MID MAJOR HOOPS REPORT

2nd Annual Bay Area Spring Showcase

On May 14-15, the 2nd Annual Bay Area Spring Showcase hosted by Student Athlete Camps and Mid Major Hoops Report took place at Merritt College in Oakland, California. Mid Major Hoops Report had an opportunity to observe and evaluate over 200 players. The list below does not project college potential or take into account prior accomplishments. These notes are based on performances during the event only.

Sid Rao Saints Basketball 15U: He is a good spot up shooter from the 3 point area. Must improve on shooting off the dribble.
Isaiah Saams-Hoy Saints Basketball 15U: He is an athletic slasher who finishes with rim attacks.
Justin Traina The University JV: This lefty is a knockdown spot up shooter.
Dominic Simpkins Each One Teach One: He has mid range game. Also, he demonstrated the ability to hit the 3 ball spotting up and off the dribble. He needs to improve on shot selection and not pre-determining his moves.
Melvin Lipsey III Oscar Grant Ballers: He has good vision and passing ability. Also, his good first step allows him to get to the rim at will and finish with consistency.
Brandon Beckman NBBA 16: Quick hands that leads to steals; good on ball defender; vision and passing ability; surprisingly athletic; fronts ball in transition; passes were on a dime; struggled with his shot on Saturday, but was more consistent on Sunday; nice rim attacks and finishes.
Miles Squiers NBBA 15: Mid range game; high motor; moves well without the ball; finishes at the rim consistently; reminded me of a young Tony Parker.
Rustin McManis Saints Basketball 15U: He is a good spot up shooter from the 3 point area.
David Billington Coastside JV: Savvy ball handler; nice vision and passing ability; consistent 3 ball shooter
Jason Rodriguez Team Dynasty: He is a very good spot up 3 ball shooter.
Will Charvin Splash City: He has a nice pull up jump shot and attacks the rim at will.
Emmanuel Adeoye NBBA 15: Long; athletic; raw; African kid; He got better throughout the day that I saw him play.
Landis Spivey The University: pull up jumpers; mid range game; 3 ball spot up shooter as well
Marquis Pierce-Fairly Oscar Grant Ballers: High motor; very aggressive offensively and defensively; can hit the 3 ball
Matt Redmond NBBA 16: He is a shooter with range.
Tyler Hillman Bay Area Warriors: Fundamentally sound; attacks the rim; very good footwork; attacks well in crowds
Arjun Gujral Bay Area Warriors: Knockdown spot up shooter from the 3 point area
BJ Standley Oakland Soldiers: Passing; vision; rim attacks; 3 ball
Zavier Lucero Oakland Soldiers: Slasher/finisher; rim attacks; dunker; mid range game
Anthony Haskett Oakland Soldiers: Lefty who can shoot it with the best of them
BJ Shaw Oakland Soldiers: Struggled on Saturday, but came out on day 2 and showed 3 ball, mid range, and rim attacks.
Riley Grigsby West Valley: Muscular skilled power forward with handles, mid range game, and 3 ball game
Sandor Rodriguez West Valley: Savvy PG; handles; vision; passing
Joseph Vaughn West Valley: Athletic wing; nice push off pull up jumper
Michael Moore The University: Big body; raw; decent footwork; athletic monster dunks
Joe Diaz NBBA 17: Tough as nails PG
Joey Potts NBBA 17: Long; lanky; thin-built; oozing with potential
Ethan Menzies Coastside Varsity: Long; lanky; shooter

West Coast High School Super Showcase
                    
REGISTER HERE

2015 FALL SUPER SHOWCASE Presented by CaliforniaPreps.com

NCAA CERTIFIED SCOUTING SERVICE

Sunday, October 25th, 2015

Grades: TOP athletes currently enrolled in
High School 2019, 2018, 2017, & 2016
(Class of 2020 – invite only)

Check-In: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Fee: $125 per Athlete

Limited to 120 Top High School Players

Location: 
JAMTOWN
31 4th St, Oakland, CA 94607

Phone:(510) 286-9982

Super Showcase Schedule (subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances)

Sunday, October 25th, 2015
8:00am – 9:30am Player Check in – Jersey Check In – Team Assignments
9:30am – 10:00am Skill Instruction Stations – Warm Up
10:00am – 1:00pm Game Session 1
1:00pm – 5:00pm Game Session 2
5:00pm – 5:15pm End of Showcase Group Photo

*NO OUTSIDE BASKETBALLS WILL BE ALLOWED INTO GYM!

Central and Northern California’s #1 post-season unsigned high school exposure event provides all participating players an opportunity to demonstrate their skills to all the NCAA Division II, III, NAIA and JUCO coaches, scouts and media invited to attend. A special report will be sent out to college coaches all across the country.

Play Top Central and Northern California Competition.Get Evaluated by the West Coast’s and the Nation’s Top Scouts Like Ronnie Flores (ESPNhs.com/CalHiSports) Frank Burlison (Burlison on Basketball), Dave Keefer (California Preps), Johnny Hernandez (Ball is life), and Gerry Freitas (Hoops Review).Each Player Plays in two (2) Showcase Games (each player plays at least half of game).Player/Game Stats Provided by California Preps.All Players Included in Special Super Showcase Report sent out to college coaches.Everyone Receives a Super Showcase Uniform Top (Bring shoes and shorts).

To Accept This Invitation Register ASAP or for More Info Call: 
Ladell Hill (Recruiting Director) 1.909.260.3542

Conducted by: Jerina Madayag of PremierBall.com & Ladell Hill of MidMajor Hoops Report

As the final days of the summer 2015 basketball season ended, we were able to catch up and spend some time with New York 5-star and one of the nation’s elite guards for the class of 2016, Rawle Alkins.  Rawle is a fierce competitor and a force to reckon with on both ends of the court. His tenacious offense and defense has led him to becoming one of the most sought out prospects in the country. A young man with great character, as he exhibited this at the Adidas Global Nations, when he invited an injured, Dennis Smith into the huddle for the celebration. Rawle has a bright future ahead of him and we definitely wanted to take this opportunity to get to know him a little better!

1. What is your official height and weight?

RA: I am 6’4, 220Lbs.

2. What position do you see yourself playing in college?
RA: A combo guard, Point guard and Shooting Guard

3. What AAU Team are you playing with this year?
RA: The New York Rens.

4. Describe your game for coaches and fans who have never seen you play.

RA: I am an aggressive guard, always on attack mode.  I know how to create for myself and others. I believe I can shoot well and I am just a winner.

5. What makes you stand out the most from other players you compete against?

RA: Everyone is athletic, everyone can do a lot of the same things. My motor doesn’t stop.

6. What part of your game do you feel like you’ve improved on the most in the last year?

RA: My shooting and my ball handling.

7. What aspect of your game are you working the hardest to improve?
RA: Everything, I feel like I can and need to work on every part of my game.

8. What schools have shown strong interest so far?
RA: Well, the schools that I have cut my list to.

9. Who are some of the college coaches that have made an impression on you and your family?

RA: Most of the schools on my top 10

10. Do you have a top five to ten school you’re looking at right now?

RA: Yes, I just released my top 10: Kentucky, North Carolina, Texas, Kansas, St. John’s, Louisville, NC State, UNLV, Maryland and Indiana.

11. What schools have you visited ? Do you have any visits planned for the future?

RA: No, nothing planned right now, just working on prep school.

12.  Would you prefer to play college basketball close to home, or is that not a factor for you?

RA: Location doesn’t matter

13. How hard do you work on your game? How much time do you put in?
RA: Every day, I will catch my flight home to New York, then when I get home, I will be back in the gym.

14. How old were you when first picked up a basketball?

RA: I was about 5 years old.

15. What things are really important to you when it comes to choosing where to play college basketball?
RA: Atmosphere, I want to play where it is a family, not just feel like it’s a job.

16. Who are some of the mentors who helped you get to where you are right now?

RA: Well, I don’t have a personal trainer, I have been working on my own.

17. What is your favorite moment as a basketball player so far?
RA: I think winning the 3rd New York City title.  I felt more a part of the team that 3rd year!

18. What are some of your short term goals/ long term goals?
RA: Haven’t really thought out short term goals. Long term goals, besides basketball, I want to try to take up acting in the future or become an actor.

19. What style of play do you prefer?
RA: Up tempo and team basketball.

20. Who is a player in college basketball or the NBA that you really respect?
RA: I respect all of them even though I don’t know them personally. But I respect them because they are there and they made it!

21. Tell the world something about Rawle Alkins that people might not know.

RA: Well, my mom raised me and played both roles in my life.  People think that because I am a kid from New York that I am aggressive.  But, I am open and I talk to everyone.  I feel that I am a friendly person.

22. Do you have a Facebook , Twitter, IG?

Twitter: Iam_RawleAlkins
IG: @kingrawle
Facebook: Rawle Alkins

On May 16-17, Mid Major Hoops Report ventured to Oakland, California to cover Team Select/SF Rebels’ Warm Up 2 Reno. Team Select was started in 2009 as a non-profit organization benefitting youth in the areas of education, life skills, college placement, network building, philanthropy, and athletics. On Saturday and Sunday, Mid Major Hoops Report covered the high school divisions at Jam Town.
High School Standouts
Gabe Torres, Pioneer HS(CA) 2015: 6’2″ guard; moves well without the ball; witnessed him hitting 5 3 pointers in one game
DJ Sanders, Pittsburgh HS(CA) 2015: 5’9″ guard; crafty player; excellent burst and first step; can hit the 3 ball spotting up and off the dribble
Zeke Crawford, Stuart Hall HS(CA) 2016: 6’5″ forward; lefty; mid range game; finishes around the rim; gets offensive rebounds at a high rate
Vince Romeo, De La Salle HS(CA) 2015: 5’10” guard; very good on ball defender in the mode of former Ohio State player Aaron Craft; had 5-6 steals in one game; excellent 3 ball shooter; gets to the rim and attacks at will; uses body well to finish with contact; Linfield College commit
Kareem Watson, Tracy HS(CA) 2015: 6’2″ guard; serious bounce/very athletic; lefty; nice stroke from 3 point area
Trevon Bryant, Davis HS(CA) 2016: 6’6″ post; young big; looks like bambi on the court
Jordan Hollins, Modesto Christian HS(CA) 2016: 6’2″; physically built guard; hits the 3 ball off the dribble; gets to the paint; good spot up shooter(3 ball)
Jared Rice, Central Catholic HS(CA) 2017: 5’9″ guard; high school Jason Williams/White Chocolate; serious handles; creates separation with moves like the Kemba Walker step back move
Daniel Gianoca, Big Valley Christian HS(CA) 2016: 6’8″ post; another young big to watch; reminds me of a baby deer on the court
DeAndre Stallings, Liberty Ranch HS(CA) 2015: 6’5″ forward; mid range game; tall wing; quick leaper; puts it on the floor and blows by defenders; has a post up game as well
Tyler Green, Enterprise HS(CA) 2016: 5’8″ guard; quick; good vision; passes on a dime; shoots 3 ball consistently; pit bull on ball defender
Armani Collins, Stuart Hall HS(CA) 2015: 6’5″ guard/wing; hit stare down 3 ball; pull up jumper off hesitation move; 3 ball off skirt move in a pick and roll play; athletic bounce(went of high for alley oop); showed deep shooting range(NBA area); needs to work on his left hand
Clayton Lavine, Phillip Barton HS(CA) 2016: 6’1″ guard; can really shoot the 3 ball; hit 6 3s in one game; was the 3rd leading scorer in high school basketball in the nation averaging 37.8 points per game
Zach Fleming, Berkeley HS(CA) 2016: 5’10” guard; midrange jumper; moves well without the ball; finishes with contact
Bobby Santos, San Jose Valley Christian HS(CA) 2017: 5’10” guard; spot up shooter(3 ball); deep range; pull up jumpers in transition
NJai LeBlanc, Sequoias HS(CA) 2017: 5’10” guard; rim attacks; spot up 3 ball; mid range jumper
Kevin Wise, Liberty HS(CA) 2017: 5’8″ guard; quick/fast; pit bull on defense
Nico Tom, Liberty HS(CA) 2017: 6’3″ guard; very skilled; nice handles; 3 ball; mid range jumper; excellent passer with vision
Levelle Zeigler, Oakland Tech(CA) 2018: 5’8″ guard; nice young player to watch; excellent handles; has some shake and bake; can get to the paint and rim and finish with a floater with his left hand
Brady Rick, Quincy HS(CA) 2015: 6’3″ guard; deadly 3 point shooter; don’t leave him open; nice mid range jumper; Australian native
Jeremy Gordon, Balboa HS(CA) 2016: 5’11” guard; good spot up shooter from 3 point area; nice use of reverse pivot to get open and create separation; gets to the rim and finishes
Jalen Malone, Pittsburgh HS(CA) 2016: 5’8″ guard; took over last 9 minutes of championship game; constantly puts pressure on defense by pushing the rock in transition; lots of energy; rim attacks; penetrate and kick to open teammate for assists; when double teamed, found open teammate for layups 

MID MAJOR HOOPS REPORT ELITE 26

This list is based on overall performance in showcase camp games only and not in particular ranking or order. Mid Major Hoops Report proudly presents to you the “Elite 26” super showcase performers regardless of class and/or position.

Bryson Williams 2016 6-8 SF Roosevelt Fresno

Lunden Taylor 2018 5-11 PG San Joaquin Memorial HS Fresno

Ronald Knighten 2016 G St. Elizabeth HS – Oakland

Tydus Verhoeven 2017 6-8 SG Manteca H.S.

Brian “Bam” King 2015 6-3 G Roosevelt HS Fresno

Kenneth Wooten 2016 6-8 SF Manteca H.S.

Jeron Bowers 2015 6-2 PG Hoover Fresno

Colin Slater Jr. 2016 6-0 PG Immanuel Reedley

Phillip Fayne 2015 6-7 PF Franklin Elk Grove

Jonathan Ned III 2018 6-5 PG Heritage Brentwood

Tyler Meyers 2016 6-1 PG Arroyo San Lorenzo

Donovan Mitchell 2016 6-7 SF Buchanan Clovis

Ethan Richardson 2016 6-9 C Madera H.S.

Jamont Wilson 2015 6-7 PF Edison Fresno

Justin Briggs 2015 6-10 C River City Sacramento

Jeremy Eves 2015 6-8 C Antelope H.S.

Austin Armstead 2015 6-2 PG Bullard Fresno

Bailey Stout 2015 6-2 PG Mater Dei Santa Ana

Mikani Whiteside 2019 6-1 SG Los Nietos MS Whittier

Keunta Howard 2015 6-0 PG Roosevelt Fresno

Steven Daily 2015 6-4 SF College Park Pleasant Hill

Brandynn Manning 2016 5-11 PG Deer Valley Antioch

Jaylen Johnson 2017 6-3 PG Clovis East HS Clovis

Austin Contreras 2016 5-9 PG West HS Bakersfield

Tymere Ross 2016 PG 5-10 Centennial HS Bakersfield

Devon Givens 2015 PG 6-2 Central HS Fresno

What is a Leader?
(Walsh HS Colorado)

A LEADER, LEADS BY EXAMPLE: A leader must be a positive role model at all times. Every word spoken has to be a positive word. Every act he does must be a positive act. A leader can never be negative. He must be a shining example of what it takes to be great.

A LEADER BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN OTHERS: A leader must be the type of person that others want to be like. He has to inspire his teammates to be their very best.

A LEADER IS AN EXTENSION OF THE COACH: Most players are well behaved when the coach is around. However, when the coach is not around, negative things can occur. Any type of negative talk, about the team or another player, is detrimental to the team. A leader does not try to cut corners in any way. He knows what the team and school rules are and does not break them himself, or allow others to break them.

A LEADER IS A HARD WORKER: A leader must enjoy serving others. He must want to do the things that are necessary for a team to have success. A leader is always trying to think of ways he can help improve the team.

A LEADER PUTS THE TEAM FIRST: It is easy to come up with excuses why we can’t get a task done. I hear those excuses all the time. If you want to do something, you can almost always do it. If you don’t want to do something, you can almost always find an excuse so that you don’t have to do it. I want people who I can count on to be there. I want people who are committed to basketball all year – not just during the season.

A LEADER TRULY WANTS TO BE A SERVANT: You can’t fake it, you either want to be a positive servant to your team, or you don’t. The leaders of this team do not have to be the best players. In fact, I think it is neat when someone who isn’t a great player steps up and takes on a leadership role. Your job as a member of this team is to find some way to make a positive contribution to the team. For some that contribution may be providing leadership.

Leading by Helping Others:

If you think it ever was about you as a leader, you are wrong. Leadership is about others. Great leaders love and care about others more than themselves.

Here are four tips to help you love and care about those you lead. However, let me preface these tips by saying that the most important thing you need to do is not fake caring. Either you really love those you lead or you don’t. If don’t feel it, don’t fake it. Faking it will erode your trust as a leader very quickly. People know when leaders are genuine and when they are not.

1. Serve. There is a positive correlation between serving others and love. The more you serve others, the more you will care for and love them. The more you care and love, the greater desire you will have to serve. It can be as easy as sending a heartfelt card during a tender time in an employee’s life, or doing something nice for their family. There are many opportunities to serve those we lead, we just need to be aware and look for them.

2. Be empathetic. See those you lead as people with needs just like you. I was talking to a colleague of mine the other day who has an employee with a very sick father who lives clear across the country. She can’t afford an airline ticket to see him. This kind and generous leader is going to buy her a ticket so she can see her father, and he is doing it anonymously. He has truly seen those he leads as people just like him that he can reach out and serve.

3. See the positive. Everybody has good in them. The more you think and speak positively of others the more you will care. If you are always seeing the negative; it is difficult to care because those feelings are in direct conflict with caring. Some of you might be saying, “well, that is fine and dandy, but there is negative, and I have to address that too.” And I agree. But look for the positive first and then address the negative because you love that person, not because you are upset or angry.

4. Express it. Now, you don’t need to say “I love you.” That could be construed as something different than what you are trying convey. But telling those you lead that you really do care about them; that you appreciate them, and feeling it as you say it, will increase your love for them. There is a real connection that occurs when you express how you feel genuinely to others.

(Photo Courtesy: Area Codes Basketball)

One of the top 2017 prospects in the Country out of the State of Nevada, Charles O’Bannon Jr. of Bishop Gorman High School (NV) has been showing out grabbing major attention from college recruiters and media outlets. Mid Major Hoops Report has invited him to our “Players Corner” where we at Mid Major Hoops Report are proud to highlight him and give us insight into his recruitment at this time….

Charles O’Bannon Jr Highlights (Click Here)

What is your official height and weight?

CB: 6’4 and 180

What position do you see yourself playing in college?

CB: I see myself playing a shooting guard or a small forward.

What AAU team are you playing with this year?

CB: Team Vegas Elite

Describe your game for coaches and fans who haven’t seen you play yet?

CB: I am a scorer ,very vocal, and love to do the small things to win games.

What makes you stand out the most from other players you compete against?

CB: I would have to say my scoring ability and the fact that I like to slash. A slight advantage when my opponent thinks all I do is shoot .

What part of your game do you feel like you’ve improved on the most in the last year?

CB: My ball handling by far, it has improved and will continue to improve.

What aspect of your game are you working the hardest on to improve?

CB: My defense, I am okay on defense but I want to be a great defensive payer.

What schools have shown strong interest so far?

CB: Tulsa, Southern Utah, Arizona, Pepperdine, Washington, Notre Dame and I have gotten an offer from UNLV.

Who are some of the college coaches who have made an impression on you and your family?

CB: Rick Pitino and Jim Harrick.

Do you have a top five to ten schools you’re looking at right now?

CB: UNLV, Duke, Louisville, Michigan, Syracuse, Uconn, Florida, Arizona, Kansas, and UCLA

What schools have you visited? Do you have any visits planned for the future?

CB: I have visited UCLA, Duke, NC State, North Carolina, and Wake Forest but, I would also like to visit the ones that i listed above.

Would you prefer to play college basketball close to home, or is that not a factor for you?

CB: Thats not a factor for me.

How hard do you work on your game? How much time do you put in?

CB: I put in tons of work in the gym. Between 3- 6 hours a day.

How old were you when you first picked up a basketball?

CB: About 5 years old.

What things are really important to you when it comes to choosing where to play college basketball?

CB: The coaching staff and the style of play that the team’s offense is set up and the environment.

Who are some of the mentors who helped you get to where you are right now?

CB: My mother.

What’s your favorite moment as a basketball player so far?

CB: Winning the Fab 48 last year because we came back from being down by 26 points and came back to win the championship.

What are your short term goals as a basketball player?

CB: To win another state championship.

What are your long term goals?

CB: To go to a high-major college and onto the pros.

Do you have a Facebook or Twitter that you’d like to share?

CB: Twitter @mrobannon5

What style of play do you prefer?

CB: I prefer a Kevin Durant type of play.

Who’s a player in college basketball or the NBA that you really respect?

CB: Kobe Bryant because he has made it clear that no one in the world can guard him and that he will score on anyone. Also people can’t be compared to him after what he has done in the past 17 years of his NBA career.

Do you prefer Nike, adidas, or Under Armour?

CB: Nike

Special Thank You to the O’Bannon Family for allowing MMHR to conduct this Q&A with their son. Please keep in touch with any up to date recruiting news.

http://www.MidMajorHoopsReport.com

One of the top 2015 prospects in the Country out of the State of California, Stephen Thompson Jr of Bishop Montgomery High School (CA) has been showing out grabbing major attention from college recruiters and media outlets. Mid Major Hoops Report has invited him to our “Players Corner” where we at Mid Major Hoops Report are proud to highlight him and allow him to give us insight into his recruitment at this time….

Stephen Thompson Jr. has a smooth shooting stroke that extends out to 22-feet. His shot is tight off the catch and he is getting better creating off the dribble. Despite his reputation as a shooter, the most impressive aspect of his game is his savvy. – ESPN.COM

Stephen Thompson Jr. Highlights (Click Here)

MMHR: What is your official height and weight?

STJ: 6’3″ 160lbs.

MMHR: What position do you see yourself playing in college?

STJ: Combo guard 2 and 1.

MMHR: What AAU team are you playing with this year?

STJ: Superior Athletes.

MMHR: Describe your game for coaches and fans who haven’t seen you play yet?

STJ: I shoot the 3 ball. I play at an up tempo pace. Defensively, I use my length for steals and deflections.

MMHR: What makes you stand out the most from other players you compete against?

STJ: My 3 point shooting.

MMHR: What part of your game do you feel like you’ve improved on the most in
the last year?

STJ: I would say my strength. Also, I am better defensively, especially on the ball.

MMHR: What aspect of your game are you working the hardest on to improve?

STJ: Getting stronger.

MMHR: What schools have shown strong interest so far?

STJ: Arizona State; San Diego State; Gonzaga; USC; Creighton; Stanford.

MMHR: Who are some of the college coaches who have made an impression on you
and your family?

STJ: Coach Sendek from Arizona State and Coach Enfield from USC.

MMHR:Do you have a top five to ten schools you’re looking at right now?

STJ: I haven’t narrowed it down yet.

MMHR: What schools have you visited? Do you have any visits planned for the
future?

STJ: I visited Stanford, San Diego State, and USC. I have no dates set up yet.

MMHR: Would you prefer to play college basketball close to home, or is that
not a factor for you?

STJ: Not a factor.

MMHR: How hard do you work on your game? How much time do you put in?

STJ: I work very hard every day with my dad at least one and half hours every day.

MMHR: How old were you when you first picked up a basketball?

STJ: 4 or 5 years old.

MMHR: What things are really important to you when it comes to choosing where to play college basketball?

STJ: It is a combination of academics and athletics. Also, early playing time is important. Being able to contribute to the team my first year will play a role in my decision.

MMHR: Who are some of your mentors who helped you get to where you are right now?

STJ: My father.

MMHR: What’s your favorite moment as a basketball player so far?

STJ: Winning state this past year.

MMHR: What are your short term goals as a basketball player?

STJ: Contribute to a D1 program and win another state title.

MMHR: What are your long term goals?

STJ: Play professional basketball.

MMHR: Do you have a Facebook or Twitter that you’d like to share?

STJ: No.

MMHR: What style of play do you prefer?

STJ: Up tempo style.

MMHR: Who’s a player in college basketball or the NBA that you really respect?

STJ: Steph Curry and James Young.

MMHR: Do you prefer Nike, adidas, or Under Armour?

STJ: No preference.

Thank you, to the Thompson Family for allowing us to interview your son. Please keep us informed and upto date on his future recruitment.