Cumming, GA – This past weekend, Tip-Off Classic & NGSHoops.com collaborated to host the Tip-Off Classic Jr. Outstanding talent was on display. Continue reading to hear about some of the prospects that I was able to view during my time at the event.
Joshua Sanders has made a name for himself nationally. He’s 6’8”, skilled and plays with a great motor. Excels as a rim protector, he is beginning to space the floor with his jumper & dunks it with ease through contact. Will be a highly coveted D1 prospect soon.
Quantay James was a man amongst boys in his first matchup. Has good size & is a matchup problem as a face-up wing or as a big guard. NC product is a player that could potentially create a big name for himself in the 2029 class this weekend.
Anthony Moreno (2029) is a savvy point guard that makes magic happen as a primary creator. He can score the ball at a high level while remaining a pass first point guad. Top tier floor general.
Makari Townsend (2029) has a chance to develop into a lethal two-way threat. He’s a savvy young wing that spent plenty of time as the primary ball-handler this weekend. While he’s definitely raw, he’s still a productive player that can only get better. Long term potential is through the roof.
Brandon “BJ” LaFell (2029) is an elite shot creator. Once he gets downhill, he’s incredibly difficult to contain. He’s very fast in the open court and can stop on a dime to pull-up for long-range jumpers. Multi-sport athlete will have a chance to be an excellent basketball player.
Zaiden Nelson (2029) is a steady presence at either guard position. Makes the most out of every possession and can score the ball at a high level. Also a good facilitator. One of the best players in his area and his game is constantly expanding.
Duke Howell (2029) is a silky-smooth scorer that doesn’t miss a beat when playing up. He’s got deep-range on his shot and has a wiry handle on the basketball. Duke is at his best shooting jumpers off the dribble, but can get into the painted area as well. Multi-sport star.
Dorian Douglas (2029) has been one of the best floor generals in his class for a while. He’s a lightning fast lefty that gets to any spot on the floor whenever he wants. Next level athlete that has a relentless motor on both sides of the ball. Rising star out of Dacula.
Percy “PJ” Wilson (2029) was a man amongst boys all weekend. He’ll undoubtedly be one of the most sought after football recruits in the nation one day, but he’s a powerful and skilled basketball player that has a well rounded game. Double-double machine that can space the floor.
Jacori Thompson (2029) is a kid that everyone should have on their watch list. He stands around 6’6″, has a good looking shot, can create off the bounce and can defend at a high level when locked in. Stay locked on his development. He’s already a good player, but he has a chance to be great.
Braylen Alexander (2029) can shoot the ball at a high level. He’s got a quick release and a consistent routine leading up to his shot. He can also put the ball on the floor and create his own offense. Braylen is a difficult matchup at this stage with his activity and touch.
Ezra Caswell (2029) put on an absolutely dominant performance in every matchup I viewed. He’s too fast and too strong for the majority of his competition at this stage. He can see the floor, but his bread and butter is as a scoring point guard. Elite speed and quickness.
Kaleb Taylor is as versatile as they come. 6’6” rising 8th grader (2029) out of Tennessee was a big part of the team success today. He’s active around the basket, can create off the bounce and can defend multiple positions.
David Whitaker (2029) continues to impress with his skill level, feel for the game and freakish athleticism. He’s a truly ambidextrous player that creates well with either hand. He uses his athleticism & positioning well to his advantage on both ends. High level prospect.
Jaray Tyler (2029) is an excellent creator at the guard spot. He’s lightning quick, crafty & has a deadly shot from downtown. He attacks angles & can make things happen in pick & roll situations. Tennessee native has a mature game for a young player.
Jacob Caldera showed out in his first matchup. Young point guard out of Florida (2029) has a tight handle on the ball & a confident court presence. Very poised & isn’t afraid of the moment.
Christian Armstrong (2029) is as pure an athlete you’ll find in his division. His defensive prowess alone made him a standout. As a weak-side rim protector, he pinned several shots to the square and he runs the floor well. Good finisher in the painted area.
Kingston Clahar (2029) has quickly established himself as a top tier guard in the GA 2029 class. Equally difficult to guard no matter which side he’s attacking from and he can shoot the ball. He’s strong, has a good IQ for the game and his confidence is growing.
Boston Sheppard (2029) is a cold young point guard that can get creative off the bounce. He weaved his way in and out of traffic and made plays at a high level. Very consistent scorer, long-range shooter and a good passer.
Adam Hindman is an eye catcher. 6’4” rising 8th grader (2029) has a powerful frame but also displays a smooth game. Very quick lefty that finishes strong, can play above the rim & is a threat with his jumper. A prospect to track.
Phillip Claybrooks (2029) in my opinion solidified himself as one of the best GA guards in his class. He’s a skilled creator that can create a shot against all types of defenders. He constantly gets into the paint and can shake players off of him for open looks. Very skilled guard.
Jaden Johnson is a man amongst boys in the 2029 division. He moves well, imposes his will around the basket and can create in open space. Has been a dominant player early on for his team. One to watch closely on championship Sunday.
TJ Pigott (2029) is a certified scorer with some shiftiness to his game. He blows by most defenders with his speed and has the handle to shake defenders out of his space. Has a great deal of long term potential.
Caden Lowe (2029) is a a new name for me. Love his motor on both ends of the floor and he has good size for his position. He’s very fast in the open court and can defend the ball well. Good prospect out of South Georgia.
