Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Aiken, SC (Future150) -- It was elimination time on Saturday at the 2013 Peach State Summer Showcase, and you could feel the pressure in the atmosphere as prospects battled to stay alive. Here are more names to remember from the event...
Jawun Evans, 2014 PG, SC Raptors Elite: The lightning quick point guard was back at it again on Saturday, and he more than held his own in a head-to-head matchup with Team Thad star Chris Chiozza. He played phenomenal defense, several times plucking the Florida commit and taking it to the other end for easy baskets. He was also superb in handling the vaunted Team Thad pressure in both full court and half court sets. A top 75 prospect in the 2015 class right now. He currently holds offers from Clemson, DePaul, and SMU with interest from Memphis and VCU. Many more will be contacting the guard after his big week in Aiken.
Chris Chiozza, 2014 PG, Team Thad: Speaking of Chris, the cat-quick lead guard held Team Thad together in their evening game, one which they almost lost to a scrappy Raptors Elite squad. He was dialed in from three-point land all game long, and had no problem shouldering the scoring load for his teammates. He also continually slithered through the defense and got to the free throw line for easy scoring opportunities time and time again. It's been an AAU season to remember for the 5-foot-10 guard, and it's been fun watching him continue to get better.
Rasheed Worrell, 2014 PF, Alabama Celtics: One of the biggest secrets in the state of Alabama is the 6-foot-7 combo forward. He is a high motor kid who is extremely bouncy around the rim. He has a consistent mid-range jump shot and once he draws bigger defenders out to the perimeter, he has the ball-handling skills to get past them on the way to the basket. After his big showing Saturday against big name 2015 post Daniel Giddens, he picked up a Gardner-Webb offer to go along with a slew of other low major scholarship offers. Expect his recruitment to begin to pick up shortly, with several mid-major schools intrigued by the hard worker.
Rakym Felder, 2016 SG, SC Raptors Elite F.A.S.T.: One of the more physically gifted prospects in the rising sophomore class is the 6-foot-1 combo guard. His best asset right now is his ability to slash and finish at the rim with contact. When he's not assaulting defenders at the rim, the solid ball-handler has no problem handling intense pressure, which he dealt with when facing Team Thad on Saturday night. A confident prospect who doesn't back down from competition, expect Rakym to wreak havoc on Palmetto State competition for the next several years.
Daniel Giddens, 2015 PF, Game Elite: High major college coaches were packed into the gym for Giddens' game against the Alabama Celtics last night. Most notably was Florida's Billy Donovan, who was tracking the fundamentally sound 6-foot-10 forward. He rebounded everything in his area and had several beautiful low post moves, which he finished at the rim. It's easy to see that he's well coached, because he has advanced skills and fundamentals for a prospect his age. He's also a fun-loving kid who is very humble off the floor. The future is very bright for the #8 prospect in America.
Darnell Rogers, 2016 PG, SC Raptors Elite F.A.S.T.: The most fascinating player to watch so far this weekend has been the 5-foot, yes, 5-foot lead guard. The ball-handling wizard is a bull on the floor and has complete command of his team at all times. He makes life a living nightmare for offensive players trying to penetrate past him, repeatedly racking up steals throughout the course of a game. He also has a silky jump shot out to the three point line. He has surprising craftiness and an ability to finish at the rim against much bigger defenders. While his size will always remain a question mark for him, his heart and skill set won't be.
Ethan Stair, 2015 SG, Alabama Elite: The uber-athletic 6-foot-5 wing is one of the hardest playing prospects that you will find on the AAU circuit. He treats every play like it's his last, and he loves to attack the basket using his quick first step. A consistent jump shooter as well, you have to pick your poison as a defender playing against the Hazel Green High School (AL) product. High Point and Kennesaw State were the latest schools to offer the Alabama shooting guard today.
Avery Patterson, 2014 PG, Game Elite: One of the most consistent jump shooters this week has been the muscular southpaw. While he is more than comfortable running the point guard position for his team, he is also just as smooth when playing off-the-ball, where he can score at will. He never gives up on a play and is always playing at top speed, whether on the offensive or defensive end of the floor. A bulldog of an on-ball defender as well. You want a competitive guard who always plays at 100%? You want Avery Patterson.
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