Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
North Charleston, SC (Future150) -- The Rotary Roundball Classic held every year in Charleston, SC has been known to attract great talent to the southeast. The 2013 tournament did not disappoint as the event was loaded with 2014 division one commits:
Mike Morsell (St John’s College HS) Towson
Tre Campbell (St. John’s College (HS) Georgetown
James Palmer (St John’s College (HS) Miami (FL)
Darian Anderson (St. John’s College HS) Fairleigh Dickinson
Darian Bryant (St. John’s College HS) George Washington
Tyre Moore (Academic Magnet) Mercer
Rakim Lubin (Buford, Ga) UConn
Quadri Moore (Linden, NJ) Cincinnati
However, there was an abundance of even more talent that impressed us. Amongst the standouts, both local to Charleston and from across the east coast, the following kids dominated the hardwood in the Holy City this weekend:
Dantez Bennamon, 2014 PG, Goose Creek (SC): Strong-bodied guard with deep range on his three ball, Dantez controlled the tempo of the game. He created plays for himself and others and was a visible leader for his team. Poised down the stretch, he made great decisions in crucial situations and hit big shots for his team. Most Valuable Player in Foundation Bracket.
Malik Carter, 2015 F, North Gwinnett (GA): The 6’7 skilled big man displayed great footwork. His solid frame and soft touch around the basket allowed him to be a matchup problem throughout the whole tournament. He boasts a college ready body and is exceptionally strong. Most Outstanding Player in Foundation Bracket.
KJ James, 2014 G/F, Porter Gaud (SC): This unsigned 6’7, 210 pound senior can do it all. His versatility was on display all weekend as he was up and down the floor in a point forward role for Porter Gaud (SC). By tournaments end, he averaged 28 points and 9 rebounds. Led the entire tournament in scoring and was impressive all around.
Tobias Howard, 2015 G, North Gwinnett (GA): The 6-0 guard displayed great ball handling skills, drove in the lane at will, and created shots for himself and his teammates on a regular basis.
Jakwan Jones, 2014 PG, Imhotep Charter (PA): Jakwon was a crowd favorite with his elite ball handling abilities. His killer crossover continuously froze the opposing guards. A very clear leader to his squad, Jones made great decisions all weekend long.
Anthony Cowan, 2016 PG, St. John’s College (D.C.): Returning to the Roundball Classic with his new high school, Cowan continued to display sheer athleticism. On a St. John’s team loaded with talent, Cowan ran the offense distributing the ball to his teammates with ease, taking correct shots, and being a vocal floor general.
Jamez Rogers, 2016 G/F, Wando (SC): Jamez brings great size to the guard position and was truly an all-around threat to the opposing teams. He shot the ball well and with his size he was able to help his team on the glass both offensively and defensively.
Jesse Govan, 2015 C, Wings Academy (NY): The 6’11 center showed enormous upside with his smooth footwork, good hands, and soft touch around the rim. As far as big men go, Govan has all of the tools that high major schools will love.
Daron Russell, 2017 PG, Imhotep Charter (PA): The only freshman to make a lot of noise all weekend long. A very poised guard whose shot selection was on point from start to finish.
D’Marcus Simonds, 2016 G, Buford (GA): A solid ball handler who displayed his athleticism throwing down multiple crowd pleasing dunks. His high-energy game was on display as a combo guard who found success with his smooth jump shot game after game. He also found success driving to the basket in transition. Unbelievable potential.
Je’Quan Perry, 2014 G, Charleston Collegiate (SC): Poised shooting guard with great shot mechanics. His mid-range pull up game was among the best of the weekend and he makes good decisions when the ball is in his hands. Tournament’s second leading scorer, averaging 21 points per game.
Juwan Jones 2014 G, Linden (NJ): Juwan is a smooth lefty guard with a great stroke from the outside. He also showed that he could put the ball on the floor, getting in the lane with ease. Shot a wide variety of impressive floaters.
Comments:
Gavin Williams guard from pinewood prep very exciting, really good shooter