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Gibbons Day 1 Notebook from Justin Byerly

13, May 2023

Gibbons Day 1 Notebook from Justin Byerly

My favorite event of the year is here. The Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions brings it all. The talent, the spectators, the vibe, it is just something you have to experience. Let's take a look at who stood out on the first night. 

 

Loyalty United Keeps Winning

 

Camerin James

Apopka, FL

Class
2023
|
Position
SG
|
Height
6' 5"
|
National
NR
National Pos. Rank
NR
State
NR
State Pos. Rank
NR

 

The team out of Orlando, Florida was impressive in their win to start things off at Gibbons. The big two for them, Camerin James dropped 31 points in the win. Counterpart Keishaun Robinson with 21 points. James is a guy that has a solid frame and a good touch around the rim. He got a majority of his points around the paint and showed he can make some mid-range shots. He is long and he is aggressive when going to the rim. He did a good job of rebounding the ball and causing some problems on the defensive side.

 

Keishaun Robinson

Orlando, FL

Class
2024
| | |
National
NR
National Pos. Rank
NR
State
NR
State Pos. Rank
NR

 

Robinson showed that he can score from all spots on the floor, making shots from the the mid-range and being able to get into the paint and score. When these two guys are clicking, this Loyalty United squad is hard to stop and that has been the case throughout this travel season. 

 

Team South Carolina 

 

Jeremy Cook

Grenville , SC

Class
2024
|
Position
CG
|
Height
5' 11"
|
School Team
National
WL
National Pos. Rank
WL
State
WL
State Pos. Rank
WL

 

The guys from the upstate have been one of the most consistent programs over the last 15 years as an independent program that you will find. Back about seven years ago, Jawun Evans, Gage Ellis and crew led Team South Carolina to the title here at Gibbons. In their first game yesterday, the shooting ability of Tanner Epps helped propel Team South Carolina to the win over TNBA-South Santana. Epps would finish with 25 points and five made three-pointers. Jeremy Cook also impressed with his vision in the open-floor, his quickness and his ability to make shots from the outside, he finished with 15 points in the win. 

 

1 of 1 Elite Gets By Upward Stars 

 

Jalik Nicholls

Greensboro, NC

Class
2024
|
Position
SF
|
Height
6' 6"
|
National
NR
National Pos. Rank
NR
State
30
State Pos. Rank
10

 

Every game is seems like, Head Coach Nick Johnson can have someone different lead the team in scoring. Last night against 3SSB squad Upward Stars, Jalik Nicholls was the guy. He scored 23 points in the win for 1 of 1 Elite. The 6-foot-7 prospect was able to showcase his ability to score from the outside along with his ability to get into the paint and score around the rim. This 1 of 1 team has so many options. This game ended up being a lot closer towards the end but the first 25 minutes of the game was all 1 of 1 Elite, who came away with a 1-point win. 

 

 

 


 


Justin Byerly
State Editor

Justin Byerly has spent the past 15 years covering North Carolina prep and grassroots basketball. He has previously worked with The Recruit Scoop and Rivals.com. In addition to that he has contributed to The USA Today, Charlotte Observer, The Asheville Citizen-Times and The Sun News. He has held The Justin Byerly Upstate/WNC Showcase the past two years and has helped student-athletes from North Carolina and South Carolina receive college scholarships. He owns The Byerly Report scouting service that has over 100 college subscriptions. Justin resides in Asheville, North Carolina with his wife Danielle and four children.