Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Atlanta, GA (Future150) -- Team Thad completed an undefeated weekend at the 2014 Future150 Atlanta Main Event with an 81-76 win over the Nashville Flood in the 17U Gold Bracket Championship Game on Sunday afternoon.
For the winning team, 2015 SG LaGerald Vick showed that he is a top 100 national level recruit in his class with his string of dominating performances. He averaged over 25 points per game throughout the event, impressing everyone in attendance with his explosive athleticism and long range perimeter bombs. Already holding offers from Memphis and Ole Miss, among others, expect schools outside the Southeast to get involved in his recruitment beginning in the next few weeks.
Another emerging prospect on Team Thad's team is 6-foot-11 center Nick Marshall. The Lexington (TN) big man is a dominating shot-blocker who is emerging on the offensive end. Already fielding offers from several high major programs, Kansas and Florida are the latest schools to get involved in his recruitment.
The Nashville Flood went on a surprise run through the tournament, making it to the title game. Led by wing Garrison Matthews the talented and scrappy group fought their way through and pushed Team Thad to the brink before ultimately falling short. They will be a program to keep an eye on this Spring.
In the 17U Silver Bracket Championship Game, Atlanta Select-Red cruised to an 86-78 win over Da House. Tyrius Walker, an unsigned senior, led the way for the winners. The 6-foot combo guard showed his ability as a high volume scorer and a fearless floor general who plays with confidence at all times. His three-point shooting is very impressive when he's firing on all cylinders.
For the losing team, 2015 SG Kendall Stafford was most impressive. The 6-foot-3 wing has an excellent frame and was most impressive when scoring the basketball, especially when he was creating off-the-dribble, a rarity in basketball today.
Team Forrest won themselves a title in the 17U Bronze Bracket Championship, after storming back to defeat NW Georgia Select 84-79 in overtime. The difference maker for the winning squad was 2016 SG Jordan Hollins, who knocked down several big shots late to keep his team in the game. The 6-foot-3 guard is a confident kid who can score the basketball on all three levels.
Here are some other standouts from the weekend...
John Collins, 2015 PF, Florida Flash: Already holding offers from the likes of Maryland, Miami (FL) & Texas, the 6-foot-8 forward showed a high level of skill to our staff. His polished offensive game was quite impressive, including his low post moves and footwork, and you can expect more schools to offer scholarships early on in the spring. He came into the tournament as an unknown to us, but left as a no-brainer high major.
Jaylen Fisher, 2016 PG, Team Thad: The 6-foot-1 point guard had himself an impressive weekend in Atlanta. Not only has he put muscle onto his frame, but he is becoming more of a passing guard, showing his improved court vision on the floor. At this point, it's clear that he is a top 15 prospect nationally in the sophomore class.
Jacara Cross, 2016 PF, Atlanta Select-Prime: One prospect who flashed division one skills last weekend was the 6-foot-6 power forward. The Cedar Grove (GA) standout has an endless motor and he has an endless thirst for rebounds on the floor. He also knows how to finish around the rim and has a soft touch from the free-throw line.
Ty-Mere Pierce, 2015 PG, Tucker Running Rebels: The Stone Mountain (GA) combo guard was a pleasant surprise at the Atlanta Main Event. He is a smooth player who has an excellent release on his pull-up jump shot. He also displays good court vision and loves to play unselfish basketball.
Carlos Scotton, 2015 PF, Charleston Playmakers: The anchor for the Playmakers all weekend long was the 6-foot-4 power forward. He is a punishing presence on the low block and is one of the most effective rebounders that we have seen in the region. He is also a reliable finisher around the rim and has worked extremely hard over the past six months on his conditioning and skill set.
V.J. Saxton, 2015 PF, Rome Elite: An explosive athlete who doubles as a football player, the muscular 6-foot-4 forward was a highlight reel waiting to happen at the event. He loves to get out in transition and is also a reliable rebounder on both ends of the floor.
Clyde Tyson, 2015 PG, Memphis Disciples: One of the better high volume scorers in the tournament was the 6-foot Southwind (TN) combo guard, who registered several double-digit scoring games last weekend.
Ryan Davis, 2014 PG, NW Georgia Select: One eye-opener from the tournament was the 6-foot-4 unsigned senior, who proved to be one of the best scorers in the entire tournament. When he wasn't scoring the basketball, he was working hard on the defensive side of the ball in order to create turnovers.
Jordan Renfro, 2015 PG, Atlanta Select-Classic Although small in stature, the 5-foot-9 Renfro was one of the most effective guards in attendance. He plays with good pace on the floor and can either score the basketball or get his teammates involved in the flow of the game.
Trey Brown, 2016 PG, Brown's Electrical Suns: The 5-foot-11 combo guard is progressing nicely. We've seen him for the past three years, and each time we see him, he adds a different dimension to his game. His open floor speed is what impressed us this past weekend, as well as his ability to score on the break.
Chad Culbreath, 2015 PG, Tennessee Express: A high volume scorer, Culbreath had a nice showing in Atlanta. He had several games of over 20 points, but he is also more than capable of leading his team as a true point guard as well.
Jahir Cabeza, 2014 SF, Atlanta Select Black: Cabeza was a solid wing that was able to get to the rim throughout the weekend. He is an athletic player who can finish above the rim and could be worth a look at the division two level.
Trey Thompson, 2016 PG, Mississippi Bobcats: Thompson was one of the top guards of the weekend. Attacking off the bounce and creating for others as well as being a good defender helped him solidify himself as one of the top prospects in the 16U age group and a solid contributor while playing up.
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