#OTRHoopsReport: High School Hoops Festivial – Dec. 15, 2014
Tatum is the top wing prospect in the nation in the class of 2016. Read about how he showed out at the Hoops Festival this past weekend. Photo cred – Jon Lopez/Nike
Hyattsville, MD.,-The High School Hoops Festival has established itself as one of the nation’s most prestigious showcases, Which displayed some of the top programs around the country. These matchups allowed for a terrific showdown over the weekend. The line-up included nationally ranked players such as Thon Maker, Jayson Tatum, Dennis Smith Jr. and DJ Harvey. Here is a look at a few individuals who took advantage of the exposure.
By: @OnTheRadarHoops
National Hoops Festivial Top Performers
Anthony Cowan (Olney,MD) St John’s College High School- 2016
An explosive and quick point guard who is clever with the ball in his hands. This scoring point guard can take it all the way to the rim and score or make the pass from his penetration to an open teammate. He is in control of the game when the ball is in his hands. Cowan was huge in the second half for St. John’s as they trailed Largo by three with 10 seconds left in the game. Cowan pushed the ball through traffic pulling up to hit a buzzer beater. In the extra period Cowan took over penetrating the defense finishing at the rim and finding his teammates for the easy baskets to help St. Johns pull out the overtime victory.
Dwayne Bacon (Lakeland, Fla) Oak Hill Academy – 2015
The Florida State signee has continued to improve year after year. Bacon growth and maturity allows him to make better decisions with the ball in his hand. The 6-foot-6 guard was a standout earlier this month at the Marshall County Hoopsfest. Saturday night Bacon led an undafeated Oak Hill squad into battle against Paul VI. Bacon can score in bunches once he gets it going. He showed that he can finish in transiton or in traffic above the rim, knock down the open jumper and attack off the dribble to get to the basket. Bacon was named game MVP after finishing with 20 points in a 70-54 victory.
Dennis Smith Jr. (Fayetteville, NC) Trinity Christian School- 2016
Smith has been labeled a walking highlight reel due to his athletic ability and trickery with the ball. Sunday the 6-2 scoring guard showed that not only is he a threat to attack off the dribble but he is an efficient shooter. Smith is a pure scorer who can put the ball in the basket in virtually every way. He makes threes in transition and with deep range, is equally lethal starting the break himself or filling a lane. In the first half, Smith had 19 points on ten shots and finished with a game-high 35 points to give out one of the top performances of the weekend.
Jayson Tatum (Saint Louis, Mo.) Chaminade College Prep – 2016
The nation’s top wing in the class of 2016 made noise during the live evaluation periods while playing for Nike sponsored travel club St. Louis Eagles. Tatum is a smooth and versatile, which allows him to affect the game on several different spots on the floor. He can stretch the floor with his shooting ability. His overall offensive skill package is simply amazing considering his height. He showed the ability to consistently penetrate the defense either pulling up for the jumper or spotting teammates for the easy finish. Tatum finished the night with 24 points and 8 rebounds in a close loss to DeMatha.
Exposure & Showcase Opportunities
Coverage – Georgia Challenge Headliners
Coverage – Elite Basketball Academy All-American Camp
Coverage – CoachHemi.com Fall Workout
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 Sweet 16
