Kyle Sandy's Norman Parker Showcase Friday Notebook
The Norman Parker Showcase is here, meaning it’s time for some players to make a name for themselves.
Don’t Sleep
The 17U Middle Georgia Raptors throttled the opposition, posting a 76-45 victory. A trio of 2018 hoopers led the way. Class A-Public’s Central-Talbotton High School was well represented with JaQuavius Smith (pictured) and ZyTavian Hill notching big games. Smith, a long 6-foot-5 wing, hung 26 points while slashing to the hoop. He finished 13-of-19 from the foul line. Smith lists Kansas, Arkansas State and Kennesaw State as having shown interest. Hill, a powerfully built 6-foot-4 inside-out combo forward went for 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals. While he isn’t necessarily a high-flyer, Hill still can finish at the rim with a quick first step and has fast hands on defense. South Alabama and Middle Tennessee State have both checked in on sturdy forward.
As good as the dynamic duo of Smith and Hill were, it was FPCA’s Khalyn Weekley who dumped in a game-high 29 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. The 6-foot-3 guard was a one man fastbreak, grabbing rebounds and igniting transition opportunities. He is a downhill attacker that thrives in the open court with his shifty moves. Weekley has seen some interest from Mercer and is planning on taking a trip there this off-season.
Final Impressions
17U 3-Point Play scored a 66-38 win against the Smyrna Stars. Filled with seniors, 3-Point Play rode recently signed big man Jordan Foote to an early lead and never looked back. The 6-foot-5 Piedmont-bound forward can catch opponents off balanced with his diverse skill set. With the frame of a bruiser, Foote has a soft touch and isn’t afraid to put the ball on the deck. He had 19 points and 5 rebounds.
Elite scoring guard Tyree Crankfield of Campbell High School didn’t quite pour in his 24 point per game average, but did score 14 and added 7 rebounds and 3 assists. The leader in the clubhouse for his services currently is Wallace Community College.
Unsigned seniors 6-foot-6 Gerald Buncum and 6-foot-5 Dillan Hall impressed big time with their leaping ability and workmen-like mentality on the glass. Buncum had 11 points, 16 rebounds and 1 block while Hall tallied 9 points, 16 rebounds and 2 blocks. Maryland Eastern Shore and Point University are Hall’s lone offers. Buncum holds offers from Andrew College and Gadsden State but Radford has been coming on strong as a D-I possibility.