Jason Pratt:
Future150 Senior Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- Future150 was back at it again this past weekend looking for talent from 6 different states at its yearly Battleground tournament. A program that we are very familiar with Da House out of Cornith, MS was the highlight of the tournament in the 17U Division. Their average margin of victory was over 25 points on the weekend as they steam rolled the competition on their way to the championship.
Let's take a look at some of the top players in the 17U divsion that stood out and performed well over the course of the weekend.
Tada Stricklen, 2018 PG, Da House, (MS): Stricklen was electric all weekend long. His speed, bounce and explosiveness were on full display as he scored in bunches at times. His first step quickness might be one of his better attributes due to it allows him to play lock down defense and create for this teammates off the bounce. At one point during bracket play he had 4 super explosive dunks in a game. College DI coahes if your looking for a do it all type point guard look no further, Stricklen is your guy.
Logan Dye, 2018 PF, Big Joe's, (AL): Dye is definitely a throw back type player from the 80's. He loves to bang on both the offensive and defensive glass. Scoring on all three levels is what he does best and made it look easy while doing it. His competitive nature and willingness to do whatever it takes to win make him a no brainer DI prospect a 6-foot-8 inches 215 pounds. The three point shot is his friend and he knocked it down with regularity which made him a nightmare to guard. Solid overall performance on the weekend.
Preston Wiggins, 2018 SF, Reach Higher Kings (GA): A very fundamental two/three, Wiggins is capable of scoring from all three levels and rebounds the ball very well for a wing. Even though he doesn't have the greatest size at 6'4", he could still be a very productive player at the D2/NAIA level of college basketball. Despite his great scoring instincts, he is always looking to set up his teammates for open looks around the basket.
KJ Williams, 2018 F/C, Da House (MS): Arguably the best college prospect in the 17U division, Williams sports great size standing around 6'9". At first glance you would think his massive frame and height would make him just a dominant player down low, but he can stroke the ball as well. He makes for a scary match up being able to knock down long range jumpers at 6'9". Williams is nothing short of a fantastic athlete as he is also starting quarterback on his high school football team, as well as a starting pitcher on the baseball team. Don't be surprised if this a late-bloomer name blowing up in July, picking up mid and high major offers.
Dustin Ladson, 2018 SG, Savannah Blue Chips (GA): A familiar face at Future150 events, Ladson attended Future150's Atlanta Upperclassmen camp last year and left one of the top-24 players in the camp. He has solid size at 6'3" for the two spot, and he possesses a very strong frame that allows him to finish through contact with ease when he gets to the basket. What usually sets him apart from others is his ability to knock down shots two to three feet beyond the three point line. Don't be surprised if Ladson is putting up big numbers in a few years at a NAIA level program.
Derick Hall, 2019 SF, Team Elite Heat (MS): Hall is a massively strong wing standing nearly 6'6". His athleticism and upper body strength allowed him to dominate the glass and finish strong around the rim all throughout the weekend. You would definitely not be able to tell that he was playing up an age group by looking at his frame and strength. Hall has a shot at being a very good D2/Low Major prospect depending on his skill development over the next year or so. The size, length, and phyiscial intangibles are already in place.
Quin Riggins, 2018 PG, Alabama Generals (AL): Riggins smooth playmaking abilities in the open floor was what stood out all throughout the weekend. Even though he didn't score at a high volume he was still arguably the most valuable player on his team because of his ability to run the offense and his high basketball IQ on both ends of the floor. His size isn't all that great at 5'9", but if I'm a D2 school looking for a team-first, playmaking floor general, Riggins would definitely be one of my top choices.
Malachi Morton, 2018 G/F, Alabama Elite Warriors (AL): Standing around 6'2", Morton was playing the two and three positions during the weekend. His pull up jumper from mid-range was efficient and he made some great passes in transition after grabbing a rebound and pushing the break. He doesn't really possess a wow factor in any facets of his game, but he's smart and efficient. Morton could definitely produce at a D3/JUCO school.
Cameron Smith, 2018 PF, Tuscaloosa Rams (AL): Smith is a work horse on both ends of the floor to put it simply. Undersized for the four spot at 6'5", Smith used his strength, motor, and competitive spirit to make a positive impact for his team all throughout the weekend. He wasn't ever the most skilled player on the floor, but was always giving the most energy and fighting the hardest. His grind it out mentality, high motor, and strong frame at 6'5" makes him a great JUCO candidate.
Chris King, 2018 SG, Alabama Hornets (AL): At 6'2" King has a sweet stroke from deep and is also capable of putting the ball on the floor and scoring off of a pull up jumper or taking the ball all the way to the basket. His balanced scoring, size, length, and good defensive instincts make him an intriguing NAIA/D3 level prospect. He has those moments where he can really take over a game on both ends of the floor by locking his man up on defense and knocking down shots from anywhere on the offensive end.
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