This year’s Crossroads of the South Exposure Camp was the biggest and best attended yet. There was talent all over the floor with a mixture of already highly regarded players with some talented but under the radar guys. Here we look at the performances of some of the more notable prospects as well as the top under the radar performers.

Top Prospects 

Carlos Williams 6’6” 2021 F Harrison Central: The South Carolina commit had a routine but efficient day for him, oohing and awing the crowd with his powerful athletic dunks in traffic and on the break, scoring around the hoop on slashes and offensive rebounds and then stepping outside to show that he can stick the open jumper. This is the third workout he’s played at in the last three weeks and already being an SEC commit many might wonder why but he obviously loves to play and still feels he has something to prove.   

Mason Manning 6’2” 2022 PG Jackson (First Love Christian Academy, PA): Manning also had a routine but strongly efficient day. He handled the rock, showing he could get to the hoop for finishes or for the kickout to the open teammate, he was a skilled surgeon as he ran the break, and drained the open J. Already scoring interest form a number of high major programs, including Georgia Tech, Manning looks primed for a strong year when First Love takes to the court.

Jay Barnes 5’10” 2021 PG Oak Grove: Jay continued to build on the outstanding summer he has had. To put it simply, he is a bucket getter. On Saturday he showed off his range dropping J’s from all over the floor and added some nifty drive and finishes for a little added flavor. Having scored a Mississippi Valley State offer a few days before the camp he didn’t rest on his laurels and played with the same chip on his shoulder he’s had all summer.

Marc Drone 6’0” 2022 PG Jackson (First Love Christian Academy, PA): The former Provine Ram didn’t play in the early games nursing an ankle injury but after lunch he decided to go for it and went off. He proved he could get to the rim at will and showed an array of finishing moves and shots. He stuck a couple of jumpers in the midrange and that only served to open up more driving lanes. His first game of the day may have been the top performance of the day. Making the move over to First Love for his final two scholastic years I expect his interest to really pick up.

Jacob Gazzo 6’8” 2023 F Parklane Academy: Every time I see him he gets more and more impressive. He gets up and down the floor, shows strong scoring skills around the hoop and possesses a solid jumper with range out to the three point line. He had a strong day competing and more than holding his own against the older players and in the long run could be the top prospect in the gym. He already holds an offer from Ole Miss.

Eye Catchers

Davon Wilder 6’6” 2021 PF Itawamba AHS: A strongly built active power player, Wilder really caught the scouts’ eyes with his energy and activity around the rim. A strong rebounder and interior scorer he moves well up and down the floor and has a nose for the ball. Wilder is one to watch.

Shane Davis 6’8” 2022 Post Madison Central: Another under the radar big who really caught some attention with his play. Tall, solidly built and long armed, he moves well up and down the floor and was very active around the paint showing a strong nose for the ball, showed good hands, rebounded and finished very well around the hoop. 

Demarcus Powe 6’2” 2022 G Meridian: A smooth combo who showed good ball handling and decision making skills, the ability to find the open man, he really sees the floor and operates well in the open floor. He scored it on strong drives to the rim and showed a nice mid range jumper off the dribble and a very good long range jumper off the catch and shoot.

Avaughn Johnson 6’4” 2022 Wing Murrah: A tall rangy long armed wing, Johnson had a strong day as he was very active showing a versatile game. He played tough around the paint, rebounding and scoring on strong finishes at the hoop. He also showed a solid jumper hitting some trees and showed the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to a spot for some solid pull up jumpers. He was very impressive.