#OTRHoopsReport: Underclassmen Shine at Sweet 16 – May 5, 2016

Ashton Hagons showed why he is one of the top young guards in the country at the Sweet 16. Photo Cred: Kemi Griffin

Atlanta, Ga. – At events like the Sweet 16 during the April evaluation period, it is always a good chance to look into the future and see who basketball fans will be following in years to come. This event gave a quality look at 2019 guards who will inevitably see their recruitment pick up as the summer months’ approach.

By: @OnTheRadarHoops & @LocksWay_OTR

Ashton Hagans – Newton (GA) – Georgia Stars – 2019

A name that people are getting more and more familiar with continues to shine. Only just one year of high school basketball under his belt and he is leaving his mark as one of the top guards in the south.  At 6-foot-3 with a solid frame he excels at getting to the rim. Hagans is great passer in the open floor and knows how to find teammates for easy buckets.  He has the ability to score baskets in a hurry, Hagans dropped 31 points in the championship game at the Sweet 16 Session I.

Chase Hunter – Westlake (GA) – Game Elite – 2019

For a kid who just came off from injury during his freshmen season you certainly couldn’t tell.  Hunter showed his offensive game over all weekend with scoring on all 3 levels, driving to the basket, knocking down the mid-range jumper and connecting on the deep ball. He scored a tournament high 40 points in the championship game, college programs be sure to keep an eye on this class of 2019 guard.

Antavion Collum – Olive Branch (MS) -Team Penny – 2019

This 6-foot-6 forward was able to hold his own while playing up in the 17U Division.  Collum plays with great effort on both ends of the floor. With his size and strength, he was able play multiple positions. He has the ability to score inside and outside. Ole Miss has offered Collum following his performance at the Sweet 16 Session I.  

Marcus Purcell – Crestview (FL) – Showtime Hoops – 2019

He has a comfortable shooting range to about 18 feet and has the ability to get to certain spots on the floor to get his shot off where he can get hot. Purcell is a good athlete that he can elevate over defenders with ease. He also gets his share of buckets on the break where he can finish at the rim or knock down the mid-range.

James Taylor Jr. – Lexington (KY) – Hoop Dreams – 2020

This young man has all the tools and savvy not usually seen in a point guard this young. His ability to handle the ball under pressure, court vision, and probe the paint to create offense for his teammates is exceptional. He can also knock down the big 3 point shoot or shoot a floater down the lane when the game is on the line. He has a high basketball IQ that allows him to know when to attack and when to set something up. He is a true PG who is quick, skilled and intelligent.

Deep Threat

Duncan Demuth – Seminole (FL) – SEBA Select – 2018

This 6-foot-7 wing has range out to 25-plus feet, he has the ability to stretch the floor without a doubt. When he heats it up he can to go on a run to knock down five or six deep ones in a row no matter how he is guarded. Demuth can not only knock down the deep ball but also showed the ability to drive to the basket with one or two dribbles.

Noah Burroughs – Decatur (AL) – Alabama Basketball Academy – 2017

Burroughs was automatic from behind the arc during the first session of the Sweet 16. He had several games where he connected on multiple three pointers. Burroughs is in constant motion, working to get himself in position to score and he’s typically shot-ready. He has good size for his position and prefers to shoot it off the dribble.

Bryson Grasse – Lakeland (FL) – Tampa Titans – 2017

Grasse is a combo guard that showed the ability to connect from behind the arc on multiple occasions. He has a high basketball IQ and knows how to move without the ball to get open. Defensively, he does a good job of providing on the ball pressure and jumping passing lanes.

Nick Cunningham – South Forsyth (GA) – Vanguard Elite – 2016

This 6-foot-5 wing is a deadly shooter from behind the arc, Cunningham has the ability to hit multiple three pointers in a row. He gets good elevation on his shot and has a nice rotation on the ball and good touch.

Shun Williams is the owner of On the Radar Hoops, Inc. The On the Radar Hoops Report is picked up by Division I and II colleges and universities across the country. He serves as the director of the On the Radar Hoops Fall Showcase, On the Radar Hoops Spring Showcase, On the Radar Hoops Invitational, Elite 32 Session I, Elite 32 Session II, Power 24, and Super 6 Showcase Session I & II