Thatch Leads Team Ramey To Spring Bling Crown
by Spencer Pulliam, Future150 (11:02 AM CT, Tue March 11, 2014)

Houston, TX (Future150) -- JrFuture150.com's coverage of Spring Bling continues as we highlight the best wing performers the event had to offer from the Class of 2018.

Arguably the deepest position at the tournament, this group of perimeter prospects featured several players that should become familiar names on the national recruiting radar in coming seasons.

2014 Spring Bling: Top 2018 Wing Performers

Kaden Archie, 2018 WF, Deron Williams Elite: There's an enormous amount of upside in Archie's frame, as his length is stellar, and his reaction time allows him to make plays on both ends of the floor. At the Spring Bling, he showed flashes on offense, blending a jumper with slashing moves to the rim. He has a long way to go in terms of all-around development, but he should continue to spurt upward, and the hope is he expands his game outward. The current eighth grader is certainly a prospect to monitor as his confidence and awareness evolve.

Jhamon Ausbon, 2018 F, RYTES Warriors: Everything Ausbon does on the floor, he does it with athleticism, and power. He's rapidly gaining explosiveness, is already playing above the rim, and his handle is good enough for him to be relatively effective as a slasher at this stage. It appears he may be close to maximizing his tools physically, so Ausbon will need to focus his attention on continuing to develop his jumper, and ball-handling ability. His energy and effort at Spring Bling were noteworthy.

Christian Hawkins, 2018 G/F, Pro Skills: Hawkins was one of the better long-term Class of 2018 prospects at Spring Bling. He's confident in his stroke off the catch and also showed some ability putting the ball on the floor. He possesses the size and length to be capable as a defender and rebounding presence but will need to be more engaged in those areas. Hawkins' athleticism and explosiveness are ideal and his frame suggests he should only improve in those categories. Should he find an aggressive streak, his stock could skyrocket on the national level, perhaps even prior to reaching high school this fall.

Devonta Jason, 2018 G/F, New Orleans Revolution: Jason is relied on as a scorer for his club and embraces the role. He can be a bit loose with the ball at times, but can handle it, and displayed a nice scoring arsenal at Spring Bling. His jumper is progressing nicely to date and he excels in transition. If he is dedicated to improving, Jason could be one of Louisiana's better long-term prospects in the 2018 class. The eighth grader made enough of a positive impression that he will be monitored throughout the reminder of the travel circuit season.

Malik Martin, 2018 G/F, Deron Williams Elite: Martin is a high-energy athlete that makes an impact on the game with his aggressive approach. It's difficult to coach effort and Martin competed on both ends at Spring Bling. Though at times inconsistent, he's an active defender, and showed some efficiency as a slasher and finisher in the lane. Still, Martin must demonstrate more ability with his handle and jumper moving forward, as his size indicates he is likely to play an exclusive backcourt role in the future.

Derrick McDonald, 2018 F, RYTES Warriors: McDonald is a wide-bodied prospect that continues to make the transition from the post to the perimeter. His hard work is showing, as he played almost exclusively on the wing offensively during the Spring Bling, while still demonstrating the ability to defend the post. McDonald's biggest obstacle will be his speed and quickness, as he must continue to improve laterally in order to consistently defend the wing, while also expanding the range on his jumper.

Reggie Perry, 2018 F, Arkansas HAWKS: No perimeter prospect from the Class of 2018 could match the upside of Perry at the Spring Bling tournament. He's grown to a legitimate 6-foot-7, is proficient handling and passing the ball, and demonstrated expanded range on his jumper. His explosiveness has improved as well, only increasing his immense potential, even when compared to peers on the national level. The eighth grader will undoubtedly have expectations placed upon his shoulders entering high school this fall, and should his motor ramp up just a tad, Perry projects as an elite prospect at this stage.

Fred Thatch, 2018 G/F, Team Ramey: Thatch is a perimeter prospect but is most effective in the lane. He's as strong and stocky as you're going to find in the Class of 2018 at this stage yet is also surprisingly explosive at the rim. An excellent rebounder, particularly on the offensive end, he'll benefit from sustaining his willingness to exploit match-ups. His efficiency comes in large part due to the fact he simply does whatever is needed. Thatch's play doesn't reflect positional stereotypes and that's a good thing.

Steven Thomas, 2018 G/F, Pearland Bulldogs: Thomas is quickly making the transition from post to perimeter and was effective getting to the rim and finishing throughout the Spring Bling. Strong and athletic, Thomas excelled as a rebounder, and demonstrated the lateral quickness necessary to defend the perimeter. He must improve his handle and jumper, but he's an unknown prospect no longer, and one worth tracking in Texas' 2018 class.

C.J. Washington, 2018 WF, RYTES Warriors: An athlete with an uncanny nose for the ball, Washington had arguably the best weekend of any player in attendance at Spring Bling. He was simply a live wire throughout the event, keeping possessions alive, defending every position, and battling for position. At this time, the majority of his productivity takes place within ten feet of the basket, so he must continue working on his overall perimeter skill set. However, Washington has toughness and competitive intangibles that are far from typical for an eighth grader.