Jameer Nelson Classic Notebook from Philly
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Some of the top teams in the Philly area were on hand for the annual Pete & Jameer Nelson Classic on the campus of Thomas Jefferson University. Who caught our attention during our time in the Northeast?
TOP DOGS
John Camden, Archbishop Carroll (PA): Pick and pop, catch and shoot, score off the bounce and peel off a screen - all of those worked for the 6-foot-8 prospect He hit five three-pointers en route to a game-high 28 points and a win for his squad. There wasn’t a more efficient player in the field than Camden on Friday. He was terrific. Camden has an active high-major recruitment. We will have more on him on HoopSeen.com in the coming days.
Trey Patterson, Rutgers Prep (NJ): The 6-foot-7 forward was outstanding in his team’s win over Malvern Prep. Patterson scored 24 points and was all over the glass. He was the best rebounder I saw on Friday at the event. Patterson is a smooth athlete who naturally finds himself in the right place at the right time. His energy doesn’t get wasted. Patterson scored in the paint and as a face-up jump shooter. When a big play above was needed, he’ll come through. Villanova head coach Jay Wright was on hand to see the effort.
Elijah Taylor, Imhotep (PA): The Notre Dame bound big man plays like an old school Big East player. Paired against Jalen Duren, one of the top overall prospects in the nation, Taylor went toe-to-toe with the impressive teenage giant. He played a big role in Duren’s third-quarter disqualification. Duren picked up his fifth foul with less than three minutes to play in the fourth quarter. Taylor’s physicality had everything to do with it.
Justice Williams, Roman Catholic (PA): When 5-star big man Jalen Duren fouled out in the third quarter, someone needed to step up and bring his team back. Roman won 56-51 in front of a packed house and they had 18 points from Williams. The 6-foot-5 wing played aggressive when his team needed him down the stretch and helped deliver the victory.
THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT
Xzayvier Brown, Roman Catholic: The young guard continues to make an impassion with his play on the defensive end of the floor. His hands are so quick and active to get a steal. His passing is elite, too. Brown is the son of St. Joe’s assistant coach Justin Brown. The younger Brown plays older than his freshman status. We’ve seen great guards come out of Philly over the years and Brown has the tools and base of skill to keep getting better and better.
Shawn Simmons, Friends Central (PA): The 6-foot-6 freshman made quite an impression in a win over Unionville. He’s a do-everything wing forward who can shoot, score above the rim and defend at a high-level. He has incredible length for his position and looks like a youngster who is still on the fast track in overall skill development. He finished with 15 points, 13 of those points coming in the first half. He was neutralized in the second half and Friends picked up the L against a talented Unionville team. Simmons has the makeup as a guy that will have a regional high-major recruitment when that time comes.
HI, MY NAME IS…
Anquan Hill, Archbishop Carroll (PA): Don’t be surprised to see his name and game turn up this spring. The 6-foot-7 forward was an eye-catcher on Friday afternoon thanks to his versatile game. Hill knocked down a good-looking three-pointer, drove hard to the rim and played well on the defensive end of the floor. He said he holds one offer at the moment - from Bryant - but also has a number of schools taking a look. Lehigh, Drexel and Delaware are in the mix, he said. Playing with K-Low Elite, Hill could be a player that sees his recruitment grow some legs in 2020.
ALL EYES ON US
There were a number of college coaches in attendance for the action on Friday. Head coaches include Jay Wright of Villanova, Billy Lange of St. Joe’s, Aaron McKie of Temple and we also spotted assistant coaches from Bucknell, Drexel, Lehigh, NJIT, Robert Morris and Virginia Tech.
Our HoopSeen stage is designed to provide the best exposure opportunities for top independent programs. Tons of coaches, social media exposure, and elite competition are some of what you'll find at our events. For more information on our 2020 events, visit our events page, or call our hotline at 470-266-8862.