Garrett Tucker:
Future150 Southeast Analyst. Covering high school basketball across the Southeast.
Nashville, TN (Future150) -- Over the weekend, some of the best players from the Future150 camp series flocked to Nashville, Tennessee to show they belonged with some of the best competition in the country.
The competition for the all-star games was at an all-time high, and only a few kids were able to distance themselves from the rest.
Here are the standouts from the Top 40 All-Star game…
Lawson Schaffer, 2015 CG: Each time out, Schaffer has proved his consistency and worth. The 6-foot guard is consistent with his shooting and overall game, no matter the atmosphere. He showed the ability to handle the ball and direct his team as a point guard, or play off the ball and hit shots for his squad.
Michael Bell, 2014 PG: Bell has all the intangibles to be a point guard at the next level. The 5-foot-10 point guard has a great build and body for a guard his size, and his speed and quickness distances himself from the rest of his peers. He excels at getting to the basket and making plays in transition, as well as pressuring other guards on defense.
Jacob Winston, 2015 SG: Winston is another strong asset to what will be a loaded St. Jude squad out of Montgomery, Ala. The 6-foot-6 wing has a nice combination of inside and outside game, making it hard for opposing defenders to guard him. His length and athleticism are valuable around the rim, as well as his activeness.
Daniel Laster, 2015 PF: Laster continues to project to be a solid Division-I prospect. The 6-foot-5 power forward thrived in pick-and-roll situations this weekend, finishing most of his plays with big dunks or alley-oops. His outside game still needs to get more consistent, but he has the potential to play the 3 and/or the 4 at the next level.
Tucker Campbell, 2015 SF: Campbell was one of the most fundamental prospects we saw during the camp season. Once again, the 6-foot-5 wing showed the ability to his shots from the mid-range and beyond, as well as helping his team win. He understands the game very well and is going to be a nice addition to a Division II/NAIA program in the future.
Darius Moore, 2015 PG: Moore has shown he is one of the most exciting players to watch because of his excellent burst of speed on the offensive end. At 5-foot-11, he does a great job of changing speed and direction and making things happen in transition. He is very dangerous in transition, but the consistency of his jump shot, he will be even more dangerous.
Tyrell Clary, 2014 SF: In an offensive environment, Clary took the responsibility of being one of the most active defenders at camp. The 6-foot-3 wing has the athleticism and size to guard multiple positions. On the offensive end, he hit some occasional three-pointers, as well as finishing at the basket with contact.
Preston Whitfield, 2015 SG: There may not have been any prospect that finished better around the basket than Whitfield. The junior has a knack for getting to the basket and being crafty enough to finish amongst taller players. He may over-drive at times, but the 6-foot-1 guard is wired to score the basketball inside the lane.
Thad Middleton, 2016 SF: One of the best leaders to touch the floor this weekend was Middleton. The 6-foot-6 forward impacted the game in a variety of ways, and it wasn’t just scoring. He encouraged his teammates to make the right plays; he also did a good job of rebounding at a high rate and finishing at the basket. His stock continues to get better and better.
Dwain Whitfield, 2014 PF: Whitfield was one of the more efficient rebounders throughout the camp. The 6-foot-6 power forward is under-sized compared to other bigs, but his relentless heart and high motor make his effective on both ends of the floor. He did a nice job of using his strength on offense, as he got to the basket.
Clayton Hughes, 2016 SF: It took a little bit for Hughes to get going, but the 6-foot-5 wing showed he has the chance to be an impressive player at the next level. While he was struggling with his shot and scoring, the sophomore was productive with his rebounding and blocking shots. He is one of the most surprising high-flyers we have seen this camp season, and he showed how exciting he can make the game with his ability to play above the rim. He needs to find consistency with his shooting, but, nonetheless, he will be a special player.
Christian Henley, 2014 PF: Henley was one of the hardest working kids to hit the court this weekend. The 6-foot-4 forward plays hard and does a nice job rebounding the basketball. He makes plays in the post, whether it is blocking shots, finishing with contact, or getting loose balls. He still needs to refine his skills to slide out to the perimeter, but Henley is one of the premiere junkyard dog-type players we hosted this season.
PJ Grooms, 2016 SG: Grooms was another shooter that had his sniper skills out for display this weekend. The 6-foot-4 combo guard showed he can score the ball on all three levels, but his perimeter shooting distanced itself from the rest. He also showed a nice balance of getting his teammates involved and setting them up for easy opportunities.
Tajae Anderson, 2015 PG: Anderson was one of the smoothest point guards camp had to offer. The 6-foot southpaw changes speeds very well and he does a nice job of facilitating for his teammates. He can hit shots from anywhere on the floor, too. The guard has a great feel for the game and will find himself a nice home because of the instinct he has.
Isaiah Whaley, 2016 PF: Whaley is just scratching the surface of the overall player he could be in the future. The 6-foot-8 big man is a rim protector with his ability to block shots. He still has some work to do in the post, as well as getting stronger, but his ability to stretch the floor and hit shots from the perimeter is huge. He can create mismatches because of his length and skill-set.
Reagan Johnson, 2014 PF: Johnson was another big man that did a nice job of stretching the defense. The 6-foot-6 big man can hit shots from the mid-range to the three-point line, but he also works hard down low. He plays extremely smart and has a high IQ of the game. His fundamentals are second-to-none, allowing him to be even more productive.
Damien Sears, 2016 PF: The 6-foot-4 combo forward was one of the best shot-blockers in attendance this weekend. When he wasn't blocking shots, he was rebounding the ball on both ends and running the floor for easy baskets. When his outside jump shot is falling, he becomes a matchup nightmare for defenses.
Zach Radz, 2015 PG: Radz is a tough combo guard out of Troy High School (NY) who can heat up in a hurry from deep. He can play either guard position but is at his best when he is hunting his own shot. While he's not overly-athletic, he understands the game and how to get open to get his shot off.
Naba Echols, 2015 PG: The most fearless prospect we saw this past weekend was the Team Thad point guard. The Memphis Mitchell High School (TN) floor general showed excellent court vision throughout the weekend. He also played tenacious on-ball defense and didn't back down from any other guard in the camp.
David Kapinga, 2014 PG: The 5-foot-10 lead guard from St. Louis Christian (MO) had a solid weekend running the show for his team. He always plays under control and makes great decisions with the ball in his hands. He also has a solid understanding of how to run pick-and-roll situations to perfection. Very heady prospect who plays within himself at all times.
Future150 National Camp Top 40 Prospect Rankings:
21.) Daniel Laster
22.) Jacob Winston
23.) Preston Whitfield
24.) Thadd Middleton
25.) Tyrell Clary
26.) Clayton Hughes
27.) Dwain Whitfield
28.) Isaiah Whaley
29.) Darius Moore
30.) Christian Henley
31.) Zach Radz
32.) Michael Bell
33.) Lawson Schaffer
34.) David Kapinga
35.) PJ Grooms
36.) Naba Echols
37.) Tucker Campbell
38.) Tajae Anderson
39.) Reagan Johnson
40.) Damien Sears
Comments:
Team Thad’s upcoming backcourt will feature two talented guards Naba Echols and Jeremiah Martin out of the class of 2015. They will be along side Jaylen Fisher the #23 player in the class of 2016. These three guards will be a huge force on the Upcoming AAU circuit. Be on the look out for these three.