2022/2023 Elite Preview Team 2 Evaluations
The 2022/2023 Elite Preview camp was loaded with great young talent from all parts of the Southeast. We dive deep into each team from the invite-only camp held at Suwanee Sports Academy. It’s time to dive deep into Team 2.
Mcrae Ball, Telfair County, 6-4, SG, 2022: One of the best shooters in the camp, Ball was automatic when he was open and actively seeking the short corner three. When he was there and got the pass, he buried the triple. Ball does a nice job of working to get himself open for shots and was terrific as a catch-and-shoot scorer. His camp coach said “he's a joy to coach” and spoke highly of his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting.
Leslie Black, Statesboro, 6-6, PF/C, 2023: After seeing him shine on Saturday, the big man came to the Elite Preview against his peers for a second go-round. We saw his simplicity in the paint shine through. He’s a great utility guy down low and very effective around the rim on both sides of the floor. He runs hard, sets the post hard and understood the defensive requirements to being a productive paint player at this level. Love his effort.
Stephon Castle, Newton, 6-3, CG, 2023: His camp coach called him “the best teammate” and was in constant state of mind to make a play for others. When his shot presented itself, he was able to drill it and hit the open three. He was one of the best shooters in the camp. Castle has a good handle and shined on defense as a shot-blocking guard. Newton always has high-level guards coming through their program and Castle has the tools to continue that lineage of backcourt prospects.
Isaiah Collier, Wheeler, 6-1, PG, 2023: The first you notice with the young, promising guard is his feel for the game. His IQ is his best strength and for a high school freshman, he makes plays that you don’t normally see. He makes great passes and plays very well in one on one situations. Collier has an explosive first step and he finishes very well at the rim. Collier can finish in traffic and gets his teammates involved quite easily. Big expectations and big year ahead at Wheeler for Collier.
Simeon Cottle, Tri-Cities, 5-11, PG, 2022: There were several moments when Cottle created action off the dribble for himself and for others. He showed that he can hit three-pointers and scored well off the dribble. Cottle is a skilled guard that should shine in Tri-Cities style of play.
Kelvin Hunter, Chapel Hill, 6-4, SF, 2023: We caught a glimpse into what he can become down the road. Hunter still is a ways way from being the finished product but the tools and shooting touch is there to be a very intriguing player in time. As the camp grew older, Hunter’s production got better and better. He was one of the most intriguing guys we saw because of his ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. Hunter found success in the corner as a three-point scoerr. He has a frame that makes you believe he's going to be much taller than he currently is. He rebounds high a can play productively in the vertical space.
Joshua Miles, South Cobb, 5-11, PG, 2023: Miles found his niche at the camp as a good on-ball defender. He was active and engaged in the drill work and received coaching quite well.
Ashton Pennamon, Newton, 5-11, PG, 2023: The young point guard has a confidence about his game that will serve him well as he moves forward into his high school career. We’ve seen him have success at the Georgia Cup over the years and now we’re seeing his game mature against bigger and better players. He plays smart and never seems to press the issue. The ball-control from him is key and he showed that he can be a finisher in the paint and make shots. Smart player.
Jameel Rideout, South Cobb, 6-1, PG, 2022: His game is anchored by great defense and speed from end to end. Rideout likes to play fast and play in tempo. A lot of his success came off of hard ball-pressure that turned turnovers into fast break opportunities for scores in the open floor. He made the typical right plays you want from your point guard, too.
Jaylon Taylor, Buford, 6-6, SF, 2022: His motor ran high at the camp throughout and did a great job of going hard from end to end. He’s an above-average athlete who is a terrific finisher at the rim. There is a willingness to defend from Taylor. As he matures his game and improves his shot selection as a wing, he’ll find more opportunities to make positive impacts on the court. The tools are there. His sophomore season growth at Buford will be key.
Kok Yat was one of the top overall performers from the 2022/2023 Elite Preview camp. Read more about the new Norcross wing HERE in our top overall performers recap.
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