The Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase took place this past weekend and was loaded with talent. Here’s our third look at the some of the top 8th Graders.
Basketball Spotlight Super Showcase Top 8th Graders Part 3
Desmond Bellot Jr. Guard (Quincy, MA) – Bellot was a fresh face that we have never seen before, and he was in the running for the top point guard in the event. This smooth floor general had nice size and a high basketball IQ. He used a variety of finishes at the basket and he knocked down many 3 pointers. We saw him hit his defender with a hesi dribble and then finish with a one hand scoop along with another beautiful finish on the break while challenging a defender. We also like the fact that he will mix it up on the glass and help his team rebound.
Adam Conheeny Guard (Portsmouth, RI) – Adam is a crafty guard that plays the game with a high level of passion. We saw him blow by his defender multiple time and finish with the left hand. He is also highly effective on the break using a quick burst to get to the basket and finish. Any coach would love to have Conheeny on their squad as he brings that competitiveness every time he steps on the floor.
Destine Evans Forward (Trenton, NJ) – Evans was one of the tallest forwards in the showcase. He was a strong athlete that could move very well causing mismatches for the opposing team. He could finish very well around the basket and rebounded at a high clip. Destine knew how to post up so his guard had a good angle to get him the ball in scoring position.
Semaj Long Guard (Maplewood, NJ) – Long was one of the fastest guards in the showcase. He could push the ball end to end very quickly creating easy buckets for his team. He finished at the rim with either hand. Semaj did not shy away from contact when attacking the basket. Long likes to get buckets but he can also get his teammates involved distributing the basketball.
Austin Spencer Forward (Norwood, NJ) – Spencer is a long wing forward that can do it all. He is very athletic as he almost converted on a dunk. He plays on both ends of the floor as we saw him have many blocked shots during the showcase. We liked his ability to pass the ball as he always has his head up making some long lead passes down the floor for easy baskets. Austin can knock down the 3 ball which is so important in today’s game.
Steven Nixon Jr. Guard (Wilmington, DE) – Nixon Jr. is a nice passing point guard that loves to get his teammates involved. In a showcase setting it is refreshing to see a point guard make the right plays keeping his teammates happy versus just trying to shoot every time down the floor. We liked how he used the bounce pass off the dribble to set up scoring opportunities for others. When Steven looked for his shot, he picked his spots using his highly effective floater game.
Zayier Dean Guard (Oakhurst, NJ) – Dean is a combo guard that loved to attack the rim from the baseline. He is a good passer understanding the importance of making the right play to get the best shot every time down the court. He is at his best getting to the rim in the half court or in transition.
