Memphis Roar

Continuing with the trend from day one, we continued to focus on the 16U and 17U pool play. While the battle of the big men carried over from the first day, there was a plethora of guards that stepped into the spotlight today.


In the matchup of the day, the Memphis Magic Elite took on Team Alabama in a battle of the undefeated. Both teams boast talented front lines and scrappy guards, making for an exciting nightcap. After taking a punch in the mouth early, the Magic settled down and did what they do; pressure the ball and push it in transition. The Magic went on to win 61-47 and finished pool play as the only undefeated team in the 17U age group.

Andre Hollins (Memphis, TN/ White Station)

2011 6’1” G

Simply put, Hollins won this game for the Magic. With great on-ball defense, Hollins pressured the Team Alabama guards into mistakes and turnovers that initiated the Magic’s fast breaks. Hollins took the ball to the hole with authority, even attempting to throw down on 6-foot-10 Willy Kouassi.


Delvin McNeil (Birmingham, AL / Central Park Christian)

2011 6’0” PG


Having to face-off against the feisty Andre Hollins, McNeil was extremely solid for Team Alabama. He knocked down two open threes, got into the lane, and fed the post with good entry passes. Creating for his teammates is his best attribute at this point. Even though Bernard Morena and Willy Kouassi are the primary guys for Team Alabama, McNeil is the guy that makes this team go. The better he is, the better Team Alabama plays.


Nino Johnson (Memphis, Tn./White Station)

2011 6’8” PF


Johnson was thrown off early in the matchup against Kouassi due to the physical nature of the contest, but he responded nicely. He settled down on the offensive end and started playing well off of post-partner Marvin Williams. Running high-low sets and taking his defender off the dribble, Johnson continued to show his newly diversified skill-set on the offensive end. Defensively, Johnson got his hand in passing lanes, knocked balls loose, and kicked out quick outlet passes.


Willy Kousassi (Birmingham, Al./Central Park Christian)

2011 6’10” C


Kouassi seemed to come out intent on proving a point that he was the best big man in the River City Showdown. Starting the game with 4 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in the first seven minutes, Kouassi bodied Nino Johnson on the defensive end and snagged any rebound in his area. He showed that his specialty is on the defensive end and even gave Johnson the “Dikembe finger” after a monster block on a dunk attempt. In his earlier game against the Arkansas Warriors, Kouassi simply man-handled the competition. He touched the ball about seven times total on offense and five of those touches ended in a dunk.


CRAWLING OUT FROM UNDER A ROCK


Jacori Coleman (Mobile, AL/ Blount)

2011 6’4” SF


Long and active on the defensive end, Coleman is a mid-major to low-level high major wing who is a virtual unknown at this point. Coleman displayed above average athleticism and a knack for getting to the cup. At 6-foot-4, Coleman has good size for a wing, but needs to develop his handles a tad bit.


A HIDDEN GEM?


Cordarius Johnson (Coushatta, LA / Red River)

2010 – Undecided senior – 6’5” SF


Johnson is an undecided senior who, according to some at the event, is set to qualify if picked up. After averaging 18.1 points and over 10 rebounds per game his senior season, it’s mind-boggling that Johnson has managed to slip through the cracks. Although he forced the issue early, Johnson settled down early and made his impact in almost every way on the offensive end. He’s a decent ball-handler, but not great and struggled at times with on-ball pressure in the backcourt. Johnson reminded some in attendance of local shooting guard Todd Mayo. With the way that he can score the ball, Johnson could end up being a solid late addition to a mid-level high major team.


16U STANDOUTS


Davon Ester (Parieville, LA/ Dutchtown)

2012 6’7” F


Ester is long, active and is a decent step out four. He drives the ball well but struggled somewhat with decision making by over-dribbling and forcing drives that simply were not there. He could afford to gain some weight but is a guy that, with some skill development and an inch or two, could turn into an intriguing prospect.


DeAndre Harper (Douglasville, GA / Alexander)

2012 6′6″ SG


Harper followed up his good showing yesterday with an ordinary performance Friday at Ridgeway Baptist. While Harper showcased good court vision and awareness, he tends to try to do too much. As a result, Harper often found himself holding onto the basketball too long, a sequence that usually ended in a turnover or forced shot. Harper can finish in traffic and has a high motor, but his jump-shot was noticeably absent on Friday. Harper is also an above-average defender, mainly due to his length.


Aaron Wheeler (Morristown, TN / Morristown East)

2012 6′4″ SG


Wheeler, a wing from Morristown, Tennessee, put on a show at the River City Showdown on Friday. At 6’4”, Wheeler displayed a good back-to-the-basket game and got to the rim easily and often where he usually drew contact from opposing players. He has long arms and defended the taller Harper (of Georgia Defenders) very well, whom he largely outplayed. Wheeler is a good perimeter defender, but he has a tendency to make lazy passes while on offense. He also needs to improve his court, awareness and handles.


* John Martin contributed to this report. All images taken by Jason Huckleberry of Huckleberry Photography.