Uncategorized
CREI 2020 RECAP PART II
Here is a look at Rodger Bohn’s (SlamOnline) CREI 2020 recap Part II:
Isaac Traudt, 6’9, PF, Grand Island HS (NE) 2022
A player who has continually blew up this spring without playing for a shoe sponsored team, Isaac Traudt continued his stellar play in Wichita. The 6’9 new age forward was incredibly bouncy, utilized his size to exploit mismatches on the block, and showed consistent range from the three point line. Even though he’s not the strongest guy in the world, the Nebraska product didn’t back down against bigger foes and showed why he’s undoubtedly one of the top-50 players in the class.
Ausar Thompson, 6’6, SF, Pinecrest HS (FL) 2022
While his twin brother Amen did more of the damage scoring the rock in transition, Ausar Thompson really stood out with the outstanding court vision that he showed at CREI. He had similar lockdown defense, totally played within himself offensively, and was a monster finisher in transition. The ascension of the twins from their play at CREI was evident, as they’ve both picked up offers from Arizona, Florida State and Kansas since the event ended.
Felix Okpara, 6’10, PF/C, Hamilton Heights (TN) 2022
Okpara is one of the nation’s elite shot-blockers in the class of 2022 and has really developed offensively during his time at Hamilton Heights. He’s extended his range to the three point line, has a nice fallaway jumper out of the post, and is even able to beat slower bigs off the bounce. The agility that Felix brings to the table defensively will virtually give him the choice of any college program he wants.
Isaiah Carr, 6’10, C, Las Cruces HS (NM) 2022
A big time sleeper, Isaiah Carr was one of the truly elite shot-blockers that the camp had to offer. He used his long arms and great timing to totally disrupt the game. He’s already won a state title in New Mexico and as he continues to add to his offensive bag, expect the offers to really roll in.
Demarion Watson-Saulsberry, 6’7, SF/PF, Totino-Grace HS (MN) 2022
A player I’m incredibly familiar with (I live in Minneapolis), Demarion made monstrous strides in his game from the time COVID ended his high school season until CREI. From the forward position, he was the best on ball defender that the camp had to offer. He used his length to bother a ton of elite players, got a ton of deflections, and showed the agility to guard from the perimeter. The intriguing forward has received a lot of interest from high major programs, but expect that list to continue to grow with his three point range continually getting more consistent.
Trevon Brazile, 6’7, SF, Kickapoo HS (MO) 2021
Aside from the Thompson twins, there was not a player who helped himself at camp more than Trevon Brazile. He went from having two low major offers to receiving an offer from SEC in-state dream school Missouri (which he promptly accepted). The athletic forward shot the ball well from deep, played well above the rim in transition, and defended multiple positions. Brazile is certainly a high upside guy who has the potential to make an impact in the SEC.
Cameron Fens, 6’10, C, Hempstead HS (IA) 2022\
A guy who I was completely unaware of going into the camp, Cameron Fens is a guy who really has a chance to explode. Working with former Indiana/Iowa State big Jessan Gray, Fens has developed into a new age center, but also utilizes his size down low. His ability to play both inside and out (along with his deceptive athleticism) make him a guy who Big Ten schools should certainly be monitoring over the next two years.
Class of 2022 Camp Recap: Part I
Article written by Rodger Bohn of SLAM Online
The 2020 CREI Crossroads Elite Invitational brought together 320 players from all over the country under one roof in Wichita, Kansas and the event did not disappoint. There were multiple top ten players from the classes of 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 respectively. The coaching staff was led by pro basketball trainer Matt Jones (coached for Maccabi Ashdod in Israel this past year), and included both former NBA players (Mark Aguirre) and college legends. Battles were had, names were made, and recruitments have taken off in the days that have followed the camp.
Here is a look at the first group of 2022 players who caught my eye:
Chris Livingston, 6’6, SG, Akron Buchtel (OH)
Making his debut this summer (his AAU team We All Can Go didn’t play in any events due to COVID), Chris Livingston was eager to come and get some good run in. The Akron native showed that his athleticism is on another level, rebounded the ball exceptionally well from backcourt, and created his own shot at will. Livingston is making his return to his home public school of Buchtel where he and his brother should immediately make them a contenter for a state title.
Brandon Miller, 6’8, SF, Cane Ridge (TN)
A guy who we’ve had at CREI since he played with RSD on the AAU circuit, Brandon Miller continued to add to his arsenal on the offensive end. He improved a ton as a shot creator, showed an automatic pull-up off the bounce, and used his length to make a considerable impact on the defensive end. Miller has been shooting up the recruiting rankings and not only should he be one of the frontrunners for Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball, but will ultimately have his choice of any college in the country he wants to go to.
Mark Mitchell, 6’8, PF, Bishop Meige (KS)
The top-10 junior definitely lived up to his billing, willing the title of the CREI Top 80. The lefty face-up forward showed improved consistency from the three point line, was a great straight line driver to the rim, and had arguably the highest motor of anyone in Wichita. Mitchell is going to have his choice with virtually any school in the country as a plug and play guy.
Amen Thompson, 6’6, SG/SF, Pinecrest HS (FL)
There weren’t two players who helped themselves more at the 2020 CREI than Amen and Ausar Thompson. We’ll cover Ausar in our next article, but Amen was an absolute lockdown defender who simply walked on air when he got the ball in transition. His fast twitch athleticism was on another level and Amen made sure to use it on both ends of the hardwood. With their recent explosion, expect both Thompsons to be ranked in the top-50 when the next batch of national rankings roll around.
Aidan Shaw, 6’8, SF, Blue Valley HS (KS)
In terms of highlights, there wasn’t anyone who offered more than Aidan Shaw. The bouncy forward put a hurting on the rims with his pogo stick athleticism, shot the ball exceptionally well on Sunday, and was able to defend multiple spots on the perimeter. The versatility and athleticism that he brings to the table will make him a valuable commodity to big time college programs in today’s generation of consistent switching on D.
Damien Mayo, 6’2, PG, St. Louis Chaminade (MO)
Of the rising juniors, Damien Mayo probably helped himself more than anyone. The dynamic point guard from MOKAN Elite showed great burst in pick and roll play, was super competitive with his on ball defense, and had a number of the camp’s top ten plays. Only holding an offer from SIU-Edwardsville, Mayo is bound to blow up over the next two years.
With the 9th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft the New York Knicks select…
Kevin Knox, CrossRoads Elite 2014 attendee
With the 14th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft the Denver Nuggets select…
Crossroads Elite Invitational Attendee 2012, 2013 & 2014
Michael Porter Jr.
#CREI17 Top Ohio Performers
By Kurt Stubbs
Basketball Senior Writer MaxPreps/JJHuddle
Plainfield, IN — The 2017 CrossRoads Elite Invitational concluded this past Sunday inside beautiful Plainfield High School outside of Indianapolis, Indiana. Once again, the field was loaded with top talent from Seattle (WA) to Tampa (FL). Here is a look at the top performers from Ohio.
2017 CrossRoads Elite Invitational Top Ohio Performers
Jackson Ames (6’9/2020)- Batavia
SW Ohio big man had a good camp. We’ve seen him play mainly with his back to the basket, but during camp he showed off his ability to knock down spot up perimeter shots. Still needs to work on conditioning, hands, and impacting the game at the defensive end. Ames is currently trending as a mid-major priority, but has growth in his game that could take him a level higher.
Sammy Anderson (6’1/2020)- Trotwood-Madison
SW Ohio guard that thrives at being relentless. Anderson loves attacking the basket with reckless abandon and has a motor that doesn’t stop. Can be too aggressive at times. He does most of his damage offensively in the lane. Has the ability to really impact the game on defense. Needs to learn how to play in the half court and cut down on turnovers and sure up his shot selection.
Josiah Fulcher (6’1/2020)- Pickerington Central
Central Ohio guard that can score in bunches. Fulcher can really heat up. Thrives off the catch-and-shoot with his quick release. Getting better at scoring off the dribble. Gets a lot of buckets sprinting in transition and scoring at the rim. Fulcher can be streaky at times and needs to improve shot selection. Fulcher has all the tools to be an above average defender. Inches will determine Fulcher’s level. He has the confidence and swag to play at a high level, but we are hoping he gets another inch or two.
Weston Baer (6’0/2020)- Pomeroy Meigs
This was our first time viewing this SE Ohio sniper. Baer really shoots the ball with confidence. Has a chance to be a really good player and score a ton of points at Meigs High School. We look forward to monitoring him over the next three years.
Grant Whisman (6’5/2020)- Middletown Madison
This SW Ohio prospect was a name that popped up amongst many scouts this past weekend. ESPN’s Paul Biancardi loved the potential of Whisman. Led the Southwestern Buckeye League in scoring as a freshman at just over 18 points a game. Can really shoot the basketball and has a very good feel for the game. Battled for rebounds. Needs to get stronger and work on getting by defenders off the dribble. Whisman has a chance to be mid-major plus recruit or better. It all depends on his development in growth areas.
Maxwell Land (6’3/2020)- Cincinnati Moeller
The son of former Cincinnati Bearcat, Eugene Land, has a totally different game than his father. Land has good vision and smoothly moves about the court. The lefty can really score the ball at the rim with excellent body control and strength. Didn’t take many shots from the perimeter, so that’s something we will have to see more of moving forward. His game came a little unglued in the tournament, trying to do things above his pay grade. When Land is playing with poise and within himself, he is very good.
Dominiq Penn (5’11/2020)- Dublin Coffman
Really enjoyed a big weekend at the #CREI17. Penn drew rave reviews from onlookers and teammates. The one thing we knew coming into Friday was Penn could really shoot the basketball, has solid quickness and shiftiness to his game, and his father (Scoonie) played at Boston College and Ohio State. Penn proved, over the weekend, he can really pass the ball and has a good feel for the game. His teammates loved playing with him, which is always a positive. Penn is tracking as a solid mid-major guard, but with some added inches, he could move up the charts.
John Hughley (6’8/2020)- Lyndhurst Brush
The NE Ohio big man struggled a bit over the weekend, but it’s clear to see the talent and size are there. It just depends on how much Big John wants it. When he focuses on dominating the paint and doing what he does best, Big John can be a force. Too often he lingers on the perimeter, which has to be a blessing for opposing defenses. He needs work on his conditioning, effort, and engagement throughout the game. Hughley has a good feel inside with terrific hands, and if he is engaged, the big fella really can control the paint.
EJ Farmer (6’2/2021)- Lutheran East
The defending state champs will love this kid. It’s very early, but Farmer has to be on the short list of top kids in Ohio’s Class of 2021. The lefty has plenty of room for growth in body and his game. He scored the ball really well and knock down some shots. With his length, he has a chance to be a really good defender as well. Farmer is yet to play a high school game, so there are numerous things he can work on, but shot selection would be at the top of the list.
VonCameron Davis (6’4/2020)- Walnut Ridge
The Central Ohio rising sophomore proved his game isn’t just state good, but he can also compete on a national level. Davis is a mid-range nightmare for opponents. He is undersized, but with his effort and motor, Davis overcomes many size issues. The kid just knows how to play and makes teams better.
Garner Wallace (6’3/2021)- Pickerington Central
Plenty of onlookers asked about Wallace over the weekend. It doesn’t take long to notice the gangly, wild-haired, and energetic Wallace. He can impact the game in a variety of ways and appears to have the winners gene. Wallace was an integral part of his team’s championship at the #CREI17. He did a little bit of everything and his unorthodox style produces results. He has a relentless motor. Wallace’s game needs some refinement, but he has plenty of time to work on it. He carries a 4.3 GPA and ran a 4:37 mile as an 8th graders. His sister is committed to play basketball at Penn State, so the genetics are there.
Like us on Facebook/Follow us on Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/crossroadselite/
Adam Shoulders @CREI_Adam
Kurt Stubbs @CREI_Kurt
ESPN RECAPS 2013 and 2014 Underclassmen Exclusive Camps
Here is what ESPNs John Stovall had to say about the camp last year: “The Crossroads Elite Invitational is a showcase event for the best current freshmen and rising 9th graders in the country. Adam Shoulders and Kurt Stubbs do a great job of accruing talent from across the United States in order to make this a top-flight event.”
2014
2013
