Middle School prospects from Middle and East Tennessee got valuable skill training and exposure at the #CoachHemi Middle School Showcase in February. Photo cred – Larry Rhinehart
Cleveland, Tennessee – It is imperative for players to find opportunities to train and get better in the off-season. Finding weekends where players can travel and get out of their comfort zone can pay dividends in the future. The last weekend in February gave middle school players a chance to compete and gain valuable exposure before the travel basketball season kicks off in March. Here is a look back at the standout players from the Showcase.
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Jack Eldridge (Crossville, Tennessee), South Cumberland – 2021
Eldridge is an exciting wing given his size, skill and athleticism. He showed a quick, consistent pull-up jumper that he can hit in traffic or off of step-back jumper. He is a finesse player, but he has a motor that runs consistently. His energy and willingness to give effort on both ends makes him a must-track player in Middle Tennessee.
Teammates Kaleb McCoy (107) & Jack Eldridge (119) have been playing well off each other today. @jackedridge21 @leslieaeldridge pic.twitter.com/CSDbrEVCpd
— Jonathan Hemingway (@CoachHemi) February 26, 2017
Gray Gustafson (Lebanon, Tennessee), Davidson Academy – 2021
Gustafson is an intriguing prospect given his size and skill. He has the length like most forwards at the camp, but he made moves attacking the bucket like the smaller guards. He used ball screens effectively to shake his defender and then was able to use creativity to score with angles at the basket. He has quick, springy legs that allow him to get off the floor quickly and defend his position. We will keep a special eye on his development in upcoming years.
Neyland Jean (Fayetteville, Tennessee), Flintville MS – 2021
The name of the camp went to Neyland Jean. There is not a better name for a kid from the Volunteer State. But instead of showing his skills on the gridiron, Jean showed his blend of power and skill on the hardwood. He is a freight train of strength and agility when he gets the ball going towards the basket. He plays the game with great confidence and is not afraid to be vocal when needed. Add in the fact that he can hit the trail 3 from the top of the key and Jean has all the ingredients to be a contributor at the high school level in years to come.
Neyland Jean showed his ability to score in a variety of ways, giving the defense problems all day. @StephenPeckPSB @CoachHemi pic.twitter.com/hHPEwrnRRw
— Jonathan Hemingway (@JLHemingwayPSB) February 26, 2017
Reed Kemp (Franklin, Tennessee) Grassland MS – 2021
Kemp’s first step was one of the quickest in the building on Sunday afternoon. He finished with finesse and confidence when he got the bucket. He is a creative slasher who can shake defenders who try to stay in front on him. He showed the ability to finish versus contact, which pairs well with slashing ability.
Mason Rothwell (Cleveland, Tennessee), Lake Forest MS – 2021
Rothwell impressed with his versatility. He runs the court like a wing or a guard, but he finishes at the basket like a confident post player. His jumper showed flashes of being consistent out towards the arc as well. His feel and IQ for the game will help him reach new heights in the future.
Mason Rothwell has been impressive all day in his natural flow of the game. Hasn’t forced a shot here yet. @nikki_rothwell pic.twitter.com/tVkjjgXm1G
— Jonathan Hemingway (@CoachHemi) February 26, 2017
Braden Zapp (Franklin, Tennessee), CPA – 2021
Zapp had one of the best basketball minds at the camp, which paired with an electric skill set. His quick handling ability allowed him to create space to either finish at the basket or dish to open teammates. His agility and great vision with the ball in his hands makes him a point guard that is sure to make plays in the future for coach Drew Maddux at CPA.
Highlights from the 2017 Coach Hemi Middle School Showcase courtesy of Larry Rhinehart and Jordan Davis
Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. Hemingway serves on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. also He is also the publisher of CoachHemi.com. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at JonathanHemingway@PeachStateBasketball.com and follow him on twitter @JLHemingwayPSB
