#OTRHoopsReport: Marshall County Hoop Fest – Dec. 13, 2013

Big Blue Nation came out to Hoop Fest to see future Wildcats and also to get a glimpse of Kentucky coach John Calipari in between games. *Photo by Jonathan Hemingway

Benton, Ky. – The Hoop Fest hosted by Marshall County High School provided the venue for a terrific showdown of elite talent this past weekend. A line up of nationally ranked teams squared off against one another after seeing the first two days of Hoop Fest cancelled due to ice and snow. With the tradition that Marshall County has set in place over the years, this will continue to be a destination for premier teams in the future. Here is a second look at a few individuals who seized the opportunity to impress in the heart of the Bluegrass State.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB

 

Devin Booker (Moss Pointe, Miss.) – Moss Pointe – 2014

In a feature evening game, many Kentucky Wildcat fans packed the gym to see what is on the way to Lexington next season. They got a close-up look at future Wildcat Devin Booker, who stands at 6-foot-6 and can play either guard spot. He certainly gave the hometown fans reason for excitement as he scored 40 points against Ballard High School. Not only was a portion of Big Blue Nation there to watch Booker, but coach John Calipari himself sat front row to take in the Booker performance. Although Booker and his Moss Pointe teammates came up short in the end, he showed the ability to create his own shot against athleticism and finish above the rim. This combination of skill and explosiveness will make Booker an instant favorite amongst Wildcat fans.

Jaquan Lyle (Evansville, Ind.) – Huntington Prep – 2014

Lyle was perhaps the most consistent and impactful player for both of the Irish games this weekend. The 6-5 wing is a crafty play-maker with the ball in hands and finds ways to score even when defenders make it difficult. Lyle is not an elite athlete, but his style of play puts us in the mind of Brooklyn Nets small forward Paul Pierce in his ability to hit the midrange jumper. Lyle is one of only a few top 100 players in the nation that are still uncommitted. Kansas and Indiana have been the schools to have most recently been in touch with Lyle, but Arizona and Connecticut have also been in the mix for his services. His style of play would easily translate to any of those top 25 programs.

Emmanuel Mudiay (Dallas, Texas) – Prime Prep Academy – 2014

The 6-5 guard dazzled the spectators at Hoop Fest with an array of flip and no look passes. As remarkable of a physical specimen Mudiay is on the court, his talent and skill is equally as impressive. He did not show one glaring area of weakness in his match-up with Quality Education Academy as he hit jumpers, slashed to the rim and also set up his teammates for easy looks. The consensus 5-star recruit out of the Lone Star State opted to stay close to home and play for coach Larry Brown at Southern Methodist University next season. Look for Mudiay to lead the Mustangs to be at the top of the American Athletic Conference next season.

Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. He is also the owner of Coach Hemingway Basketball. 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