#OTRHoopsReport: Marshall County Hoop Fest Recap – Dec. 9, 2013
Thomas Bryant of Rochester, N.Y., showed a world of talent and promise at the prestigious Marshall County HoopFest.
*Courtesy of USA Basketball
Benton, Ky. – The basketball crazed state of Kentucky provides the perfect setting for a premier showcase of high school basketball in the month of December. Although snow and ice shut down the first two days of the tournament, several of the nation’s top programs were still able to play on Saturday to showcase their skills. Although the iced roads kept many of the hometown fans home, the event was well attended. Here are a few of the top performers from the 18th Annual Marshall County HoopFest.
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
Thomas Bryant (Rochester, N.Y.) – Huntington Prep – 2015
Bryant was one of the top post players at HoopFest this weekend. Listed at 6-foot-10, Bryant has the length to be able to play the low post effectively. He showed the ability to work the hi-lo game well as he sealed for the lob while he also fed his teammates when flashing to the high post. What is most impressive about Bryant is the motor that he brings to the floor. He pursues rebounds relentlessly on both ends and runs the floor to get easy transition buckets. Bryant has recently garnered interest from Duke University. Bryant appears to have all of the tangibles and intangibles to be an impact player for a top 25 college program when he graduates next year.
Trey Lyles (Indianapolis, Ind.) – Arsenal Tech – 2014
The hometown fans that packed into the gym at Marshall County came wearing their Kentucky Blue and got a glimpse as to what Lyles will bring to Big Blue Nation next season. The 6-10 power forward did not disappoint as he put up 28 and 22 points respectively in his games. Lyles was productive, active and purposeful with his play as he scored the ball from everywhere on the court. The Kentucky faithful gained a glimpse into the versatility of Lyles. In the opening game versus Ballard High School Lyles led the break and drained a jumper from 23 feet. Late in games Lyles made plays off the dribble and sank free throws to secure victories in both games. Lyles is poised to be another highly touted recruit that will have success in Lexington for coach John Calipari.
Quenton Snider (Louisville, Ky.) – Ballard High School – 2014
The recruitment of Snider was one of the eventful stories of fall signing period. The 6-1 guard originally verbally committed to John Groce and the University of Illinois, but had a last minute change of heart which led him to sign with coach Rick Pitino at Louisville. After watching the scoring lead guard play this weekend, it is easy to understand why so many programs had made Snider a priority. Few guards around the country can bring the type of composure and play-making ability that Snider can. To illustrate this point, Ballard fell behind 24-2 to Arsenal Tech in the first quarter of the first game of the day. While lesser players would have shrunk from the deficit, Snider steadily led his team back and forced an overtime period. Snider ability to finish around the rim, while also being able to launch daggers from deep gives him the skill set to be a big contributor for the Cardinals in years to come.
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
