Player of the Week
Savion Flagg 6’6 180 SG/SF – Alvin 2017 (Texas A&M)
Flagg had a tremendous week leading Alvin to a 4-0 record at the Calallen Tournament where he scored a total of 159 points, (40 ppg). He posted 50 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists over Calallen to start things off. In the game against Beeville Jones, he finished with a triple-double with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. He followed up with 32 points, ten rebounds, and six assists to defeat West Oso. His final game consisted of 46 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists defeating Antonian Prep.
Who’s Hot
Kevin Knox 6’9 205 SF – Tampa Catholic 2017
Knox impressed at the John Wall Invitational. He started out the week with 38 points, 17 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals to beat Cary. He didn’t statistically match his first performance but was big in defeating John M. Robinson with 27 points and 15 rebounds. Knox closed out the week with 22 points and five rebounds In Tampa Catholic’s first loss of the season to Hillcrest Prep.
Wendell Carter 6’10 260 PF/C – Pace Academy 2017 (Duke)
Carter had an impressive set of games at the Beach Ball Classic, recording a double-double in each of the four games. He started with 16 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in the win over McQuaid Jesuit. He followed up with 19 points and 15 rebounds to beat Westchester. His third game consisted of 17 points, 17 rebounds, and seven blocks in the overtime loss to Dillard. Finally, he finished with 26 points (11-15 shooting), 21 rebounds, and four blocks in the loss to Evanston. Carter grabbed a record total of 68 rebounds and earned MOP of the Beach Ball Classic.
Michael Porter 6’10 215 SF – Nathan Hale 2017 (Washington)
Although he somehow didn’t win MVP, Porter impressed at the Les Schwab Invitational. His first game with 37 points and 22 rebounds defeating Central Catholic. Just missing a triple-double the next game with 30 points, ten rebounds, and eight assists to beat Clackamas. An impressive and efficient outing against Garfield with 34 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists in 22 minutes. Porter capped off the LSI with 27 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, and four steals in a 67-65 championship game win over Sierra Canyon.
Jaylen Hands 6’2 170 PG – Foothills Christian 2017 (UCLA)
Hands put together an impressive set of games at the UA Holiday Classic, showing his ability as a scorer. Foothills Christian lost their first game against St. Augustine but Hands scored 35 points. He scored 33 points in his next game defeating Calvert Hall. His highest scoring game came against Lakewood St. Edward with 42 points in the win. Hands finished with 38 points, seven rebound, three assists, and two steals in the win over St. John’s for his final game of the week. He averaged 36.8 points per game over the four games of the UA Holiday Classic.
Zion Williamson 6’6 240 SF/PF – Spartanburg Day 2018
If you’re not tired of hearing about Zion Williamson yet, here’s another impressive week from the junior. Starting the week with a bang scoring 40 points, along with 12 rebounds and four assists in the win over Pelham. He posted 36 points, 17 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks to beat Kenan. Spartanburg Day lost the third game to Newton where Williamson finished with 31 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, three blocks, and three steals against Newton.
Who’s Cold
Westlake
Westlake lost two of their last three games at the Beach Ball Classic. The losses came against Bishop O’Connell and Christ the King, and the win came against Father Henry Carr. Auburn commit, Chuma Okeke, contributed with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists against Bishop O’ Connell. He also posted 21 points and 15 rebounds against Father Henry Carr. While Central Florida commit, Daniel Lewis, finished with 15 points against Bishop O’Connell and 24 points against Father Henry Carr.
Under the Radar
Malik William 6’8 200 PF – First Academy 2017 (Clemson)
Malik William had an impressive week at the TFA Christmas Tournament. Although he can provide scoring, his rebounding and shot blocking are consistent and highlights his effectivity. His first game came against Olympia with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and ten blocks to get the win. He posted 24 points and 14 rebounds in the win over Calvary Christian. He didn’t do much scoring in his final game with five points but grabbed 14 rebounds, passed out seven assists, and blocked 16 shots against Holy Trinity Episcopal
Top 5 High Flyers
1. Zion Williamson 6’6 240 SF/PF – Spartanburg Day 2018
Catching windmill alley oops and dropping 40 points has become a routine for Williamson. He has a rare combination of athleticism and strength for a 16 year old. He put on a show to win the Under Armour Elite 24 dunk contest, making jaw dropping dunks look effortless. Williamson is closing the gap from #2 in 2018 to that #1 spot that Marvin Bagley currently holds.
2. Hamidou Diallo 6’5 190 SG – Putnam Science Academy 2017
Diallo is all fast twitched fibers with tremendous body control. He’s very quick off the ground and probably 2017’s best athlete. He’s has the ability to tip slam put backs that are out of his area. Jump shooting is the next step in his development.
3. Scottie Lewis 6’4 180 SG – Ranney Prep 2019
Only a sophomore, Lewis shows very impressive athleticism. His talent has been on display since he was in the eighth grade. More than just an impressive dunker, however, his all-around game gives him a spot towards the top of the 2019 high school class.
4. Cassius Stanley 6’5 185 SG – Harvard-Westlake 2019
Stanley possesses incredible highlight ability and puts his dunks on display in games. He’s explosive off of one foot and occasionally uses it to get a chase down block. Stanley’s showing development in his lead guard skills to match his natural ability.
5. Davion Mitchell 6’1 180 PG – Liberty County 2017 (Auburn)
Only 6’1 but Mitchell can get up. He plays well in transition especially as a finisher. He’s been known to throw down windmills in games even when paint is defended.