US Prep Athletes The Magazine Special Edition Of The Fall 2017 US Prep Elite Camps - The Rankings Issue
TOP CAMPERS
RICKY COUNCIL IV SOARS TO MVP OF THE US PREP ELITE CAMP
*Bonus-Digital Online Magazine Including The US Prep Elite Allstar Game Plus Much More
MEET THE 2017 STANDOUTS
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ATHLETES IN THE PLAYOFFS
MIDDLE SCHOOL
ATHLETES BRING BASKETBALL DNA
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COMING FALL 2018, CHARLOTTE SUNDAY OCT. 21 2018 NC
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US PREP ATHLETES - THE MAGAZINE U S PREP ELITE EXPOSURE CAMP THE RANKINGS ISSUE - WINTER 2018 #0010
Thank you in advance for reading our latest US Prep Athletes - The Magazine issue. This issue focuses on standout athletes from our fall 2017 camp. We've followed many of these athletes throughout the 2017/18 season and have ranked the top 20 athletes in each class in our NEXTUS COMPOSITE rankings report inside. If you are new to US Prep Athletes - The Magazine, we invite you to get better acquainted with us. Since 2012 we've sponsored High School and Middle School exposure camps and welcomed athletes locally and from across the state through an open invite platform. Four times a year we produce a print and digital version of our magazine including a special US Prep Elite Exposure camp issue. Our digital mags include exclusive interviews, camp footage and additional audio and video play of standout athletes. To our current supporters, coaches and parents who have followed our efforts - we appreciate and thank you for sending your athletes to our sponsored camp(s). This past year we all witnessed some tremendous talent and it's our hope that all of these athletes will live out their life long purpose and dreams. With that in mind, we design all of our camps and mag issues to not only showcase these athletes athletic talents but also to challenge, motivate, inspire and boost their overall confidence and self-esteem. And lastly to all my college coaches and recruiters please take your time with this magazine; there are some really good athletes to be seen in this issue. We hope you enjoy and again thank you. Best Regards,
Tony Pearl Publisher US Prep Athletes - The Magazine
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TOURNAME Page 6 -11
COMMENTA page 16 -18
ATHLETES O Page 19
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
ENT EVENTS
page 32 & 33
ATHLETE HIGHLIGHTS
ARY
page 35 - 43
MR. BASKETBALL OF THE US PREP ELITE CAMP BLAKE WILSON
ON THE RISE
Page 44
US PREP ATHLETES FEATURE STORIES
DEVON DOTSON PAGE 20
LAVAR BATTS SR PAGE 22
JAYLAN MCGILL PAGE 27
Editor and Publisher Of US Prep Athletes The Magazine - Tony Pearl For Ambassador Interactive * Sports Analyst - Brandon Blakeney * Graphic Designer – Shamika Satterthwaite *Photography – Kelcey Jones *Sports Commentators - Steve Crawford For Prep To Pros 730AM The Game - ESPN Charlotte & Tony Pearl For US Prep Athletes The Magazine - Website – www.usprepathletes.com * Social Media – USPrepAthletes * Email – usprepmagazine@usprepathletes. com *Advertise Contact 704.560.1430 * Reproduction In Whole Or In Part Without Permission Is Prohibited. US Prep Athletes Magazine Is A Subsidiary Of Ambassador Interactive Media.
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U About
US Prep Athletes are standout leaders on the field and/or court and they strive for excellence within the classroom. They often demonstrate a strong yearning and keen interest towards their favorite sport by practicing longer and working much harder on their game than their peers and competition. As an organization we have built many age-specific programs that will help promote and cultivate their unique sports and academic talents and skill sets. Several of these top athletes will be featured in US Prep Athletes The Magazine.
US Prep Athletes The Magazine is the premier print and interactive digital magazine for Charlotte and the surrounding area. We feature highlights and in depth stories of high school athletes who have risen to higher levels within their playing abilities and inside the classroom. In addition, US Prep Athletes The Magazine covers local coaches, business and community leaders who have dedicated themselves to a worthy cause.
We publish full content, specialty issues and tournament guides through both print and digital platforms.
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How To Use Our Interactive Digital Magazine: Each US Prep Digital Magazine issue will feature a plethora of media content on select pages throughout the publication. When a user loads certain pages the publication comes alive with video content and interactive media. These efforts offer the reader with a unique and one of a kind experience.
Prep Vote: Periodically we will publish online polls for our readers to vote on such topics as; Which athlete should be featured on our cover, best overall athletes and favorite coach. These polls are designed to be interactive and we welcome your participation.
Commentary: Each of our issues feature commentary on particular topics in education, testing, scholarship attainment and nutrition and exercise by some of the area leading experts and opinion makers. We encourage you to read through this material as it’s been specifically curated to help develop and advance the knowledge of student athletes and their parents.
Advertisers: In addition to the athletes, coaches, and parents our advertisers are also heroes because they have invested in our brand so that we can bring you this content. Overall our advertisers are meticulously selected and targeted because they have some level of products and/or services that fit nicely with the prep market and in which you can take immediate advantage. We encourage you to view their offerings and patronize their business as you are afforded the opportunity.
How To Purchase Individual Print Copies: Visit www.usprepathletes.com or contact us at info@usprepathletes.com to purchase individual print copies and inquire about US Prep Athletes The Magazine subscriptions. FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 11
Camp Theme - “Take Control Of Your Recruiting Destiny”
Camp Date - October 22, 2017 By: Tony Pearl Publisher, US Prep Athletes - The Magazine tonypearl@usprepathletes.com
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n Sunday October 22, 2017 - 70 athletes participated in the 6th Annual US Prep Elite High School Exposure Basketball Camp. The camp was a talent filled event with quite a number of UnSigned Prep Athletes showcasing their basketball skills. About mid-way through the camp a select number of athletes started to emerge as standouts during the scrimmages and on their perspective teams. Camp coaches were directed to nominate the top three athletes from their teams for all-star selections along with one addition athlete as a reserve. “Ah man pairing this down to three athletes is going to be very tough,” mentioned Coach Bobby Isom of ICE Academy and Skill Development Training as he showed me his list of seven possible names. Many of the coaches expressed similar sentiments.
For the past two years we’ve been stating that Ricky Council IV, c/o 2020, was an emerging mid-high major caliber athlete and a force to be reckoned with on the court. On Sunday he validated our position by showcasing his plethora of offensive skill sets while rebounding, blocking shots and being a standout defensive stopper during the scrimmages. On Sunday he left no doubt with all of the coaches, spectators and his peers regarding his high level of basketball IQ and talent. Carlos Fletcher of Bunker Hill High School and the Denver Nuggets travel team program was a pleasant surprise from the camp.
(6’5 c/0 2019 Carlos Fletcher took home the Jeff McGill Inspiration Award)
C (US Prep Elite Camp MVP Ricky Council IV, 6'4-Northern Durham)
Throughout this issue we’ll highlight the allstar participants plus many additional standout athletes from the camp.
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arlos Fletcher is a big body athlete who cleans up the glass. Another thing that stands out about Carlos is his motor, he has a Dennis Rodman type motor and always seems to be around the basketball. He attacks the rim with power and muscles his way for put backs and rebounds. Carlos is indeed an athlete for college coaches to keep their eye on.
EXPOSURE CAMP
US PREP ELITE HIGH SCHOOL
EXPOSURE CAMP
US PREP ELITE HIGH SCHOOL
(6’7 c/o 2020 Josh Rubio, Comenius HS - CP3, Most Outstanding Player of The US Prep Elite High School Exposure Camp)
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Former Lincoln Memorial University Assistant Basketball Coach, Davis Fisher-Speaks To US Prep Elite Campers About Important Topics Towards Obtaining A College Scholarship
osh Rubio is a 6’7 offensive juggernaut out of Comenius High School and unlike the Utah Jazz’s assist laden Ricky Rubio, this Rubio - is typically on the receiving end of the pass while finishing in the lane or from beyond the arc. He runs the floor well and he’s exceptionally smooth and fluid for a young man with his size. As he matures into his game he will grow to love the defensive end of the floor just as much as the offensive end and he’ll also learn how to refine his shot selection that aligns with the flow of the game. Just a sophomore, Josh dazzled us with his offensive performance during the all-star game and college programs are also taking note, as interest level from select D1 programs are starting to pour in.
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Paxton Broadway
8th Grade
NC Hornets
Paxton began turning heads from the first tip of the camp. He showed tremendous athleticism getting to the cup and has a nice pull up jump shot. He was remarkable during the final game scoring a game high 21 points and taking home MVP of the US Prep Future Elite camp honors. Just like many stand-out athletes from our camps, we encourage them to use any accolades as a launching pad for future growth because they’ll soon realize that the competition will catch up to them very quickly. Scott won the best “Big Man” of the camp award and has all the goods to become a dominate high school player. He has a long frame that will continue to stretch. Bryce is an incredible leaper who can also handle the rock. Be sure to be on the lookout for him. Scott scored 12 points in the final game.
Crawford is a very special player that can shoot it from deep range. You get the sense this is a kid who has spent quite sometime in the gym. And when the defense presses up on his jumper he simply side steps and uses a quick release from another space on the floor. His court awareness and IQ is amazing for an athlete of his age. Once Crawford masters finishing in the lane its going to be a problem for area defenders. Crawford had a team high of 16 points for the white team. Carter has some nice size to him and in lieu of hiding in the post you get the feeling he is making a strong effort to develop his all around game by working the perimeter and his guard skills. He knocked down some nice 3’s during the camp scrimmages as well as in the final game by contributing a total of 7 points.
Jalen Burnett
8th Grade
Palmetto Cty
Burnett was one of the biggest surprises of the middle school camp. He came out his shell after each camp station leading up to the team scrimmages and once he was in the final game he proved to us that he is a star on the rise. The Canes’ got a real winner in Burnett. His defensive tenacity was so superb we created an extra award for him on the spot, Jalen got our nod for Defensive Player (Hustle) of the entire camp. We anticipate big things from Jalen in the future. 14 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
Bryce Cash
8th Grade
Char. Dragons
Cash won the “US Prep Courage Award” for the way he approaches the game, simply put he’s fearless. Also Cash is pure money on the floor, he can go to work on the court blue collar style by getting to the cup against the bigs or he can finesse by most guards out on the perimeter. On defense he creates problems for most guards in his age group. Cash contributed 14 points in the final game for the white team.
Shane is a well rounded guard and his skill level is off the charts. He controls the pace and flow of the offense and currently he is at his very best off the secondary break. Shane is very gifted offensively and defensively he’s a hawk and disrupts the will of other point guards. Next month Shane will be attending the prestigious CP3 middle school combine camp. Green brings an incredible amount of attention and focus to the game. On the court he locks in and he’s extremely fundamentally sound for an athlete of his age. Several times during the camp we had to double check his age/grade to ensure we recorded his info correctly b/c Green is that skilled. Be sure to remember his name as we’re positive - you’ll hear his name called more than once, this kid is a special talent on the court. Ellis like many athletes who attended the US Prep Future Elite Middle School Camp, is well ahead of his years in terms of basketball IQ and skill. Ellis won the US Prep Leadership Award for the way he instructed and talked to his blue squad teammates on the defensive end of the floor. Offensively he is a raw talent, contributing 12 points in the final game. We’re intrigued about how Ellis' growth in the game will evolve in the coming years and we’re looking forward to seeing how his skills develop.
Aeneas Parsley
8th Grade
Middle School
Parsley plays the game with pure grit and effort proving that if you got game, size doesn't matter. Parsley won the “Big Heart Award” because again despite his size he competed every possession usually coming out on the positive end. Parsley does a good job creating separation and getting to the cup. In the years to come we anticipate he will be running the PG position for a very lucky varsity team. FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 15
Bryce Cash 6’ft - c/o 2022 Bryce Cash is the son of Bruce and Josselyn Phifer-Cash. Bryce’s second cousin is Roman Phifer (South Meck, UCLA) and the 31st NFL draft pick of the St. Louis Rams (91). Roman went on to earn three Super bowl rings with the New England Patriots (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX.). Bryce's Uncle,Jay Phifer, played alongside Bryce Drew of the Valpraiso Crusaders and was inducted in the schools’ Hall Of Fame on February 28, 2009. Bryce’s grandfather,John L. Cash Sr., played with the Denver Broncos (61,62) and Bryce’s father, Bruce Cash, was a standout on the hardwood. Bruce averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds per game for PGCC, which earned him a college scholarship at Phillips University. At Phillips, Bruce was coached by the late Denny Price, father of Mark Price – former UNCC head coach and NBA great. Bruce, at 6’5 was strong and dominate inside the paint and on the wing. He shared the court with John Turner who later became a first round draft pick of the Houston Rockets. Bryce’s sister, Kennedy Cash, is a high school junior and three year basketball player for the Ardrey Kell Knight's varsity team.
Shane Blakeney Standing at 5'10, c/o 2022,Shane Blakeney is the son of Thomas and Libra Kirkland-Jackson in which his basketball legacy stems from the heralded Kirkland name. Shane Blakeney family basketball legacy:
Grandfather (maternal) - Charles “Buff” Kirkland, 6’4 Basketball Forward Charles Kirkland is in the Cheyney University Hall of Fame. He is the all-time leading scorer at Cheyney University with over 1200 rebounds and he was a 1972 NBA draft pick of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Grand-Uncle (maternal) - Wilbur Kirkland, 6’7 Basketball Forward Wilbur Kirkland is a 2x All-American who also played collegiately at Cheyney University and is a member of the schools Hall Of Fame. He was drafted in the second round by the Philadephia 76'ers and he's the first American signed to play professionally in Greece.
Grand-Uncle (maternal) - John Kirkland, 6’4 Basketball Forward Benedict College 1964-68* Shane currently plays JV within the York Prep program. 16 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
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Blake Wilson Hunter Huss
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nsigned 6'6 senior Blake Wilson - is the leader for his Hunter Huss team and as the old saying goes - "where the leader goes the team goes." Blake will need to have some of the best games of his high school career in order for his Huss team to make a deep run in the 3A state playoffs. We've seen Blake simply take over a game with 30+ points and close to double digit in rebounds while still managing to keep his team involved. After watching him develop over the years, if there's any player you'd want for this task, you'd want a player like Blake Wilson in the foxhole with you.
Jalen Gibson Butler High School
Royce Jarrett Ardrey Kell
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oyce Jarrett, this 6'3 junior -- is clearly the most explosive player in the open court for his Ardrey Kell Knight's team. Although his natural fit is on the wing and the three position - he plays his role in the post to help fill in where his team is lacking bigs. A swiss army knife type player and defensive specialist, in our estimate Royce will need to play a bigger role in his teams offensive production in order for the Knights to make some noise during post season play.
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nsigned 6'5 senior - Jalen Gibson - is playing the best basketball of his high school career and we're currently seeing the young man playing like the elite player we saw at our 2015 and 2016 US Prep Elite camps. His AAU coach also concludes that Gibson is ready for college ball and we agree. Jalen's outstanding play is coming at the most opportune time for the Butler Bulldogs. Their starters and the rotation is very talented and they share the rock with the open man. No pressure implied but if Jalen can continue his offensive output within the flow of the offense and nullify their opponents bigs, without getting into foul trouble - combined with this teams overall chemistry - you can simply expect the Bulldogs to make a deep run again in this years state playoffs.
Shaman Alston Nationsford High
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ook now, because the 6'4 junior - Shaman Alston has his Nationsford Falcons within one game of reaching the final four of the SC 5A State championship games. Shaman has been one of the main contributors for his team throughout the year and inside the playoffs. If he and his squad can continue their win streak for the next three games, they'll be lifting up the trophy of the SC 5A State Championship. Shaman will be a major factor in their efforts.
Trey Barnhardt Mount Pleasant
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rey's senior leadership for the Mt. Pleasant Tigers has led them into the NC State 2A Public High School playoffs. The major pieces of their team has been together for quite a number of years and they've been battled tested along the way. This year they defeated Central Cabarrus High School, something they haven't accomplished in over a decade and if the unexpected is going to happen for the Tigers this post season, you can expect the 6'5 - Trey Barnhardt - to be standing right there in the middle of it all.
Marcus Evans Rocky River
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vans will be called upon to play a bigger role within the scheme of the Rocky River's Ravens post season plans. The 6'0 senior was clearly an elite level talent at this past fall US Prep Elite Exposure camp and with his speed and athleticism he can get pass just about anyone. Defensively he's a hawk however at certain times through the season we've seen him just a bit hesitant on exactly what to do with - and - how to use all that God given basketball ability he's been blessed with. It's obvious his upside is tremendous. This post season Marcus will need to harness all of his gifts and play some of the best ball of his high school career. And with the Ravens high talent level across the board, he just could be the "X" factor to their state championship plans.
John Bean East Lincoln
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ohn is a major piece to the East Lincoln post season goals to getting back to the states where he saw time on the court as a freshman. John checks in at 6'2 and can shoot it well from beyond the arc and his mid-range game is fantastic. He can also penetrate the defense and throw it down inside the flow of the offense. With all of those tools at his arsenal he plays the big time games with hyper energy and with a lot of passion. That energy is great for any team in the postseason however if those emotions aren't internally managed through the rough spots, a players head can get out of the game. We're expecting John to remain poised through the good and any challenges and help lead his East Lincoln Pirates to a deep run in this years states.
Jalen Harris Olympic High
Jaterric Clark Pinewood Prep
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enior Captain 6'2 Jaterric Clark- has his Pinewood Prep Panthers right in the mix of things in the SCISA 3A state playoffs. Averaging double digits in points this season he brings a certain level of toughness to the Panthers. Toughness, preparation and execution must be on full display as they'll have to get past stellar teams like Cardinal Newman and potentially Porter Guad to win the Chip' this season.
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Arlo Washingston Vance High
his super talented 6'4 unsigned senior - Jalen Harris - has helped lead his Olympic Trojans team to two consecutive undefeated regular season conference finishes. But in the post season they've come up just a bit shy of piercing through that first round veil. In order to make a deep run in this years states, Jalen, along with his comrades will have to bring all the pieces together and play as a mistake free unit. We all know they can accomplish anything they want, when they put their minds to it.
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enior Arlo Washington has proven at times that he can be one of the elite players on any given court and he demonstrated this notion by erupting for over 20pts in the first round of this years conference tournament. He is clearly the "wild card" for this Vance team chances of surprising the "on-lookers and naysayers" and advancing throughout each round. When Arlo is super focused, on any given day he is as good as any elite player that's attended our camps.
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RICKY COUNCIL IV SCHOOL: NORTHERN DURHAM HEIGHT: 6'4
TRAVEL: TEAM FELTON
Council, c/o 2020 proved he was the overall top prospect in attendance at the US Prep Elite Camp, winning overall MVP of the camp. This kid came in with a reputation as a high flyer but he showed much more. Throughout drills Council looked focused and very polished. When game play started Council came out with big confidence. Members of the staff were already aware of Council’s raw ability, but he showed off a much improved jumper from deep. Council ran the one at times and showed capability of leading an offense, he dished several draw-dropping dimes that proved Council is seeing the floor a lot better than last year. We are predicting a major sophomore campaign for Council IV. When the season ends he will be considered one of the top combo guards in the Triangle.
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6'3 - Austin Hadden c/o 2018 Hickory Grove Christian A US Prep Elite All Star selection, Hadden is an explosive combo guard who plays above the rim. We weren’t necessarily counting the number of dunks of the athletes during the camp but if we were Austin clearly led the way. He is a volume scorer who can get buckets in a flash. Just like a lot of standout campers over the years, Austin knows how to create offense from his defensive efforts. Another thing he’s clearly a winner having led Hickory Grove to its first winning season in almost a decade and he was one of the main contributors on the Charlotte Nets 17U (AAU State Champions) during the travel season. In our estimation his style of play and athleticism right now is well suited for the Southern Conference (D1) and/or Peachbelt (D2) level of competition.
6'0 - Marcus Evans c/o 2018 Rocky River High Marcus Evans is another one of my sleepers from the camp. Evans is truly a gifted passer and offensively he can adjust to multiple schemes. Evans will run the pick N roll, or push the pace and put the D on it’s heels. Evans can get a bucket if needed, he can put the ball on the floor or take his man off the dribble depending on the scenario. Whatever program takes a chance on Evans will be rewarded big time, he is going to make some coach look very smart for pulling the trigger.
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6'0 - John Michael Wright c/o 2019 Northwood Temple A US Prep Elite All Star selection, John Michael Wright was one of the most explosive players at the US Prep Elite Camp. He had several thunderous dunks during the All-Star game that brought the house down and his pull up jumper proved to us he isn’t a one dimensional basketball player. A transfer into the Northwood Temple program, Wright’s gifted athletic abilities should mesh well in Northwood's up tempo style of play and the in-practice sparring sessions with some of the elite players in the state should exhaust every ounce of talent in his game. As a result, Wright - who currently holds multiple D1 offers, will continue to see his game evolve and colleges recruit for his academic and athletic talents. Our advise to programs who can see success in their future, put him on your radar immediately.
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6'5 - Carlos Flether c/o 2019 Bunker Hill A US Prep Elite AllStar selection, Fletcher is an absolute beast physically and he uses that size to impose his will on the hardwood. Not many have had the opportunity to see Fletcher out in Bunker Hill, but Fletcher is a gamer for sure. Fletcher dominated the boards on both ends; he does well utilizing his wide frame and raw athletic ability to compete for every rebound. Fletcher has a nice touch around the basket, defensively Fletcher is extremely active jumping passing lanes as well as blocking shots. Currently a two sport star, Fletcher also suits up on the gridiron and is a high school football recruit at defensive end. Fletcher was awarded the Jeff McGill Inspiration Award by camp staff.
6'1 - DeMar Anderson c/o 2020 North Meck High
6'6 - Josh Rubio c/o 2020 Comenius High School
A US Prep Elite All Star selection, Anderson has a mature game for his age and as you observe Anderson’s skills you constantly come to the same conclusion, this kid IS A BALLER. He picks his spots well and knows exactly what he wants to do when the ball is in his hands and because he has some nice size to him he can over power most guards on his way to the cup. College programs who make it their business to scout and recruit talent at the grassroots level should make a note of this young man and track his progress. In the All-Star game Anderson contributed 9 points, 4 boards and a couple of steals and what we liked most he was not bothered by the level of competition. Anderson goes about his business and consistently proves he is a force to be reckoned with.
A US Prep Elite All Star selection, Josh Rubio was the most versatile player on display and it earned him the “Most Outstanding Player Award” and tons of bragging rights. Running with Team CP3 Rubio mostly saw action down low in the post and he regularly dominated competition with a polished back -tothe basket game. Fast forward a few months later and Rubio has added tremendous depth to his game; Rubio spent a lot of time on the perimeter, he flashed a much improved handle and stroked a few three's from beyond the arc. Heading into a potential breakout sophomore year it seems Rubio can be as good as he wants to be.
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Elite HS Exposure Camp Fall 2017-Top Freshman
Christian Rudisell 5’9 - c/o 2021 Butler, Team Charlotte
Cameron Ray 5’7 - c/ 2021 Country Day, Team Loaded
BREAKING DOWN AJ:
BREAKING DOWN CHRISTIAN:
BREAKING DOWN CAMERON:
A camp AllStar selection, what we like most about AJ is his poise and demeanor on the court. At 6’3 its quite apparent AJ is use to having his way on the court and that was evident by the way he attacked the basket during the All-Star game, regardless of who was checking him. He seems to be most comfortable getting to the cup and we think in order for him to have more success during his varsity campaign he’ll need to work on his mid-range jump shot because he’ll soon notice that the defense will collapse on him much quicker at the varsity level.
A camp Allstar selection, Christian came to the camp with a high reputation of being one the most promising up and coming guards in the Charlotte area, and he didn’t disappoint. The main thing we noticed he is an absolute hawk on the defensive end. Offensively he knows how to mix it up with the best of them in traffic - inside the paint.
A camp Allstar selection, Cameron is in our estimate one of the fastest point guards in the 2021 class. The thing you’ll also notice about Cam is his ability to create separation to blow by defenders. To note Cam was one of the better jump shooters during the Allstar game, going two for two from behind the arc and contributing 9pts in the process. Defensively he does a really good job getting into the passing lane for steals. You can count on Cam getting 2 to 4 steals per game.
AJ Smith 6’3 - c/0 2021 Hickory Grove, NC Elite
500 makes a week. AJ has that certain baller swagger to his presence on the court that speaks the language of “Before I leave the court you’re going to know I was here.” We say, ball on player!
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We’d ask Christian to notice his ratio of shots taking during the game, opportunities created from his defensive efforts and those off the break and within the offense. This will help him not to put to much weight and emotion into a missed shot or two. He’ll soon notice there’s no need to worry, opportunities will constantly come back to him because he can create it. Christian is with all the right people in his basketball development. Expect big things ahead.
With the ball in the PG’s hands most of the game, a turnover or two is bound to occur...its not in the turnover but at what point in the game should a t/o occur. Our recommendation to Cam and all PG’s is at the necessary time always go for the sure thing. And speaking of a sure thing here’s one, with each possession Cam is getting better and better.
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Elite HS Exposure Camp Fall 2017-Top Freshman
DJ Cuttino 5’10 - c/o 2021 Cox Mill, NC Elite
Stephon Richards 5’11 - c/o 2021 East Meck, Team Charlotte
Chris Hunter 5’9 - c/o 2021 Cox Mill, Team Loaded
BREAKING DOWN DJ:
BREAKING DOWN STEPHON:
BREAKING DOWN CHRIS:
“A camp Allstar selection, Cuttino looks to be a very promising young prospect and he will benefit greatly from playing with a star studded backcourt. When examining Cuttino’s approach and poise to the game it’s hard to fathom that he’s a frosh. Cuttino was aggressive attacking the cup and he was money from mid range, this kid has a zip tight handle and a nice first step on the ball. As one of the younger campers Cuttino didn’t back down from older competition, he seemed to embrace contact at the rim.” Brandon Blakney: National Scout
A camp Allstar nominee, Stephon has not only grown approx 4 inches since last year but appears with each inch gained so has his game and confidence. He’s developing a strong point guard posture. A point guard posture is when you put 5 guys together for the first time and everyone just seems to know who should handle the rock. That was Stephon during the camp. He has been working out with the varsity team therefore we can expect to see him positioned there for some parts of the year.
A camp Allstar nominee, and just like his last name, C. Hunter has an absolute nose for getting to the basket. He popped out on film big time because everything he did was either exploding to the cup or creating separation to get up his jump shot. And here’s the thing, his efforts wasn’t sloppy or overly forced.
Refining pass selection to the post and becoming a vocal leader even amongst more seasoned teammates will help Cuttino hone in on his leadership skills. Lastly you get the sense Cuttino eats and sleep this bball thing and at the end of the day that mindset is going to take him far.
Stephon has a pretty good jump shot from beyond the arc however it has a tiny bit of a set shot flavor to it. Working on a quicker release will pay huge dividends down the road. The experience at the varsity level this early on will help Steph in becoming one of the premier point guards in the area when it’s all said and done.
And just like many talent guards at penetrating the defense, they tend to use the dribble in order to set up their offense. This can sometimes alienate teammates and stagnate ball movement. We’d ask Chris to work on getting straight into his moves from the pass, east and west efforts shifts the defense -successful north / south efforts breaks the defense down. We anticipate Chris will be breaking down many more defenses in the years to come.
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US PREP NEXTUS COMPOSITE RANKINGS CLASS OF 2020
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NEXTUS COMPOSITE CAMP RANKINGS RANKINGS 2021 2020
Rank Name 21 22 23 24
Alex Jones Charles Jones Marcus Crumpler Elijah Weaver
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Height 5'7 5'7 5'7 6’2
H/S
Berry Academy Berry Academy Hopewell Berry Academy
Travel Team
Charlotte Nets Charlotte Nets -
PREPS 2 PROS
WITH YOUR HOST
STEVE CRAWFORD
RYAN YOUNG
REAL RAP WITH RYAN
TONY PEARL
THE PEARL REPORT FEATURING US PREP ATHLETES
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US PREP NEXTUS COMPOSITE RANKINGS
2019
36 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
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38 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
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6'7 TrelMcLean South Meck
40 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
Marcus Henderson Trel McLean
Marcus Henderson Trel McLean
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 41
Rank Name 1 2 3 4 5
Rank Name 6 1 72 3 8 4 9 5 10 11
Trey Barnhardt Blake Wilson Austin Trey Barnhardt James Jalen Harris Marcus Evans Jalen Gibson Caleb Schmidt CoreyGibson Jalen Goddard Gabriel Gates
Blake Wilson Marcus Neal Cam Hamilton Austin Hadden Paul Rushing Jalen Harris Jr. Malique Josh Barnette Nelson JaHariCouncil Ricky Guthrie III
Height H/S 6’5 6’6 6’5 6'2 6’3 6’0 6’5 6’1 6’2 6’5 6’4
Mt. Pleasant Hunter Huss Canisius Mt. Pleasant High Olympic Rocky River ButlerTHigh Fred Foard SunValley Butler High High Newton High
Rank Name 12 1 2 13 3 14 4 15 5 16
Rank Name Rank Name 17 1 2 18 3 19 4 20 5
Arlo RickyWashington Council IV Elijah Josh Banks Sidbury Ethan Young Devon Busby Travon Jackson Kinnon Tatum Jay Hickman
42 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
Maliek Wilcox RaQuan Brown John Bean JaQuail Brown BrandonClark Jaterric Franklin Zane Jalen Haglan Bynum Shaman Eli Cupples Alston
Height H/S Height H/S 6’2 6’2 6’4 5'9 6’5 5'10 5'8 6’3 5’10
Height 5’11 6'6 5’11 6'3 6'4 5’9 6'2 6’4 6'0 6’2
H/S
Hunter Huss Vance Vance Grove Hickory Monroe HS Olympic Bessemer Prep PineLake City Bessemer Durham Northern City
Travel Team Team Nets Char. Loaded Char. NetsNets Charlotte Carolina Fire PSB N/A PSB EA Flight Prep 22
Travel Team Team Loaded N/A - PSB Select Team United -Carolina Stars CBC EliteNets Charlotte -
Height H/S 5'11 6’3 6’2 6’6 6'2 6’1 5'7 6’4 6'1
Travel Team
LibertyRiver Rocky Heights Team - Charlotte East Lincoln Gastonia Ashbrook Carolina Heat Northwood Pinewood Prep Temple Palmetto Elite SouthMill Cox Iredell Mooresville PSB Magic Concord Indian Land 1st Assembly Upward State
Travel Team
Vance Northern High Durham Charlotte Select Olympic Rocky River High Charlotte Nets Northwood Lewisville High Temple Northwood Myers Park Temple High Northwood Temple
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 43
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44 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes