Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Chester, PA (Future150) -- The 2013 Jameer and Pete Nelson Classic kicked off last Saturday with several talented prospects taking the floor. The day culminated with a matchup between Pennsylvania power Chester beating a strong Atlantic City (NJ) program by a score of 58-52.
Here is who impressed myself and Brian Flinn throughout the action on Saturday:
Trayvon Reed, 2014 C, Life Center Academy (NJ): The 7-foot-1 future Maryland Terrapin center has put some weight onto his frame, and has developed his skills as well. It looks like he has turned the corner and is beginning to tap into his immense potential. While his shot-blocking has always been his calling card, he showed the ability to rebound well on both ends of the floor and was finishing against contact around the rim. He finished the day with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 7 blocks while winning MVP honors for Life Center.
Nehemiah "Bud" Mack, 2016 G, Susquehanna Township (PA): Perhaps the best surprise of Saturday was the 6-foot point guard. He paced his team with 19 points and won MVP honors for Susquehanna Township in their hard fought loss to a very talented Martin Luther King team. He had the gym buzzing with his shot-making and muscular frame. Bucknell, Loyola (MD) and Mount Saint Mary's have all inquired about him to date. Expect many more northeast schools to come calling soon.
Malcolm Evans, 2016 SF, Life Center Academy (NJ): Since last seeing Evans in the spring, he has put some muscle onto his frame and is playing a more physical brand of basketball. The 6-foot-7 wing scored the basketball around the rim, was active on defense, and played extremely well in transition. While the majority of his potential remains untapped, it's easy to see why he will be appealing to mid-major and high major programs going forward.
Amir Hinton, 2015 SG, Abington (PA): The 6-foot-2 shooting guard is a smooth scorer who can play both perimeter positions on the floor. He showed an ability to get to the rim, get out in transition for scoring opportunities, and he also showed good court vision on the floor. He finished with 16 points in his game on Saturday. He looks like a potential star at the division two level and a fringe division one prospect at this point in the development.
Isiah Graves, 2014 G, Atlantic City (NJ): An extremely impressive prospect on Saturday night was Graves. Playing against a powerful Chester squad, he was a rock for Atlantic City on both ends of the floor. The 6-foot-2 guard played the point for the Vikings, and he did a very good job finding his teammates and running the offense. However, he was at his best when he was in attack mode and scoring at the basket. The MVP for the Vikings, he finished with 24 points and showed that he is one of the top guards in southern New Jersey.
Chris Silva, Roselle Catholic (NJ): One of the bounciest forwards we saw this past weekend was the 6-foot-8 post. He rebounded everything around the rim and was blocking shots at a high rate. While his low post footwork is still a work in progress, he gets results every time he is on the floor, finishing the day with 11 points and 16 rebounds.
Sammy Foreman, 2015 SG, Martin Luther King (PA): One of the most improved prospects in southern Pennsylvania is the 6-foot point guard. His long distance shooting has really improved and so has his shot selection. While he still needs to improve his passing skills, the quick guard is looking like a solid low major prospect at this point. He finished the day with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
Tyrell Sturdivant, 2014 PF, Chester (PA): Sounding like a broken record at this point, but Stony Brook is getting an absolute stud in the 6-foot-8 power forward. The double-double machine scored 24 points against Atlantic City Saturday night, and his rebounding prowess and ability to finish with both hands around the rim are extremely impressive. He also can stretch the defense by shooting out to 15 feet, which will be valuable at the next level.
Jabri McCall, 2016 PG, Martin Luther King (PA): The 6-foot point guard has the look of one of the premier floor generals in the state for the sophomore class. He's quick with the ball in his hands and can get to the rim with ease. He loves to play the transition game and can knock down jump shots when left open. He is definitely a prospect to track going forward.
Mahir Johnson, 2014 SG, Chester (PA): Look for the recruitment of Johnson to pick up significantly. His senior season has been splendid, showing the ability to be a knockdown shooter in pressure situations. The born scorer can play both perimeter positions but may be suited better off-the-ball because of his scoring skills. He scored 17 points against Atlantic City, shooting the ball efficiently from mid-range as well as three point range.
Pierre Sarr, Roselle Catholic (NJ): Versatility is the name of the game for the 6-foot-7 small forward. He scored 14 points in a variety of ways last weekend. He knocked down long range shots, created off the dribble, and scored over defenders in the low block. The bouncy wing has room for growth, and could very develop into a mid-major priority very soon.
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