Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Pittsburgh, PA (Future150) -- On the final day of games, the competition was fierce at the Pittsburgh Jamfest. Coaches were out in full force to evaluate top talent from around the country and get a jump on their 2014 recruiting classes. Here are some of the players who stood out on the last day of play:
TeMarcus Blanton, 2014 SG, Atlanta Xpress:
One of the newer faces with the Atlanta Xpress 17's, Blanton showed that he can provide a scoring punch. He was able to get to the rim with ease throughout the weekend and proved that he has bounce to his game. George Mason, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss are the major programs who have offered him. Expect more to do so after his latest string of performances.
Trayvon Reed, 2014 C, Atlanta Xpress:
The big man was at it again on Sunday, blocking shots and causing all sorts of problems for the Arkansas Hawks. While he is still somewhat raw offensively, his size and defense make him an elite prospect. Time will tell if he can maximize his considerable potential
Derrick Jones Jr., 2015 SF, We-R-1:
A well-known commodity on the east coast already, Jones Jr. showed why his upside is so high. Derrick ran the floor well and blocked shots with a ferocity few players have. He has the looks of a special player and the ball had a different sound leaving his hand as he rejected players at the rim. His offensive game is coming around it’s only a matter of time before all of the big programs come after him.
Gary McRae, 2015 PF, Atlanta Xpress:
McRae might only be 16 but he already has a college ready body. Built like a linebacker, Gary was able to bully smaller defenders on the block. He also showed a nice touch around the basket as well as range out to 14 feet. His size also makes him a decent defender and while he may ultimately end up playing football in college instead, he is a nice player on the hardwood as well.
Tyler Kohl, 2015 SG, We-R-1:
While during a victory in the semi-final game, Kohl scored the ball in a variety of ways. He also showed his quick hands and was able to steal the ball numerous times from the Atlanta Xpress backcourt. While at this point he projects as a solid mid-major option, it is hard not to see the upside in James.
Traci Carter, 2015 PG, We-R-1:
The point guard was solid as solid gets on Sunday morning. Carter displayed a very nice jumper that will continue to punish defenses that give him room for years to come. He also got to the rim, although he didn’t finish through contact every time. Look for Carter to continue a strong spring on the circuit.
Rashard Kelly, 2014 SF, DC Assault:
Kelly is a freak athlete and showed as much during a tightly contested game against Team Charlotte. While he recently re-classed to 2014, Rashard will continue to draw interest from high major programs. He is a great defender who can lock-up, on the offensive end he can score on the block and put the ball on the floor to get to the rim.
Romelo Trimble, 2014 SG, DC Assault:
Trimble is one of the top scorers in the class of 2014 and his performance against Team Charlotte showed as much. He was hitting shots from deep and showcased a floater when getting into the lane. Maryland fans will love him as he will give them another go-to scorer.
James Demery, 2014 G, Team Charlotte:
Demery is a 6-foot-5 point guard who can get to the rim whenever he wants to. While he hasn’t taken off nationally yet, it is only a matter of time. With his size he is a nightmare for opposing defenses. An improved jump shot has made him a serious target for high major programs and his athleticism is off the charts.
P.J. Dozier, 2015 SG, Upward Stars:
It is easy to see why so many people are high on P.J. at such an early age. He is a smooth athlete who can play either guard spot. He has uncanny vision and is unselfish. His handle is solid, and he displayed a good jumper. Those three things combined make him an incredibly dangerous player on the offensive end. Due to his size, he can also be a lockdown defender. Dozier is a high major player all day.
DeShawn Williams- 2016 CG, Arkansas Hawks:
DeShawn is a 5'11" combo guard who thrives most when he is playing off the ball. He has great consistency on his jumper out to the three-point line. He is a rare breed of player who still utilzies the mid-range jump shot, and is good at scoring when playing off-the-dribble.
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