Kelvin Powell, Contributor
League
could be the wave of the future as coaches; parents look for more competitive
venues to further enhance development.
(North
Augusta, SC) – While it may not be commonplace to discuss the futures of 12
year olds in the workplace, it’s not against the norm to discuss their presence
on the hardwood-henceforth I will. The NYBL – National Youth Basketball League
– featuring some of the best sixth grade teams (and players) in the country will
serve as the platform. The League, which
features 24 teams from 15 states, has created excitement and buzz in another 15
states and Canada welcomed its Session II to North Augusta, SC. Here I’ll take a look at the present and in
some ways- the future. In forecasting
the future we hope all those mentioned below will continue to work, sacrifice,
and most importantly have fun at a game they all seem to love at 12 years old.
Let’s ALL make sure they love it for years to come.
Scottie Lewis / 6’0” / Small
Forward / Garden City All-Stars –
Scottie was one of the most impressive individual players during Session
II. He combines excellent size and
athleticism to an emerging inside/outside game. I project him long-term as a
small forward or shooting guard. His length and quickness makes him a superior
defender against multiple positions. He
shows good timing to both block and contest shots. Offensively, he elevates
quicker than just about all players in his age-group (at least in the NYBL),
and scores at the rim. His jump shot has
a high release and he can score from 15-17 feet with a nice pull-up jumper.
Scottie is most effective in transition, where his speed is exception and his
first step explosive. Potentially among
the best you will find.
Jeremiah Francis / 5’11” / Point
Guard / All-Ohio Red
– All-Ohio Red is one of the best collection of talent I’ve seen on any level.
The Red (as I will referred to them as, because they are soooo hot), are led by
the play of Francis. Although I have him
listed as a point guard, Jeremiah can play all 3 (PG, SG, SF) perimeter
positions with relative ease. I like him as a point guard long-term because of
his vision and passing skills. You add in his size 5’11” with broadening
shoulders and you can see why many view Francis among the nation’s best.
Jeremiah can also score the basketball from beyond the 3-point arc. He plays
hard and is not afraid to hit the floor after loose balls; a player who makes
everyone around him better.
Chris Hinton / 6’2” / Power
Forward / Southern Stampede – Possessing
the size of a player who can possibly contribute at a level two-three years his
superior, Hinton is polished with his skill set as well. A relentless rebounder, Chris displays a work
ethic rarely seen as such a young age. I
love his ability to finish around the basket with both hands. During my
observations, he executed several nice jump hooks in the lane with both hands.
His footwork is good and his mobility for his size is exceptional. This young phenom is going to be a force over
time.
Anthony Hoggard / 5’6” / Point
Guard / Team Izod/ Sports U – I
like to refer to those compact, big body, physical play-making point guards as
“Bagley” types after former NBA journeyman John Bagley who starred at Boston
College. Hoggard is a “Bagley” type and
a very good one too. Because of his
physical nature, he can complete plays against contact. Whether it’s making a basket
on a drive or holding defenders off while making a slick pass to a teammate, he
gets it done. A disruptive defender with
his quick hands and aggressive mind-set, AJ caused several opposing coaches to
make adjustment to their primary ball-handler depending on who Hoggard was
guarding. Because chances are if he’s guarding the ball, there going to be a
steal occurring or at least of unease that causes most offenses to
frizzle. A strong ball handler with good
leadership skills.
Nico Mannion / 5’4” / Combination
Guard / Arizona Monsoon – Nico
is a ultra competitive guard who actually hails from Utah, but has made the
move to the Arizona based Monsoon for the increased competition level the
Monsoon face, as well as, to unite with the arsenal that is the Monsoon. He is
capable of playing either of the guard spots with an array of position specific
skills and understanding. As an off-guard, Nico is a lights-out shooter,
possessing a quick release and deep range.
He has the floater in his game when defenders look to close out on his
jumper and he has deceptive quickness that leaves would-be defenders in the
dust. Mannion can slide to the point
guard position as well; there he shows the knack for involving his teammates and
making the right basketball play every time down. His composure and savvy play
will make him a much-sought after prospect in time, not to mention he is the
son of two former high level athletes who stand 6’ 2”(mom) and 6’7” (father).
He’s a long –term hit!
Kelvin Powell is a national scout who has worked
with such media outlets as ESPN and SLAM Magazine. Powell serves as director of
scouting and player personnel for Elev8/Ganon Baker Basketball-one of the top
basketball training academies in the country. He serves a Camp Director of the
JRNSA Camp – a national level middle school basketball skills camp, whose attendants
include E.J. Montgomery – the nation’s number one 2018 prospect. Powell is a
member of the McDonald’s All-American Selection Committee and the Advisory
Board of the NYBL He can be reached at kp@ganonbakerbasketball.com - also follow him on twitter @kppros
Complete Standout List
Complete Standout List
