WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – One of the great things about national events with prep schools is getting a good long look at the unsigned seniors in the event. There were a number of guys from the class of 2016 that opened our eyes, forced us to rethink things or instantly look for more information on these budding prospects. Meet our Senior Sleepers from the Phenom Hoops National Showcase.  

DeShawn Corprew, SG, Quality Education (NC): We thought the 6-foot-3 guard was one of the best players coming into the Sun Belt as Corprew was set to sign with Arkansas Little Rock. Well, that’s no longer the case because he announced on Friday night that he was opening his recruitment. So, what does that mean? It means a lot for high-major schools looking for a stud point producer. Corprew used the two days at the Showcase to shine as one of the best scorers at the event. He’s a terrific shot maker, an elite slasher and he’s playing like a guy that is willing to put in the work to earn some offers this high school season. He’s one of the best available scorers in the country.

Symon Walczak, PG, Mountain Mission (VA) pictured above: Walczak made tough passes look easy and easy passes look routine. He’s good in the halfcourt, aggressive in the open floor and confident as a scorer. The 6-foot-3 floor general picked his spots to open up a big lead against a well-coached and very talented Providence Day squad. The lefty has a nice go-to floater that he uses when he breaks his man down en route to the paint. Walczak has interest from Grand Canyon, he says, and that’s about it. That needs to change after his showing here in Winston-Salem.

Miguel Priest, SF/PF, Legacy Charter (SC): The 6-foot-5 native of Detroit used the two-game stage of the Showcase to display his non-stop motor and terrific drive. It seemed as if the unsigned senior was involved in every play of every possession he was on the floor for. Priest made a positive impact in nearly every setting. He came into the event with offers from North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State while Detroit, Bowling Green, The Citadel and College of Charleston are showing interest. As schools hit their respective reset button for recruiting after the early signing period closes on Wednesday, Priest should be a guy that non-majors take a good look at.

Harold Baruti, SF, Mountain Mission (VA): If there was a true story starter from the event, it was him. The 6-foot-5 athletic wing from Congo showed off a pretty perimeter shot, high-level athleticism and an aggressive approach to attacking the iron. The senior has the size and natural gifts that translate well at the mid-major (plus) level. Baruti said he has offers from SMU and UNC Wilmington have offered, he said, while Florida, Georgia and Western Kentucky are showing interest.

Jordan Bowden, SG, 22 Feet Academy (SC): A high-flying athlete, Bowden made a strong first impression on Friday night with his play in transition and above the rim. On Saturday night against Oak Hill Academy, Bowden reignited the excitement we had for him the day before. The 6-foot-4 native of Tennessee has ideal two-guard size for the next level, a feel for scoring that the mid-major plus level players have and the tools to be a guy to watch closely this high school season. He had a monster high school career in East Tennessee and could be a sleeper that really emerges moving forward.

Clifton Powell, Jr., SG, 22 Feet Academy (SC): In back-to-back games, the long 6-foot-5 athlete from Los Angeles played a significant role for 22 Feet. He was a big piece to the puzzle in a pair of significant wins – including one over Oak Hill Academy. Powell is a great slasher with a strong jumper. He said he holds an offer from Tulsa while the likes of Georgetown, Kansas State, Memphis and others have taken notice.

Bruno Salomun, PF, Forsyth Country Day School (NC): We saw and liked the 6-foot-8 forward last weekend at the Jamboree. He impressed there with his perimeter game. In two games at the Showcase, he shined again on the offensive end. The native of Croatia can shoot and is good a face-up four-man. He can stretch the floor with his jump shot and range from three. Salomun did what he does best at the Showcase – step out and drill threes.

Josh Howard, SF, Providence Day (NC): The 6-foot-5 forward will be a nice late add for an academic program looking to sign a battle-tested, fundamentally sound wing forward. We’ve watched him quite a bit over the last three years and the common theme with him is this – he produces. He always produces. Howard isn’t flashy, just functional. And that’s terrific. Low-majors would be well-served recruiting him.

Ian Kinnard, PF, Gray Collegiate (SC): The 6-foot-5 forward Kinnard has terrific grades so let’s start there. He’s an attractive paint forward with good length, nice toughness and a quality rebounder. He shines in the transition game and would like to see him more in a halfcourt setting. Nonetheless, Kinnard was a big part of Gray’s monster win on Saturday.

Jashaun Smith, PF/SF, Legacy Charter (SC): The 6-foot-5 forward won a state championship last year at Garner (NC) High School and now at Legacy to play more outside of the paint. He’s a fluid athlete that can, and will, attack the iron with strong athleticism. He’s a good passer and capable shooter. We liked him as a physically ready low-major prospect. Smith said he has offers Longwood, North Carolina A&T, Alcorn State, Toledo and North Florida. He added New Orleans and Jacksonville are showing interest, too.

Gerrard Simpkins, CG, Bishop Sullivan (VA): He has one offer – High Point – and that is a bit surprising. The 6-foot-2 guard is one of the better available guards in the Mid-Atlantic area and he has the size and experience to log effective minutes in the backcourt. We liked his pace to the game and ability to run his team. His jump shot may be keeping teams at bay but the tools and size are there to be an attractive player this high school season.