger opponents. Once he gets a little stronger and confident on the offensive end he will round into one heck of a player.
