Unsigned SRs take advantage of Phenom Showcase stage
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- We came to North Carolina to see some of the nation's very best teams and players. To that end, we were not disappointed. We also came to the Phenom Showcase to see some talented unsigned seniors. There were a number of players that have not made a college decision that played well.
Anthony Pratt, PF, St. Louis Christian (pictured above): After two straight days of watching the athletic 6-foot-6 forward sky above the rim, run the floor with ease and produce, the line to talk to the Bahamas native was long after his team's win over Quality Education. Understandably so. Pratt was one of the bigger revelations at the Phenom Showcase. Pratt scored 25 points (10-12 FG, 1-2 from 3, 4-5 FT) against QEA. He recruitment as back at square one, according to his coach. In a diminishing list of big men, Pratt should see high-majors come a knocking after playing as well as he did at the Phenom Showcase. There were a lot of coaches and connected eyes watching.
Nathan Bethel, SF, St. Louis Christian: Another Bahamian, Bethel wasn't too far off from his teammate Pratt. Bethel is a high-energy wing that pumped in 19 points against QEA, a team with plenty of size to combat St. Louis Christian. Bethel relished in the back-and-forth style and was eager to engage in competitive conversation with the opposition. Bethel challenged defenders with the dribble and made noise from the free throw line. Like Pratt, Bethel's recruitment is at the start.
Kaleb Johnson, SF, Carlisle School: The long and lanky 6-foot-6 forward had one of the most productive games at the two-day event. He scored 33 points in his team's impressive blowout win over Greenfield (NC). He was incredibly efficient in the win, too. Johnson only took 15 shots, hit four three-pointers, was good from the foul line and showed off his good athleticism in the process. He has grades and five official visits in hand. Johnson is a quality mid-level player to watch this season.
Derek McKnight, PG, Gaston Day: We've been a big advocate of the 6-foot point guard since the spring. Why? Because he's a steady point guard that Gaston Day fell into a hole against Mt. Zion and found themselves down 16 points at the half. But thanks in large part to the steady play of McKnight, Gaston Day rallied back by putting up nearly 60 points in the second half. They lost 81-80 but McKnight ran his team efficiently well. He pumped in 21 points, four assists and proved himself as a serviceable defender. Low-majors looking for a floor general would serve themselves well to reach out.
Kenny Hairston, PG, Davidson Day: In match-up against Northside Christian, a quality North Carolina team, the 5-foot-11 floor general stepped up to the plate and delivered a quality and productive performance. Hairston scored 25 points (8-18 FG, 4-9 from 3, 5-9 FT) and grabbed nine rebounds in a match-up against Radford bound guard Devin Cooper.