#OTRFallShowcase: Middle School Stars – September 18, 2015

One hundred plus middle school prospects showed their skill at the #OTRFallShowcase in September. Photo cred – Kemi Griffin

Duluth, Ga., – Nearly 100 middle school aged prospects trained and competed last weekend at the #OTRFallShowcase. With talent evaluators from multiple national scouting services on hand, it was the ideal setting for players to build their reputation even before setting foot in the hallway of a high school. The camp was filled with talent and potential. Here is the first look back at the weekend standouts/

Brandon Boston (Lawrenceville, Ga.), – 2020

Boston is a lanky combo-guard who showed great offensive promise. He demonstrated a nice release at the arc while also being able to get to the rim with the bounce. He already has a skill set that allows him to be productive with the ball in his hands. The next step for him will be to add strength and add depth to his game on both ends of the floor.

Kevon Eskridge (Tucker, Ga.), – 2021

An argument could be made that Eskridge was the most advanced physically and skilled developed prospect at Duluth High School on Saturday afternoon. He possesses an already athletic frame and natural athleticism that allows him to dunk. He projects as a wing, but he also has the ability to rebound and defend as an interior forward. Eskridge demonstrated an easy handle in the open court while also showing a great release on his jump shot.

Jordan Johnson (Duluth, Ga.), – 2020

One of the most productive players in the gym at the Fall Showcase was Johnson. The slashing guard was dynamite in transition where he was able to finish around defenders. However, the impressive part of his game is his advanced vision with the basketball. He was unselfish enough to lay the ball out to streaking teammates for them to score. His quick hands and feet complement an already pretty jump shot. Johnson has all the tools ready to develop in future years.

Shomik Shajahan – (Lawrenceville, Ga.), 2020

There are some players that are fun to watch and fun to play with…that is exactly the type of player Shajahan looks to be. A natural point guard, he is skilled and and quick with the basketball in the back court. He can create plays and space versus pressure. However, his real talent is delivering the ball to his teammates on time and on target. He plays the game with enthusiasm and appears to talk the game as a leader. We will look forward to watching the young floor general in years to come.

Brandon Stroud (Tucker, Ga.), – 2020

Stroud drew praise of many evaluators at the afternoon camp. The lanky, left-handed wing showed body control and pace with the basketball in his hands. He demonstrated an easy release on his jumper while possessing great athleticism as a young prospect. Stroud was earmarked as one of the most promising back court prospects from the camp.

Joshua Taylor – (Atlanta, Ga.), – 2020

The popular quote concerning big men is always, “They take longer to develop.” While that is certainly the case, the OTRHoopsReport.com evaluation team found a big man who is on the fast track to becoming one of the city’s best prospects. Taylor impressed everyone with his one-bounce dunk in game play. However, the nuance of his skill set should be noted. He was good in the pick-and-roll or the pick-and-pop situation. His long reach makes him a shot block threat already. He still his physical maturation left in front of him, but he has many of the tools you would like to see from a productive big man.

 

Media Exposure / Showcase Opportunities

Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. Hemingway serves on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. 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