Tip-Off Middle School Recap: Pt. 1
Cumming, GA – Over the weekend, NGS Hoops kicked off it’s travel ball season with the Who Got Next Tip-Off March 4-6, 2022. Let’s take a look at some of the players that I personally got a chance to observe in the middle school division.
Cameron Blackman – 5’3” PG – (GSW 2028, GA)
Make no mistake about it, Cameron is another guard on this GSW team that can flat out play. He’s got a smooth game and deep range on his jump shot. He plays bigger than his size and gets to his spots consistently. Over the years, you can assume that you’ll see big scoring numbers next to his name quite often. Some kids just have a knack for putting the ball in the basket. Cameron Blackman is one of those kids.
Jackson McCutcheon – 5’7” PG – (Shockers 2026, TN)
Personally, it was fun watching Jackson constantly frustrate opponents with his production. While he doesn’t pass the “eye test” with his slender frame, crowds tend to start liking him immediately after he buries a few long range jumpers or throws a dime through a defense. You have to assume that a growth spurt is coming. When it does, defenses are going to have a hard time stopping him from having huge impacts on games.
Franklin Whitney – 6’5” F – (Carolina Celtics 2026, SC)
Everyone loves a throwback post player. Franklin is the prototype. He runs the floor, eats up space, rebounds the ball, and finishes well inside. His willingness to rebound the ball and get deflections created a ton of 2nd chance opportunities for his team. While he may be a work in progress offensively, he’s got a lot of good offensive mechanics to work with. Keep an eye out for this one and his growth.
Jahmar Maurice – 5’7” G – (GSW 2028, GA)
There isn’t much left to say that hasn’t already been said. It’s really hard to not fall in love with the way Jahmar plays the game. It’s hard to avoid using words like “elite” or “special” when you watch him play, but those are the easiest and most appropriate words to describe his play. He’s got a rare blend of size, power, agility, and guard skills that makes him unguardable at the 6th grade level. In addition, to his offensive prowess, he’s got an enormous wingspan to go along with quick feet. This allows him to hound and frustrate even some of the best point guards you’ll see at this stage. This kid is big time and you can see it early.
Kamden Jones – 5’3” PG – (Carolina Celtics 2028, SC)
Facing this kid long term isn’t going to be fun for opposing teams. Kamden can dominate a game with or without scoring the ball. Once he gets going from outside, his quickness, shiftiness and court vision make it really hard for teams to slow him down, even with multiple defenders attached to him. If he hits a major growth spurt in the next few years, he’s bound to blow up. He’s got everything you want from a point guard and he’s going to dominate for a long time regardless of his growth.
Nathan Earl – 6’0” PG (TSF Mack 2026, GA)
On a team with several good prospects, Nate was able to stand out in a big way. It’s not too often that you come across middle school guards that have great footwork offensively. His ability to get into the paint was impressive and he has an uncommon ability to create space for himself after picking up his dribble. He made shots from all over the floor, handled the ball well under pressure, and was a leader for his team.
Jaydon Avery – 6’1” G – (Bo Bell 2026, GA)
It was obvious from the tip that Avery is a good one. This kid was able to get to the basket and drop in a beautiful floater over a shot blocker. As the game went on, he made shot after shot and continuously got all the way to the rim. His ability to pull up on a dime from mid-range makes him a tough cover. Defensively, his length allows him to guard multiple positions and rebound outside of his position.