X-Man: Apocalypse

Player of the Week

Xavier Simpson 6’0 – Lima Senior 2016 (Michigan)

Simpson scored 59 points (8 threes), nine rebounds, eight assists, and five steals while sitting out the last five minutes of the game to beat Fremont Moss, who scored 57 points as a team. He went on later that week to score 30 to defeat Dayton Dunbar. Simpson only played two games in the week, but led Senior to a 2-0 record for the in an impressive fashion.

Hot

 Deandre Ayton 7’0 – Hillcrest Academy 2017

Ayton scored 28 points on 11 shots to beat Reno International. He also contributed 14 rebounds and two blocks. Additionally he finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds in the win over API at the Tarkanian Classic. Some had concerns with his knee injury and play this summer, but Ayton has played exceptionally well so far this season and has put himself back into most guru’s projection of the top player for the 2017 class.

De'Ron Davis 6’9 – Overland 2016 (Indiana)

Davis led Overland to a 4-0 record over the week, all in the Tarkanian Classic to win the Championship. He started off the contributing with 10 points to beat Long Beach Poly. In the win over Bingham, Davis finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while bringing the defensive presence with six blocks and four steals. Closing out the Classic, Davis posted 20 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks in the Championship game over Bishop Gorman with a 58-56 victory.

Gary Trent Jr. 6’5 – Apple Valley 2017

Trent led Apple Valley to two victories over the week. The first coming against Farmington, where he scored 34 points in the 78-61 win. The next game with 27 points, six rebounds, and four assists to beat Eastview. Apple Valley’s only loss of the season came in the prior week, but they bounced back quickly and look to continue their success they have had all season.

Jordan McCabe 5’ 10 – Kaukauna 2018

McCabe finished with 41 points (7 threes), seven rebounds, and six assists to lead Kaukauna to beat Oshkosh West. Only a sophomore, he is currently one of the best ball handlers and passers in the nation. His flashy but fundamental style has earned him offers from Missouri, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Wisconsin-Milwaukee, DePaul, and West Virginia. Jordan McCabe is a name to keep up with for the 2018 class. 

Cold

Prolific Prep

With the absence of Josh Jackson (Arizona visit), Prolific Prep struggled in the loss to Arlington (TN). Pierre Crockrell was having an off shooting night and picked up early fouls in the first half and didn’t get to play ideal minutes.  Vance Jackson struggled with his shot as well, hesitating a bit and didn’t find the stroke we are accostomed to seeing from him. The defense was out of position at times and of course Josh Jackson would have given the team a much different look.  However; credit is due to Arlington for playing a tremendous game and having a phenomenal week.

Under the Radar

Nate Hoover 6’4 – Arlington (TN) 2016 (Wofford)

Hoover was tremendous in the upset wins to go 2-0 at the Cam Payne Classic. He contributed with 42 of his team’s 87 points, also passing out seven assists to beat Prolific Prep. This came the day after dropping 42 points in the win over Word of God Christian Academy. Earlier in the week, he scored 41 points to beat Horn Lake. Hoover is a scoring machine and has shown that even against some of the best teams the nation has to offer. His shooting stroke, decision making, and unselfishness will be a tremendous asset to Wofford next season.

Top 5 Under Six Foot Prospects

1. Anthony Cowan 5’11 – St. John’s College High 2016 (Maryland)

Cowan can serve as both scorer and distributer. His perimeter shooting and slashing ability makes him tough to matchup with. He doesn’t play above the rim, but does have great speed and first step. His team always has an opportunity to score when the ball is in his hands.

2.  Jared Harper 5’8 – Pebblebrook 2016 (Auburn)

Harper’s not quite the scorer that Cowan is, but he will make the defense pay for leaving him open on the perimeter. He’s a true pass first point guard and gives Auburn a floor general to compliment incoming scorer, Mustapha Heron. Harper averaged 12 points per game at Peach Jam to help lead the Georgia Stars to the title.

3.  Charlie Moore 5’11 – Morgan Park 2016 (Memphis)

Of course with his size and growing up in Chicago, the comparison to Tyler Ulis is inevitable, but Charlie Moore is his own player. He can score around the rim and is a good rebounder for his size. He is also a good defender with his speed and awareness. Moore made a statement to start the season, scoring 55 points on opening night, outscoring the opposing team by one point.

4. Markus Howard 5’11 – Findlay Prep 2017

Howard is more natural scoring than running the team as a traditional point guard. He shoots well from three and is tough to keep out of the lane. He sells his crossover well and it allows him to penetrate. He knows how to play off the ball as well. Howard impressed me this past summer at the Nike Global Challenge scoring nearly 20 points per game.

5. Tremont Waters 5’10 – South Kent 2017

Waters has been on the scene for a while now, making a name for himself as a middle schooler. He has a smooth shooting stroke and great court vision. Not to mention, he is a tremendous ball handler. Waters scored 41 points earlier this month, while sitting out the final seven minutes of the game.