PlayMakerz Breakout Classic: Top Performers
The first annual PlayMakerz Breakout Classic went down on Saturday in Richmond, Virginia and brought in some of the best talent from within the state, along with those form the DMV and North Carolina. While there were a lot of known ballplayers like Aamir Simms and Ejike Obinna, a few committed recruits like Demonte Buckingham and Bruce Moore, and others unknowns that made headways like Ben Stanley and Kris Monroe, the day couldn’t have been much better in finding the best of the best out of the Mid-Atlantic. Highlighting those that stood out the greatest were Bruce Moore, JP Moorman, Ejike Obinna, Noah Locke, and Kris Monroe.
Bruce Moore, SF, McDonough School, 2016: A commit to the Bucknell Bison program, the 6-foot-6 wing-forward type showed off just why so many within the Patriot League program are so excited about his commitment. The do-it-all type loves ramping up the physicality levels on the floor and already brings a leadership approach to the floor for his squad. He can shoot it, score at the basket with quality athleticism, and also defends various spots from the 2-4. Bucknell found itself a major steal where Moore looks to be an all-conference type down the road.
JP Moorman, F, Greensboro Day School, 2017: Making the trip up to the state of Virginia for the MakePlayz Breakout Classic, JP Moorman continues to show improvements to his game and his skillset each time that he sets foot out onto the floor. Some may say that the Carolina native is a tweener at the 3-4, but I see a ballplayer that is versatile and well-rounded. Moorman’s athleticism has vastly improved where he saw his forehead nearly hit the rim on a few dunk tries, makes great reads in defending the passing lanes, and shot the ball with elevation and consistency from deep. Wrap that all up and Moorman is someone you definitely want to buy stock in where Richmond offered the junior forward following the event on Saturday.
Ejike Obinna, C, Virginia Academy, 2017: The big man at Virginia Academy was dominant all day long in Richmond. Just 15 years of age, the future looks pretty superb with the junior center as his motor never turns itself off and his finishing skills are some of the best around. However, Obinna is more than just raw talent as he can make counter moves in the post and also hit the face-up jumper whenever spacing was given. In one affair, Obinna finished with 26 points and nine rebounds off of just one missed shot attempt; not bad for a big man within a camp setting! Obinna is a top-100 big man in 2017 and has his best playing days ahead of him.
Noah Locke, CG, McDonough School, 2018: Mr. Consistent was back and at it again in Richmond. Locke was a major standout of ours at the DMVElite 80 and now at the MakePlayz Breakout Classic, the sharpshooting sophomore showed off his impeccable mid-range jumper along with added facilitating skills in the half-court setting. He can make the appropriate read off the high ball screen, has deceptive athleticism at the basket, and isn’t afraid to get up and defend on the other end. Cincinnati and Tulsa were his recent offers, a list that is just beginning for the top-50 sophomore guard out of the McDonough School.
Kris Monroe, F, St. David’s School, 2018: A major breakout and one of the best new faces of the day, there is a lot to like about Kris Monroe. The 6-foot-6 wing has the ideal body for his spot on the floor and isn’t afraid of physicality on both ends. He buys in to whatever role his set for him where he can defend various spots, knock down open jump shots, yet is at his best whenever he is slicing and finishing at the basket. In one affair on Saturday, Monroe threw up 31 points on the scoreboard; Charlotte and UNCG have already offered the future high-major sophomore out of Carolina.