#OTRHoopsReport: National Hoop Fest – December 12, 2017
Hyattsville, Maryland, – The National Hoopfest kicked off it’s four city tour for the 2017-2018 season at DeMatha High School. Snow hindered the travel schedule of a few teams originally slated for the event. Our #OTRHoopsReport team was in the building for the Saturday night slate and watched multiple top 100 prospects square off. Here is a rundown of the prospects that stood above the rest on December 9th.
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
Star Power
Jared Bynum – Georgetown Prep – 2018
On a night where Westtown was supposed to be the main attraction, Bynum and his Georgetown Prep teammates had other plans. Bynum, a Saint Joseph signee, scored 29 points on 9-15 shooting to go along with seven assists and no turnovers. It would be hard to argue that anyone put up a more efficient and effective night than Bynum. He sliced his way into the lane and made the critical plays at the most important moments. His performance powered Georgetown Prep over Westtown Saturday evening.
Covered the National Hoops Fest (@HoopfestUSA) this evening
Names to Know:
’18 Silvio DeSousa (Kansas signee)’18 @JBDimes3 (@SJUHawks_MBB signee)
’20 Jeremy Roach Paul VI
’20 Hunter Dickinson (@DeMathaHoops)
More to come:https://t.co/o9z1G1Ara5 pic.twitter.com/AYWJGhJBwe
— Jonathan Hemingway (@JLHemingwayPSB) December 10, 2017
Jake Forrester – Westtown High School – 2018
Forrester had a breakout performance a year ago at this same event. Twelve months later he is an Indiana signee and a top 100 prospect nationally. It looked as if the night was not going to go well for the 6-9 prospect as he turned his ankle in the lay-up line in the pregame warmups. However, he fought through the pain and turned in a solid performance nonetheless. He scored 22 points on 10-15 shooting and snatched 10 rebounds to go with it. The forward projects to be a player who could contribute early for coach Archie Miller in Bloomington next year, because of athleticism and versatility. He has enough face-up skill to play as a reversal 4-man in the secondary break. However, it is his rebounding and finishing ability around the rim that could lead to instant productivity.
Cameron Reddish – Westtown High School – 2018
Saturday night could have ended better for the Duke commit. Missing a front end of a one and one and then fouling out on a box out attempt on the following possession soured a potentially special night for the 6-8 small forward. Reddish did lead an impressive comeback versus Georgetown Prep where he hit several tough 3-pointers even with a hand in his face. For the night he finished with 34 points on 12-23 shooting including 6-10 from long range. The following night Reddish showed no ill effects of a heartbreak loss as he blistered Holy Spirit Prep for 53 points, which included 8-12 from beyond the arc. While RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson are considered the front-runners as the top prospects in the class, keep Reddish in the background as a dark horse candidate to claim the Naismith Trophy for the National Player of Year in 2018.
Brandon Slater – Paul VI – 2018
Slater played like the seasoned veteran he is. The Villanova bound wing showed consistency on his jumper and play-finishing skill that will be important at the next level. He finished with 24 points on 8-14 shooting while also hitting three triples. Slater projects to be a solid complementary player for his first few years at Villanova. However, he looks to be the type of player that coach Jay Wright has won a lot of games with in years past. He is solid in his decision making and rarely puts himself in a position where he is trying to do too much. Yet when given the opportunity to finish a play, he usually does with confidence.
Fantastic performance from ‘18 W Brandon Slater of @PVIHoops tonight.
Made his presence felt especially in the second half.@CleanSlaaate_ has come a long way over the past four years. @TTOBasketball @HoopKidz @BTS_Report @OTRHoopsReport
— Brandon Clay (@BrandonClayPSB) December 10, 2017
Aaron Wiggins – Wesleyan Christian – 2018
Wiggins was a bright spot for Wesleyan in their loss to Paul VI on Saturday night. The Maryland commit used his length and athleticism to turn in a 25 point performance. He hit floaters and slashed to the basket to be the team’s leading scorer. Wiggins is an athletic option who can hang in the air to score in the lane over defenders. The 6-6 wing is a consensus top 50 prospect nationally.
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
