Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Allentown, PA (Future150) -- The 2014 Hoop Group Lehigh Valley Showcase brought in some of the most talented programs in the Northeast on Sunday, as well as some of the most talented prospects in the region as well. Here is who stood out during the event at Parkland High School (PA).
J.C. Show, 2014 G, Abington Heights (PA): The MVP of the first game of the day was the future Bucknell guard. In his teams 71-49 trouncing of Bethlehem Central Catholic (PA), he could not be stopped, scoring 34 points, including a 20 point third quarter. The 6-foot-2 guard has the skills and frame to play either guard spot and be a future star in the Patriot League.
Angel Delgado, 2014 PF, The Patrick School (NJ): Seton Hall fans should be very excited about the 2014 post prospect. The 6-foot-8 power forward is an athletic big with a high motor. He is extremely aggressive and bouncy on both ends of the floor, and he showed that by garnering MVP honors for the Patrick School in their 59-57 win over a talented Roman Catholic (PA) team. He led the way for his team with 18 points and 16 rebounds.
Georgios Papagiannis, 2015 C, Westtown (PA): The prospect with the most long term potential I saw in a very long time is the Greek center. Aside from being 7-foot-1 and a "true" back-to-the-basket big man, he also has the skills to step out to the three-point line and knock down shots, has a beautiful jump hook, and can even put the ball on the deck. He also loves to run the floor in transition. I may be jumping the gun a little bit, but he has the looks of a future NBA lottery pick.
Evan Maxwell, 2014 C, Abington Heights (PA): Abington Heights looks like a state title contender in AAA this year because of Show and the 6-foot-10 Liberty commit. He scored 18 points on 8-9 shooting from the floor Sunday, scoring everything around the rim and rebounding well on both ends. A true post presence who knows his role, he is the anchor who will control the paint once state tournament action heats up next month.
Goodluck Okonoboh, 2014 PF, Wilbraham and Monson (MA): Speaking of long term potential, the ceiling is very high for the future UNLV forward. A legitimate 6-foot-9 with explosive athleticism, he holds the title as the best shot-blocker in the country, regardless of class. In his teams win over Westtown, he won MVP honors after scoring 20 points. What I found most impressive was his ability to score without forcing the issue, always looking to get his teammates involved.
Jared Nickens, 2014 SG, Westtown (PA): One of the best shooters in the country, Nickens didn't disappoint on Sunday. In a losing effort, he took home MVP honors for his team after scorching the nets for 24 points on an array of long range bombs. Maryland fans will love his ability to score in bunches.
Bryce Aiken, 2016 PG, The Patrick School (NJ): The most impressive backcourt prospect I saw this past Sunday was the 5-foot-10 sparkplug. He has an extremely high IQ on the floor and has maturity beyond his years. He plays with excellent pace and has textbook form on his jump shot. He scored the game winning basket for his team on an impressive drive to the bucket as time expired, finishing the game with 15 points, three assists, and three steals. High major guard.
Jair Bolden, 2016 PG, Westtown (PA): Another impressive young point guard, the New York native plays with poise on the floor. He is an excellent director of the offense and has a vocal presence on the floor. He can also score the basketball if necessary, but we like him best as a 6-foot-3 floor general who controls the flow of the game.
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