Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- Future150 Birmingham Camp was once again one of the most successful stops during the annual camp tour. This year, we found several prospects who were flying under the radar. Here is who stood out most during the Top 40 All-Star game...
Devon Benson, 2016 PF: The 6-foot-6 power forward already possesses excellent upper body strength, which he used to his advantage all weekend at camp. He took his game to another level during the Top 40 All-Star Game, where he rebounded on both ends, defended well, ran the floor, and scored easily around the rim. Has the look of a solid low major prospect.
Raekwon Pettis, 2015 SG: One of the most pure scorers at camp was the 6-foot-2 Mississippi native. He was knocking down shots consistently from the outside, and was one of the prospects who could hit shots with ease when coming off-the-dribble. He has excellent mechanics on his jumper and gets good lift off the floor. Built scorer.
Quatarrius Wilson, 2015 PF: One of the standouts from the Top 40 All-Star Game was the Gardendale High School (AL) product, who was putting on a show in his high school gym. The 6-foot-6 power forward is an extremely long and active defender. He was rebounding the ball and scoring at the rim, but he was also knocking down shots from 15 feet consistently, making it nearly unguardable for defenders guarding him.
Lawson Schaffer, 2015 SG: One of the most skilled prospects at Birmingham camp was the 6-foot shooting guard. He is an excellent shooter, knocking down crucial shot-after-shot at camp. He also has the ball skills and court vision to play some lead guard, making him a more valuable prospect down the line. Very cerebral guard who wants to win every time he is on the floor.
Jon Brown, 2017 SG: A name that is going to pick up steam in the state of Alabama going forward will be the Pelham High School (AL) prospect. He's a 6-foot-2 wing who has a physically mature frame. He uses it to his advantage by punishing defenders on his way to the rim, where he finishes regularly. He also has solid ball skills and can handle the basketball as a point guard for stretches.
Alondras Strong, 2018 PG: The reclassified floor general has grown three inches over the past year, and put muscle on his growing frame. The 5-foot-9 speedster has solid ball skills and is a pass-first point guard. While his scoring is a work in progress, you won't find a better young lead guard. He is also an intense on-ball defender.
Kenny Bunton, 2016 SF: Tennessee was well represented at camp this past weekend, with the 6-foot-5 small forward. The East Hamilton High School (TN) product was one of the most athletic prospects in the camp, flushing home several dunks in game play. While he has a ways to go offensively, he can score on all three levels on occasion, and runs the floor extremely well.
Brandon Wright, 2016 SG: The Ramsay High School (AL) prospect has improved since we saw him at our Birmingham Main Event Tournament earlier this year. The 6-foot-2 wing is at his best when taking the ball to the rim, where he scores with ease, using his length at the rim. He loves to use his left hand around the rim, which defenders don't expect.
PJ Grooms, 2016 PG: The 6-foot-4 combo guard not only has excellent size for the point guard spot, he has excellent instincts for the position as well. He thrives in pick-and-roll situations, and he knows how to score the basketball from mid-range as well as three-point range, which allows him to play on the wing as well. Very crafty prospect.
Parker Prater, 2016 CG: An explosive athlete, the 6-foot-1 Jackson Academy (MI) combo guard is a fun kid to watch. He can score the basketball, or he can facilitate for others using his excellent court vision. If he continues to improve, look for him to become one of the best guards in the city of Jackson.
Future150 Birmingham Camp Top 40 Prospect Rankings:
21.) Devon Benson
22.) Raekwon Pettis
23.) PJ Grooms
24.) Quatarrius Wilson
25.) Lawson Schaffer
26.) Kenny Bunton
27.) Elijah Garrison
28.) Brandon Wright
29.) Jon Brown
30.) David Turner
31.) Shun Buchannan
32.) Alondras Strong
33.) Makel Taylor
34.) Tanner Tapp
35.) Blake Admire
36.) Mitchell Maxwell
37.) Martin Reed
38.) Sean Burrell
39.) Parker Prater
40.) Braxton Holland
41.) Cole Blackstock
Comments:
Just want to say that we appreciated the opportunity to attend your camp. My son was #20 Kingston Frazier (2016) Now that we saw how your camp goes, we know what to expect next time & how to prepare for it!
Glad you enjoyed the camp. There is usually an adjustment period for a lot of kids who attend. Look forward to seeing ya’ll next year!
We look forward to seeing y’all! We won’t leave any doubt next time! Kingston Frazier, Opelika-2016!!!
http://youtu.be/R5Qk65dRR5o
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/114372327/Crossroads-Middle-School-Evals-by-Lavel-Johnson-click
http://www.msboyshoops.com/docs/msplayersranking34.pdf
http://www.hssportsms.com/Basketball.html
Information on Parker Prater