Thursday’s action brought together a number of talented prospects and curious college coaches. Competing for scholarships, a few players distanced themselves from the rest and rose to the top.

A couple of big men proved their worth, a talented wing introduced himself to coaches, and some youngsters proved their elite status. Here’s an update on who played well during the final day of the Live Player Festival.

BIGS STATE THEIR CASE

Showcase camps are typically tough places for big men to distance themselves and show what they can do. However, Saturday’s set of games highlighted several quality post players that made their mark with college coaches.

 2017 McEachern (GA) power forward Bryce Smith (pictured above) had a solid showing on the opening day, but he took his play to a different level on Saturday. The 6-foot-8 big man has a great deal of toughness that allows him to be a good finisher around the rim. Smith displayed flashes of athleticism and mid-range shooting ability that intrigued several college coaches, too. Low major and mid-major schools will know his name soon enough.

A couple of long-term project guys that stood out were 2016 American Heritage (FL) power forward Daniel Anozie and 2017 Paxon (FL) combo forward Niega Jordan. Both 6-foot-6 forwards did a great job of using their length and mobility to impact the game. Low majors should take note heading into the rest of the July periods.

DARIUS ALLEN STEALS THE SHOW

Dozens of college coaches lined the wall to watch Team M.O.A.M (FL) vs. Wisconsin Playground Elite and one player stole the show. 2016 Team MO.A.M wing Darius Allen had coaches drooling over his play, as he did a great job of attacking the basket and finishing at the rim.

After his Thursday morning play, expect a number of mid majors and high majors to catch Allen during Best of the South.

NIKE D1 ELITE 2018 HAS THE GOODS

A team with one of the most promising futures is Nike D1 Elite’s (TX) 2018 group. With top-flight talent from top to bottom, they stated their case as one of the top 15U teams in the country.

Gerald Liddell, a 6-foot-7 small forward, has all the makings of an elite high-major prospect. He has a great combination of size and skill to go along with a smooth game. Texas, SMU, Iowa State, Baylor, Tennessee, Florida State, Houston, and NC State have offered scholarships and plenty more will be coming his way.

Another high-major prospect that proved his elite status was 2018 power forward Grayson Carter. A skilled big man, the 6-foot-9 star showed a versatile game. He can rebound and put the ball on the floor to start the fastbreak, as well hit shots from the perimeter and score inside. Texas A&M, Houston, and Iowa State have offered.

OTHER STANDOUTS

Akiem Daschner, 2016 WF, Santaluces Community (FL): Daschner has consistently been one of the best players during the event. The 6-foot-5 wing did a little bit of everything. He has great length and size for a wing player, as well as a smooth, versatile game. Daschner can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim or hit shots from the mid-range. He constantly played hard and made his mark over the two-day event.

Logan Hill, 2017 PF/SF, All-Ohio Red: Hill was another prospect that was constantly productive with his minutes. The 6-foot-7 utility man does all the little things to help his team win. He’s everywhere on the court and plays with a high motor. Saturday, he knocked down a couple of perimeter shots. If those consistently fall, his recruitment could take the next step. Toledo is the only school to offer.

Damon Harge, 2018 PG, Orlando Christian Prep (FL): Despite being a youngster, Harge fit right in with the upperclassmen. A solid pass-first point guard, the 5-foot-9 guard scored 14 points and had a number of assists.