#OTRHoopsReport: Future Stars – Oct. 23, 2015

Sharife Cooper has been considered one of the best young guards in the Peach State. Photo Cred: Kemi Griffin

DULUTH, Ga., – Finding a way to play top talent while also getting quality exposure is a tough proposition for younger players. However, the Middle School All-American Camp provided that exact formula on Saturday afternoon at Duluth High School. Here is a ook at some of the stars of tomorrow who got the foot in the door in front of OTRHoopsReport.com evaluators.

Guard Play

Point guard Sharife Cooper of Powder Springs (Ga.), showed why he is considered one of the top young guards in the country. Cooper is small but tough and exciting lead guard has the ability to take over games with his ability to score and find the open man with his great court vision. Cooper can knock down three pointers off the dribble when he defenders hands are down

Benjamin Raspberry of Atlanta (Ga.), is an acrobatic finisher at the rim. He has terrific size on the perimeter. He is a talented all-around player that is a big-time finisher in transition, he gives great effort on the defensive end, and plays unselfishly as he is not afraid to get in the trenches and do some of the dirty work.

Another point guard that stood out was Brandon Stroud of Fulton Leadership Academy (Ga.). He has swift crossover to separate from defenders and he can finish with either hand around the basket or nail the pull-up. His jump shot is consistent out to the stripe and his release is feathery. The strength of his game is in the mid-range area. He has a deceptively quick 1st step to the basket and mid-range pull-up is high level.

Georgia native Dallas Lee of Haynes Bridge MS is a quick point guard who creates with the dribble. Although smaller in stature, he proved to be one of the more effective players at the camp.

One of the more talented players in the gym at the Middle School All-American Camp was Kadarious Johnson

of Kipp Vision MS (Ga.). The 5-foot-10 guard excels in an up tempo environment where he is great in transition. In the half court set he has an explosive first step which allowed him to get past defenders at will.

Another guard that stood out Athens Christian (Ga.), Carlos Butler, His pure stroke allowed him to connect on multiple jumpers from beyond the arc. However, he even showed the ability to slash to the rim and finish at the rim as well.

Omar Cooper, brother of Sharife Cooper, was one of the smallest guards in attendance but displayed an extremely high skill set and IQ. He is so adept at seeing the entire floor and making the assist on target and on time. He makes all kind of passes that lead to open looks.

Post Presence

One of the most polished big men in attendance was Chase Ellios of St. Francis (Ga), he is big bodied low post player. He has good hands and feet and is very effective on the low block. He uses his big body to carve out space inside. Offensively he scores mostly on putbacks, tip ins and dump off’s from penetration.

Six foot six post Joshua Taylor of Holy Spirit Prep (Ga), did not have to travel far to show his skills. He is a skilled player who finishes very well around the bucket. However, he has ball skill that will allow him to face the basket.

One of the more talented post players in the building was Toneari Lane of Richards MS (Ga.). Already standing at 6-5, he finishes plays at the bucket and has agility to create deflections. Lane also rebounds the ball well, particularly on the offensive end. He excels in the transition game, where he will handle the ball and take it to the rim.

Another post that stood out was Eli’sha King of Memorial MS (Ga.). Whether it’s a dump off pass, offensive rebound put back or a post move this young man impressed us with his inside scoring. He also displays a strong set of skills as he can put the ball on the floor, get into the lane and score as he shows good body control on the finish.

Sixth grade post player Xavier Carter of Holcombridge MS (Ga), was one of the biggest surprises of the camp. This 6-foot-4 post player did a great job of rebounding inside and outside of his area. Defensively, he was affective blocking/altering shots. Jacobs scored off guard penetration on the low block.

On the Radar

Tristan Pittman – Pittman is fundamentally sound and tough wing player, who is not afraid to get on the ground for loose balls. Offensively, Pittman was effective around the basket.

Miles Hunt – Hunt continues to impress on the offensive end. He showed the ability to get into the paint with ease. He provided good on the ball defense.

Jalen Owens – Owens showed above average ability to score, dribble, and distribute. Equally impressive aspect of his game is his defensive ability.

Zhare Floyd – This wing prospect was most effective attacking the basket where he was able to find teammates cutting to the basket. Floyd continues to improve his ball handling and shot.

Jared Rogers – During skill stations Rogers showed the ability to create for himself as well as others. He is capable of slashing to the basket and finishing through contact.

Marquese Brundudiege – Very quick with the ball and finishes strong. Plays with excellent “motor” and is very good on ball defender.

Micah Norris – Did well at drawing defense and dishing for easy buckets. Plays with good intensity and desire to compete.

Landen Johnson – Johnson is a fundamentally sound player with good court vision. He made several good passes for easy scores. Has good change of pace move which he uses effectively on dribble penetration.

Xavier Daniel – He understands the game and makes those around him better. Daniel’s has good speed and exhibits smart decision making on break. Has good looking jumper off the dribble.

Julius Reynolds – Excels in open court but also has versatility to score with in the half court with mid range pull-up jumper.

Giye Jenkins – Well rounded and patient game, sees the floor well and is very adept at creating opportunities for teammates with dribble penetration.

Alexander Zwerner – He crashes the boards well and demonstrated consistent ability to score with his back to the basket. Zwerner displayed a sound offensive skill set during skill stations.

Tyrese Elliott – Showed good shooting touch from mid-range and three point range. Good instincts on defense and plays passing lanes well.

Damiel Clarke Jr – Is comfortable with the ball in his hands and running the offense. Uses change of pace moves well to penetrate into lane.

Juvon Gamory – Has good ball handling skills and initiates the fast break well. Has the ability to be very effective offense threat when he stays under control.

Dillon Hunter – Defensive standout who impressed with ability to lock down opponents throughout the day. Plays with excellent intensity and hustle.

Eric Ross – Strong forward who is effective inside the paint; Demonstrated several low post scoring moves and has good touch around rim.

Christen Johnson – Long guard with nice offensive game; can put the ball on the floor and get to rim.

Amir Green-Jones – Skilled and heady lead guard showed the ability to create off the dribble and knock down the jumper. Has good court vision and did a fine job distributing to teammates for easy buckets.

Jaylin Walton – Aggressive playmaker who can score and distribute. Gets into the paint on drives and has can finish over bigger defenders.

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