#OTRHoopsReport: #APBShowcase Recap – August 20, 2015

The #APBShowcase provided prospects from the state of Georgia an opportunity to make a name for themselves. The showcase setting gave high school aged players competition in preparation for the school season. Photo cred – Adrian Penland

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga., – The #APBShowcase brought together several of North Georgia’s top prospects in a showcase setting. This was a prime opportunity for prospects to build reputations as evaluators from the OTRHoopsReport.com and voters from the #ATLTipOffWatch were in the building taking notes. Here is a look back at a few of the top performers from last weekend.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB

Tylor Brown (Gainesville, Ga.), North Georgia Elite / East Hall HS – 2016

Brown impressed our staff a year ago at the #APBShowcasewith his quickness and play-making ability. Fast forward to the presnet and Brown is in position to become coach Joe Dix’s leader as they do battle in Region 7-AAA. The 5-foot-11 point guard was able to create space and get his shot at ease during game play. His ability to start and stop allows him to get past defenders and make plays from himself and others. Brown emerges as a #ATLTipOffWatch All-Metro team candidate heading into the school season.

Jack Howard (Dahlonega, Ga.), North Georgia Vols / Lumpkin County HS – 2016

Howard developed into a staff favorite after we evaluated him a the #EBATop40 camp. Standing at 6-3, he has the size and strength to compete at high levels on the perimeter. However, his greatest strength is his shot making ability. Naturally a shooting guard, Howard can also play the lead guard role effectively. He showed that he can break down the defender and get his own shot in the mid-range. To add value to his game, he hits the 3-point jumper with consistency. Howard drew praise from area coaches last year during the high school season. Given his performance last weekend, expect more of the same in the 2015-2016 season.

Bailey Minor (Gainesville, Ga.), North Georgia Elite / Gainesville HS – 2018

Minor is a prime example of a player who cemented his reputation as a recruitable prospect at the #APBShowcase. Standing at 6-5 with a power forward build, he has ball handling and shooting skills of a wing. He is strong and able to throw his weight around under the basket. However, it was high flying alley-oop dunks that got the people going at Mulberry Recreational Park. His blend of athleticism, skill and IQ all point to him playing a big role for the Red Elephants this season. If he continues to develop, watch for scholarship offers to come rolling in years to come.

Evan Pitts (Gainesville, Ga.), North Georgia Elite / Lakeview Academy – 2018

A player can tell when he is having a good camp when he earns a nickname midway through the day. Pitts earned the nickname Chandler Parsons because of his shot making and defensive abilities at the camp. The sophomore has good size standing at 6-3 and adds plenty of activity on both ends of the floor. His willingness to mix it up in the lane while also being able to push ahead in transition made him one of the most productive players at the camp.

 Xavier Reed (Oakwood, Ga.), West Hall HS – 2017

While our staff was familiar with many of the prospects coming into the day, Reed was a new name that grabbed our attention on Saturday afternoon. The 6-4 forward did a little bit of everything and did it all well. He ran the floor, finished in transition and blocked shots from the weakside. His ability to hit the outside jumper got many in attendance excited. His athleticism speaks for itself, but if he continues to show range on his jumper he could transform into an impact player for the Spartans this season.

 Media Exposure / Showcase Opportunities 

Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. Hemingway serves on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. also He is also the publisher of CoachHemi.com. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at JonathanHemingway@PeachStateBasketball.com and follow him on  twitter @JLHemingwayPSB