Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Neptune, NJ (Future150) -- It was an eventful weekend in New Jersey covering Mike Melton's Basketball Spotlight 'Clash For The Cup', as the event proved to be an excellent look at some of the best 2022 & 2023 prospects in the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic regions. At the end of the day, it was Jarace Walker who stole the show.
Jarace Walker Makes His Case For #1 Nationally
Coming into the event, the Pennsylvania prospect hailing from York County was considered a top 10 prospect in the 8th grade class, and has been for the past year. However, his game has gone to another level over the past eight months. The 6'5" true wing made it look easy all weekend. Along with his great frame, he is an explosive athlete who can make plays from multiple positions on the floor. Simply put, the Team Thrill (MD) product was head-and-shoulders above any other prospect in the building, and only a select few others from across the country can match what he's doing at this point in time. He led his team to a championship in New Jersey with his scoring and playmaking skills.
Amani Hansberry Powers Team Durant to 7th Grade Title
We got our first look at the agile 6'5" monster a few weeks back at MADE Hoops Winter League, and he continued his run of dominance this past weekend, leading his Team Durant (MD) team to a championship in the 2023 division. For a prospect his size, one that carries well over 230 pounds, he moves remarkably well. We love his ability to use both hands, as well as his motor and ability as a vocal leader on the floor. More than just a 'prospect', he's a dominant player right now, and teams are finding that out on a weekly basis.
Developing Bigs Catch Our Eye
A number of post prospects caught our eye over the weekend, and while they weren't exactly dominant with their play, they showed flashes of what's to come down the road. Team Final 6'7"+ forward Dereck Lively has come a long way since we put him on the map in August at Junior Hoop Group All-American Camp. While he still has a ways to go in terms of toughness and production, he's making great strides.
The New York Gauchos have a nice looking prospect on their hands with big man Jacob Hogarth. Already a long 6'4" big man and only 12 years old, he looks like a rising star in the 2023 class early on. Right now, he's most productive as a defensive anchor who rebounds. Another post to keep tabs on in the 2023 class is New York Jayhawks big man Jalen O'Brian. He's a talented big man at 6'4", and his impressive wingspan and big motor caught our eye over the weekend.
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