Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Springfield, MA (Future150) -- The MADE Hoops Winter Circuit Session 2 wrapped up action on Sunday evening, but before the gym lights went out, we saw a crazy day of action on the courts. Expressions Elite 14U made a big statement with a 20 point win over Team Final, and star guard Terrence Clarke put on a show. Here's more on the athletic wing, along with several other standouts.
Terrence Clarke, 2021 SG, Expressions Elite (MA): The most impressive 8th grade prospect this weekend was the smooth 6'5" wing. A versatile offensive weapon, he has a pretty and effective jumpshot, and is a very solid finisher around the rim. He's also an explosive athlete who routinely finished plays above the rim on Sunday. After helping lead his team to a 3-0 record this weekend, he was the biggest factor for his teams success out of any prospect we viewed.
Drissa Traore, 2021 SF, PSA Cardinals (NY): Already standing 6'6" with skills to play on the wing and in the painted area, the natural small forward had himself a nice weekend in Massachusetts. He scored at will around the rim, and knocked down several shots from mid-range and three-point range, showing that he's already pretty far ahead of the curve when it comes to young wings nationally. Look for a big AAU season from the Harlem native.
William Jeffress, 2021 SF, Team Durant (D.C.): Before getting the chance to view him this weekend, we heard the buzz out of Erie, Pennsylvania was that the 6'5"-6'6" small forward might be the best prospect to ever come out of the city. Well, after watching him, we can understand why. He's a long and active forward who racked up points and rebounds with ease all weekend long. Expect him to get to the 6'7"-6'9" range and become a major problem in the state of Pennsylvania.
Quron Zene Jr., 2021 SF, New York Lightning (NY): One of the most punishing slashers in the league is the 6'5" bully. We couldn't find a team or player who could stay in front of him on straight-line drives, giving him the chance to rack up points at the rim or get to the free-throw line consistently. While we haven't seen much of a jumper yet from him, it looks like he's just scratching the surface of his potential.
Zaakir Williamson, 2021 PF, Team Final (PA): In his league debut, the 6'5" bruising forward played his part for Team Final, helping them to a 2-1 record on the weekend. His body type looks like that of a football prospect, blessed with natural strong arms and legs, but it still looks like there's a lot of growth left in him. He's very good around the rim, is very agile, and can stroke jump shots out to the 18 foot range with ease.
Donald Hand Jr., 2022 PG, Donald Hand All-Stars (NY): The son of former Virginia Cavalier star Donald Hand, D.J. is on his way to becoming a very talented prospect in his own right. A capable facilitator and scorer, he makes the defense pick their poison with him. When given space, he's a knockdown jump shooter, and when pressured, he's able to take his defender off the bounce on the way to the rim.
Alexis Reyes, 2021 SF, Expressions Elite (MA): While Terrence Clarke receives a lot of credit for Expressions success on the circuit, the 6'5" smooth wing prospect is having an excellent winter as well. He can score the basketball on all three levels, rebounds well from the wing and when playing in the paint, and shot the ball well from the perimeter all weekend long. In terms of upside, he's got a significant amount to work with.
Kipplyn Richvine, 2021 SG, Brooklyn Rens (NY): One of the better slashers we evaluated during game action on Sunday was the 6'0" combo guard. Along with his scoring ability at the rim, he also racked up several points by getting to the foul line due to his downhill playing style.
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