Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Allentown, PA (Future150) -- The 16U division was one of the most loaded in the entire Future150 Northeast Main Event this past weekend, with a number of division one players showcasing their talent. Ultimately, it was Corey Graham Elite (NY) that brought home the championship behind a bevy of talented prospects. They were far from the only talented team in the field though, as a number of other prospects made themselves known.
Davonte Gaines, 2019 SF, Corey Graham Elite: The biggest revalation of the weekend, Gaines was already on the radar; but now looks like a potential high-major player. At 6-foot-6, he brought up the ball on multiple occasions and used his freakish length to get into the lane and finish at the rim. A slender wing prospect, he will need to bulk up a bit, but once that happens and his shot falls a bit more, there will be little doubting that he is in fact a high-major player.
Ryan Myers, 2020 PG, New Heights: Equal parts scorer and distributor, Myers backed up his reputation as one of the best point guard prospects in the state of New York. The 6-foot guard did a good job of getting into the lane and finding shooters or finishing at the rim. He has a solid frame and was able to finish through contact as well. Look for him to have a big year next to Tyson Walker in Christ the King's backcourt next season.
Elijah Taylor, 2020 PF, We R1: A physical and bruising forward, Taylor used his chisled frame to bully smaller defenders on the low block and finish at the rim. A talented low post scorer and decent shot blocker, Taylor should see his recruitment hit the high-major level, as he is one of the better power forward prospects in the Northeast.
Jhamir Brickus, 2020 PG, RIP City: A crafty point guard with incredible body control, solid athleticism and vision, Brickus helped his team to the championship game. His quick first step allowed him to get into the lane and either kick out to shooters or finish at the rim. Despite standing at just 5-foot-9, he blocked a number of shots at the rim and was a pest defensively as well. Look for him to continue to make waves this spring.
Caleb Dorsey, 2020 SF, Mid Atlantic Select: What immediately stood out to our staff was his size, standing 6'7" with a thicker build. Upon arrival, we expected him to be a post player, but he surprised us with his high skill level. He was able to slide out to the wing, where he showed off his perimeter shooting. He was also able to take advantage of his frame, scoring around the rim against post defenders.
Juston Johnson, 2019 PG, Corey Graham Elite: A crafty and efficient point guard standing at 6-foot, Johnson ran the show and helped his team win the title. He has a high basketball IQ and knows how to initiate the offense. Johnson can't be left alone on offense either, as he proved to be a more than capable scorer. Low-major programs would be wise to get involved with this high academic prospect.
Wesley Butler, 2019 PG, Team Final Red: Lurking in the shadows of Lonnie Walker this past season at Reading High School (PA), the sophomore quietly had a big season himself, starting at point guard for the state champion Red Knights. Now, he looks primed to become the go-to guy this winter. He showed the ability to take over games at Northeast Main Event, something we haven't quite seen from the steady point guard prospect to this point.
Deuce Turner, 2020 G, RIP City: It was a very impressive weekend for the 6'1" combo guard, who proved to be one of the most skilled guard prospects in the event, regardless of age. In one particular game, he was electric, scoring 28 points in a variety of ways, including a game-winning three-point runner in overtime, splitting two defenders in the process. We are very excited about what the future holds for the Malvern Prep (PA) guard.
Kalen Veres, 2019 PF, Team Final Red: Standing 6'6" with big hands, long arms and explosive athleticism, there's a lot to like about the Trinity (PA) product from jump. Then, you begin to see just how crazy of a motor he has, and you immediately envision him as a constant double-double threat over the next several years. While he's still a bit raw and inconsistent, the pieces are there for him to become a very talented player.
Jaquan Carlos, 2021 PG, New Heights: Coming into this weekend with a reputation of being the #1 point guard prospect in the 2021 class in New York City, he more than backed up his status while playing and excelling at the 16U level in Allentown. A constant slasher with excellent body control, he plays fearless on the offensive end and loves to stay engaged on the defensive end as well. The future is very bright for him going forward.
Hakim Byrd, 2020 G, We R1: The Neumann-Goretti (PA) 5'8" guard showed off his scoring skills in Allentown. While he isn't the biggest prospect, don't let that fool you. The kid is a major player, as showed in a playoff loss to RIP City, where he exploded for 21 points, including several three-point baskets and tough finishes around the rim.
Ronnie Ellis, 2020 SG, We R1: A long and lanky guard at 6-foot-3, Ellis looks like he may grow a couple more inches as well. He got to the rim and knocked down a number of jumpers, while also making a number of nice passes throughout the weekend. While he was effective during the tournament, it's Ellis' upside that really has the Future150 staff buzzing.
Amin Dandridge, 2019 F, Elite U: Blessed with a physical frame at 6'4", it was a solid weekend for him. While he's used to being a bruising big man in the low block, he showed his ability to work on the perimeter a bit as well. Regardless of where he played over the weekend, he was highly effective, giving us reason to believe he's in for a huge July and high school season coming up.
Marcus Burnett, 2020 SG, New Heights: This time last year, Burnett looked like a potential high-major prospect. This weekend, the 6-foot-4 shooting guard appeared to be cashing in on that potential. A wiry scorer, Burnett hit threes and attacked the rim, while also making a number of really nice passes. His feel for the game is solid, and he can be used as a primary ball-handler in a pinch. Look for him to have a big sophomore year at Jefferson High.
Patrick Obago, 2019 PF, We R1 Blue: A physically imposing forward, Obago did a good job of being a force on the glass and finishing around the rim. With the build of a tight-end, he was able to finish through contact and guard bigger post players with little issue. At 6-foot-4, he is undersized for his position, but he can certainly help out a D2 program.
Matt Rogers, 2020 SF, Mid Atlantic Select: A talented scorer and perimeter shooter at 6'6", there's significant upside to his game going forward. If he was given any space on the perimeter, he was letting it fly, and it usually went in. He also showed that he can move well without the ball in his hands, which is a great sign going forward.
Jihad Watson, 2019 PG, Elite U: A crafty and skilled dribbler, Watson knifed into the lane and finished or found his teammates for open looks with ease throughout the weekend. At 6-foot-2 he has good size for the position and makes good reads with the ball in his hands while still playing with a flair to his game. It's easy to see why low-major programs are targeting the Philly product.
Kayshaun Rice, 2019 PF, NJ Bulldogs: A talented and athletic forward, Rice showcased his ability to face his man up and attack, as well as rebound and block shots. When he is engaged, there is zero question as to if he is a division one prospect thanks to his 6-foot-7 frame and his ability to run the floor and block shots.
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