The 8th Grade Division at the MDC had the most talent by far. Here is another look at some of the top performers that came to Neptune Memorial Day weekend.
Basketball Spotlight MDC 8th Grade Top Performers Part 2
Cameron Wallace Guard (K Low Elite) – Wallace was arguably the best guard in the event and one of the top prospects. This long silky smooth big guard can do it all. Offensively he is gifted and has very few holes in his game. He can score from all three levels knocking down 3 balls or finishing at the rim through contact. We saw him knock down a stare down 3 with a hand in his face and then turn around and convert on a spinning one-handed scoop shot. Wallace can guard all 3 perimeter positions. He finished with 22 and 14 points in the games we watched.
KJ Cochran Guard (K Low Elite) – Cochran is a tough nosed point guard that plays hard on both ends of the floor. You could argue that he was the best PG in the event. He has good positional size, and he distributes the rock with high level passing ability. On the defensive end we saw him steal the ball multiple times turning defense into offense. Offensively he can score from all three levels, stroking 3 pointers, hitting mid-range jumpers, or using his floater game around the rim. He tallied 13 and 17 points in the games we saw.
Isaiah Marshall Guard (K Low Elite) – Marshall is a strong bodied wing guard that is always in attack mode. He loves to attack the rim hard and either convert or earn a trip to the charity stripe where he knocks down his free throws. Although he is best driving to the cup if you play off him, he can knock down the long ball. He can guard multiple positions and Isaiah rebounds well for his position. The game we watched him he finished with double digits.
Zyaire Simmons Forward (NJ Legacy) – Simmons is a long forward that has a high motor and plays with a lot of energy. We love how he leaves everything on the floor. Defensively he blocks tons of shots and rips down rebounds looking to start the break immediately and if no one stops the ball he is taking it right to the rim. He likes to attack the rim from the wing or when he catches it at the high post.
Tyler McQuaid Guard (NJ Legacy) – McQuaid is a combo guard with a high IQ. He can score from all three levels as we saw him knock down three balls, make mid-range jumpers, and finish at the rim in traffic. He has an exceptionally good handle that allows him to break down the defense, get into the paint and kick to his open shooters on the perimeter. We also like how he competes on defense.
Shawn Spencer Guard (NJ Legacy) – Spencer is the primary floor general for his squad. We like his demeanor and poise while running the show. He is a pass first point guard but if left open he can knock down the 3 pointer as we saw him hit a few in the game we saw. Shawn is good at navigating the pick and roll and take what the defense gives him. We saw him turn the corner one time off the pick and roll and finish nicely high at the rim.
Keith McKnight Guard (NJ Legacy) – Every team now a days needs a long-range assassin and that is what McKnight does for his team. When he catches it, he does not hesitate and lets it fly. Most of the time it goes in as we saw during their semifinal game where he connected on 4 triples and finished with 17 big points. If he gets run off the line he can score going to the basket. He also gets out in transition and finishes on the break.
