Day Three Top Performers @TheBashHoops from @JustinByerly
COLUMBIA, SC - The tournament formally known as The Bojangles Bash got underway yesterday and we made the trek down I-26 to see the talent from the Southeast and Arizona's Compass Prep at Columbia International University. Here is a look at the top performers from Day Three.
Xavier Signee Shines
2021 forward Cesare Edwards was a man amongst boys for Hartsville (SC) High School as they took on Trinity Christian (NC) in the second game of the afternoon. Edwards showed what Xavier assistant coach Jonas Hayes saw in him and what to expect over the next few years in Cincinnati. Length, ability to stretch the floor with his shooting (3-5 from three), rebounding, altering shots, attacking the rim with power and a soft touch is what Edwards brings to the game. He finished the afternoon contest with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks en route to being named MVP of the game.
Airman Gortman
One of the top ranked 2022's in the country, Jazian Gortman did not disappoint in Keenan (SC) High School's only game of the event. The 6-foot-1 guard is one of the most explosive players in the country and kept the crowd wanting more. His first points of the game came off a steal that ended with a Gortman one-handed flush at the rim. The playmaker finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. He shot 11-21 from the field en route to his 25 points. What impresses me more than his stat line was his defensive effort. He is a problem on that side of the ball, he has long arms and huge hands. He is hard to get around and creates a lot of problems for the opposition. He is a fun player to watch.
The Wonderful White of Winston-Salem
In the opening game for Winston-Salem Christian yesterday, BrandonWhite did not have his best game but we saw signs of what could be for the 6-foot-10 big man. Today was the day that it all came together for him. White went for 20 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals in the win against Keenan (SC). He rebounds at a high-rate, he showed a soft touch around the rim, he altered shots and he runs the floor. He went down hard on one play in the first half while attacking the rim but came back out a different player. He consistently made jump shots and got baskets in the paint finishing with contact. I think the future is bright for White and he will keep improving.
Hartsville's Next
Hartsville (SC) High School has had some big time players out of the area over the years. 2023 Jamari Briggs is the next one. The 6-foot-2 guard went for 17 points on 8-14 shooting. He is a big guard that can attack the paint and defense, he can score from all spots on the floor and can guard multiple positions. He runs the floor and stays in the right spots to get his shot off or attack the basket. He has a motor that never stops and gives it his all when he is on the floor. Briggs already sports an offer from Xavier. Briggs is going to be a guy to keep an eye on in the Southeast over the next three seasons.
Available 2021 Impresses
A new name for the HoopSeen database is Elijah Ormiston from Cannon School (NC). The 6-foot-7 small forward displayed some game tonight in Cannon's win over Gray Collegiate (SC). He scored 17 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the win. His offensive arsenal consists of a soft touch around the basket along with the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting. He showed the ability to be a threat from the outside knocking down a couple of long field goals and one from beyond the arc. On the defensive side he can cause some problems, he recorded 4 steals and 1 block in the win. He was recently offered by Belmont Abbey and should be on all Division Two school's wish list.
Gardner Can Go
Sophomore Brandon Gardner, a 6-foot-8 forward for Gray Collegiate (SC) is going to be trending upwards over the next few seasons. He already has the soft touch, has the rebounding ability, has the timing to block or alter shots, and can score with either hand over either shoulder. He has toughness, size and skill. He went for 11 points and 10 rebounds Friday night and scored 4 points along with 7 rebounds tonight. He already holds offers from Illinois, Wake Forest, Georgetown and DePaul.
My Notebook
One of the best shooters in the Southeast, Jarvis Moss knocked down four from long-range en route to 16 points for Cannon School (NC) in their win over Gray Collegiate (SC). Shooters shoot. Moss has always been a guy that I want taking a shot that matters.
Iona is getting a really athletic wing in Jordan Wildy, from Winston-Salem Christian (NC). He can flat out attack the basket and has a nose for the ball. He averaged 12 rebounds per game over the course of the event. Rick Pitino and staff are getting a guy that can play multiple positions and defend those positions.
Creighton is getting a playmaking guard in TyTy Washington. Love his game and his awareness on the floor. He can score from all spots on the floor, he makes the game look easy and he wins. Steady all event long going for 27 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals over the two games AZ Compass Prep played.
Quante Berry has to be considered one of the top guards in the 2022 class nationally. A non-stop motor, an ability to score against anyone and a guy that has college basketball in his genes, Berry has the tools. He was named a top performer yesterday and again today with his 18-point performance. He gets to the basket and he gets to the free-throw line. Two things that college coaches love.
