#OTRHoopsReport – Team Spotlight on XPress United NC – May 1, 2014

Miller Mills shot his team into a championship at the Sweet 16.
*Photo by Nakita Hemingway

MARIETTA, Ga. – The Sweet 16 provided a great opportunity for teams to showcase their talents in front of college coaches on this NCAA evaluation weekend. One team who took full advantage of this chance was Xpress United NC who took the championship and showcased their individual talents. Here is a rundown on their success from last weekend.

Team Spotlight – Xpress United NC

Miller Mills (New Bern, N.C.), New Bern HS-2015
Miller is a confident shooter that possesses size and an excellent IQ. He has a sweet stroke, quick trigger and deep range. When allowed time and a little space every shot he takes has a chance to go in. Mills will take some tough contested shots but when his feet are set he is nearly automatic for long range. This 6-foot-3 wing sprints the floor in transition looking to spot up on the wing opposite of dribble penetration. Mills knocked down five three-pointers Saturday night and ultimately leading his team to a championship.

Zach Cuthbertson (Vanceboro, N.C.), West Craven HS-2015

This 6-5 wing has a shot that is crisp with a quick, high release. He has a solid frame with deceptive amount of bounce and overall athleticism. He has a high basketball IQ and knows how to move without the ball to get open. Cuthbertson caught the attention of several college coaches that were in attendance for the Sweet 16. He will be a player to keep an eye on during the July evaluation period

Game Recap

Xpress United NC 68 Smyrna Stars Gold 63

Smyrna came out firing at all cylinders with 10-2 lead at 11:30 mark. Smyrna Stars point guard Torico Simmons started hot with his team’s first 11 points of the eight minutes of the game. Nine of those eleven were from 3-point range. Class of 2015 guard Zach Cuthbertson for Xpress responded with a thunderous two-handed jam in transition to lead the surge. The game continued to go back and forth as both teams responded with multiple runs.

The Smyrna Stars worked well with each other as their guards set up the bigs on the block and in the corners. The ability to penetrate the Xpress defense opened scoring opportunities for each other. Class of 2015 forward Carrad Watson of Woodland High School benefited from this activity as he claimed the glass all evening. He snagged any shots that were errant and converted them into put backs.

In the second half it was all Xpress United. Cameron Moore from Pamlico County High School came alive in the by attacking the rim and gaining scoring opportunities. The slashing wing complimented an already hot Miller Mills, who finished with a game high 30 points. This combination of Moore in the interior and Mills launching daggers from the arc was enough for the Xpress to hang on for the win.

 

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 and Power 24