2017 Ohio 8th Grade Top 20 All Stars
8th Grade Top 40 All Stars
8th Grade Top 60 All Stars
8th grade top 20
William Jeffress #314- standing 6'6 now he grew a good 3 inches from last camp. Will's game has grown too. Being one of the taller kids in camp last year he played a lot on the post, not this camp, Will looked like he added more to his game. Stepping outside knocking down threes consistently getting to the basket and throwing down mixtape like dunks.
Camron Gaston #264- shot the ball solid all weekend, from pull ups in transition to catch in shoot threes from anywhere on the court. Shooting from college range with ease, and very confident when shooting it. Played some good defense and did a lot of talking on defense as well, don't see that too often in these type of camps.
Luke Chicone #176- when you talk about the best 8th graders around you have to bring Luke's name up. By him being so small but his game is so being big , Luke made his presents known every time he stepped on the floor. From nice mixtape crossovers to no look passes there wasn't anything stopping little Luke from being great.
Jalen Dial #253- is a silent assassin, doesn't do too much talking but his game does all the screaming for him. With more muscle to his frame Jalen made guards that were checking him look like baby's. His explosive first step kept everybody off balance and the muscle he put on helped him finish tough shots in the paint.
Makail Cottingham #221- is and was a walking bucket, a scoring machine with a mindset that nobody can guard him. His long arms helped him sit down on defense and lock defenders all the way up. Winners mindset that did whatever he had to do for his team to win ball games.
Meechie Johnson #1- you have some good guards, ok guards and then you have dominant guards, well Meech is a dominant guard that's been dominating this camp for a long time now. Picked up where he left off last camp scoring the ball at will, getting where he want when he want on the floor at will and finding his teammates with no look passes. Scored 30 twice but did it making it look to easy.
Enavell Lighty #226- the Lighty genes are starting to show, standing almost 6'7 now Lighty did what his uncle OSU alumni David Lighty was doing at his age and that just be a ball player. Still learning and polishing his game you can tell he's been in the gym working on all parts of his game. Very athletic and raw, if he continues to grow and game continues to get better he has a chance to be the best player in this class.
Khaaron Allen #224- in transition you would of thought Allen was running without the ball because he was fast and quick with it on the break. He used his quickness to blow by defenders, get easy wide open layups in transition and quick enough to keep any defender in front of him by beating them to the spot. Played with a lot of confidence and swagger.
Anthony McComb lll #293- did a lot of great things all camp, wasn't much that Ant didn't do. Watched him single handily take over games, not just scoring but passing for good looks for his teammates, defending best players and rebounding with people that where way bigger than him. All around game that turned him into a top 20 all star.
Omar Abuhamdeh #310- his game gets better every camp and we have been watching Omar since he was little. He can flat out play, an extremely good offensive player that knock down shots anywhere on the floor at a high percentage. Handles the ball well with a sick signature spin move that gets the crowds attention every time.
Raymelle Arnold #227- plays with a lot of confidence, emotion and a whole lot of swag. From the color to his hair to his nice shoes Arnold always stands out and his game do the most standing. By far you can say he's one of the best scoring guards around, from long range threes to big boy finishes, he gets the job done.
Mason Miller #269- the stretch big caused a lot of problems for his defenders that were guarding him. He could stretch them out to the wing and knock down shots from three, he also did a lot of pump faking getting them to jump and going right by them. When Mason gets stronger his game will be more consistent and dominant.
Jaden Hameed #297- whenever he plays he is so focuses and is able to keep the same face the whole entire time. He has that killer look to him and his game explains why, Hameed is a force to stop. Being bigger then guards checking him he simply made them look silly, blowing by them with his quick first step, and finishing at the rim with ease. You can't leave him open either, that's almost a guaranteed point.
Jonah Lytle #217- with a lot of raw talent you can see the potential of him being really good. Was very strong with the ball, either going to the basket to get and 1 foul calls or grabbing the rebounds from anybody that tried to jump with him. Has a very high ceiling if he continues to get better the sky's the limit for Jonah.
Chanze Amerson #296- a rebounding machine, being in the right position at all time. Did the little things that nobody pays attention too and you need players like him. Plays like boxing out, hustle for loose balls making the extra pass, he did little things like that to win games for his team and make the top 20 all star game. Sometimes it's not all about making the best plays it's about making the right plays and Chanze made a lot of right smart plays.
Tez Brown #242- you can tell when a player just loves the game, Tez loves this game. Always had a smile on his face even when things wasn't going his way. Shot the ball well from 3 along with handled the ball it like it was nothing. Good court vision, knew when his shot wasn't falling he became that player that made sure his teammates got theirs.
Ja'Lyn Griffin #213- has a great feel for the game, understands everything about it. A good passer that made the right pass in tough situations. Good size for his age along with some strength and muscle to his frame.
Cameron Ray #273- a talent that can't be denied, he was very explosive on offense and locked down defenders on defense. When ask about his game his coach said he had similarities to Westbrook, the way he attacked the rim was fearless, he went up for rebounds like a big and that cocky but confidence mentality.
Justin Slattery #268- all around baller, did a lot of things well. Didn't do much shooting but seem like he found a role for his team to win games. He made wide open layups, ran the floor well, played defense and rebounded the ball. Can't ask for more in a player, did enough to make the all star game and leave people without a doubt in there mind that this kid can play.
Tae Perie #218- the matchup with him and Meechie Johnson woke a lot of people up that was sleeping on Tae. He didn't back down from the nationally ranked player, he showed that he could play with anybody in the country. The smooth lefty is a tough point guard that will cross you over break your ankle and hit a three in your face. Came in a talk around the city left out with questions on why they not talking about him nationally.
8th grade top 40
Antonio Ocasio #182- a true floor general, with a pass first mindset. Love players like Antonio that doesn't need the ball to impact a game, the way he found his teammates and handled the ball was enough to solidify his spot in a all star game.
Tyree Alexander #237- shooters shoot, Tyree was a shooter that did a lot of other things but shooting was his strength. A lot of kids at this age either look to catch and shoot or shoot off the dribble, what set Ty apart was that he used his teammates to get him open off screens for wide open looks. Didn't force shots either.
Jalen Sanders #212- aggressive on both ends of the floor, really had a good feel for shooting the ball as well. Understood when to take and don't take shots, with a nice form like Jalen has and more reps and practice, he could be a deadly shooter.
Chase Harris #156- played on and off the ball, good thing about Harris is when shot wasn't falling he was able to do more and went to the point to start dishing out the ball. Combo guards always have a better advantage of making things happen, Chase made those things happen.
Arik Viney #224- not afraid of big moments, in two of his games the games were close, Arik stepped up and made big plays some where winning plays and some where game changing plays. When you have a big heart like Arik your not afraid to make things happen, he was a walking bucket.
Marius Stovall #261- not many players at camp took pride on the defensive side, Stovall hung his hat on play defense and you can tell. Talking on defense, yelling out screen right and left and taking charges, all of that in a all star setting camp. Nobody want to do that type of work but when doing it, it will definitely set you apart from the rest, Marius was set apart.
Jamere Sheron #170- showed a lot of skill set at camp, handles where really well shot at a high percentage and shared the ball. Pretty much a good all around player that could score every time if possible but filled his stats with scoring rebounds and assist.
Malik Simmons #164- very athletic and explosive, all of his moves where strong hard moves to the basket for and 1 finishes and easy layups. Knew how to create off the dribble for pull up shots and locked down on defense.
James Quinn #232- played a lot off the ball because his team knew he could hit open shots. James did a lot of sprinting the floor to his nice sweet spots on the floor where his teammates found him for either three point shots or finding him cutting to the basket.
Canaan Dye #225- had very easy job and that was to just step on the floor, playing with a nationally ranked point guard he bound to be found on the court. All he had to was make easy layups and knock down open shots, and that's what he did. Great hands and feel for the ball, knew where to be when his guard was in attack mode.
Reese Evans #188- had a nice simple weekend, played with an elite guard that found Reese for open shots and cutting to the rim for easy layups. Didn't force shots when defender closed out on him, he either made the next pass, pump fake and went by him or passed it back.
Shane Robinson #216- combo guard that likes to stay in attack at all times. Pushed the ball on the break every time, used his speed to get by defenders, when driving game stopped he pulled up for mid range jumpers and catch and shoot threes.
Josiah Mobley #70- high IQ and great feel for the game. Knew when and how to set good screens, when to cut to the basket and where to be on defense. Knowing the game made his job that much easier, rebounding was easy because he knew where to be and who to box out. When three point shot wasn't falling he took a couple dribbles in and started hitting inside jumpers.
Wilgus Tolso #258- a work horse that never stops playing hard. His energy level wore off on other players, he didn't take any plays off. Took shots when they were there but didn't force them, gave up a lot of looks to get better looks for his teammates. Extremely good on defense that can guard multiple positions.
Demarya Gadson #162- very aggressive when taking the rim, also knew combo moves when being cut off trying to get there, from a euro step to a jump stop he made it difficult for anyone to stop him from getting where he wanted to go.
Trevor Wood #241- has a nice smooth stroke that shot it from anywhere on the court. Was able to create his own shot with hesitation cross overs that created space for his shot to get off to knocking down the open shot when found by a teammate. Got some steals and deflections just from being in the right spots on defense.
Joe Labas #179- his presents were present in the paint, a true rim protector that stood his ground and wouldn't be stopped. Great hand and eye coordination that allowed him to catch some tough and tight passes when guards drove to the paint. Kept rebounds high and went straight back up and either drew the foul or got the easy put back.
Blair Wallace #35- got in the paint a lot for pull ups runners and floaters. Really knew how to float the ball up over defenders making tough shots over bigger players. Good passer, creative finisher and all around good player.
Marquis Hawthorne #195- nice size and knew how to use his body for rebounds and easy put backs around the rim. Had a nice soft touch that used the back board a lot for layups. Can go inside and outside which made him a mix match night mare. Could guard multiple positions.
Austin Johnson #260- when Johnson realize he could really play and stop thinking so much he will can be special. Showed that he can shoot when open and make plays when he had the ball. More confidence in his game and the sky could be the limit for Austin.
TOP 8th Grade PERFORMERS
NEO Youth Elite has emerged as the top youth (3rd-8th grade) organization in the state. Every year, the best talent from across Northeast Ohio and surrounding areas pack into Garfield Heights for stacked two-day camp that draws the top scouts and media cover for middle school hoops.
With a number of the camp's alumni earning varsity playing time this season, it's only right that NEO Spotlight was in attendance to see which future stars I will be covering this summer and throughout the 2017-18 season.
Keep reading for the 8th Grade recap from the latest camp this past weekend!
Meechie Johnson (#1) - You will be hardpressed to find a kid in the 2021 class that possesses the skillset of Johnson. The Garfield Heights native had the homecourt advantage and it was evident early on. Meechie has a smooth shooting stroke and uses a number of shifty hesitation moves to break his defender down. He changes speeds as well as anyone and is a solid downhill finisher in the open court but his competitiveness and effort on the defensive end of the floor was impressive for a kid who has already received such high praise.
Luke Chicone (#176) - It is virtually impossible to not root for Chicone. The electrifying guard might not pass the eye test but his play alone is certainly worth the price of admission. The undersized guard stole the crowd in the Top 20 game and left no doubt as to why he was selected as one of the camp's top performers. Chicone possesses natural instincts with the ball in his hands and is an above average finisher in the paint despite his size. His game is the perfect balance of flair and efficiency.
Evanell Lighty (#226) - Perhaps the most intriguing prospect in the area, Lighty is a kid who has continued to blossom as his both his game and body have matured over the last year. The 6'5 forward is the nephew of former Ohio State and Villa Angela-St. Joseph standout David Lighty. Able to play both inside and out, Evanell showcased a newfound skillset this weekend as he stepped away from the hoop to connect on a few jumpers and weaved his way to the rim for coast-to-coast finishes.
Tae Perie (#218) - When Perie is rolling, look out. The Akron guard is a high-volume scorer that is capable of knocking down shots in a hurry. Perie was effective using pick and roll situations to find open lanes to the hoop and drawing contact at the rim. A name to keep an eye out for, Perie is one of a handful of underclassmen guards that will be suiting up for St. Vincent-St. Mary next season.
Makail Cottingham (#221) - Cottingham almost single handily led Team Jordan to a victory in a Top 20 game that went down to the wire. He was the breakout performer of the weekend and displayed a multi-faceted game on both ends of the court, both scoring and defending at a high level. For a player that I wasn't familiar with entering the weekend, Cottingham certainly made a statemement and left a lasting impression. With good size and energy, the wing forward has earned a spot near the top of our watch list heading into the Spring and Summer.
Ramelle Arnold (#227) - Arnold, a Warrensville Heights product, wasted no time getting after it on Sunday. In a matchup with Jaden Hameed first thing in the morning, Arnold wasted no time proving why he is perhaps the top guard in his class. The combo guard possesses a natural feel for the game as a playmaker and was able to get to the rim at will and finish at an elite rate. Occasionally, Arnold settles for his jumpshot but as he displayed in overtime of the Top 20 game, he is more than capable of getting hot from deep.
Justin Slattery (#268) - An aggressive slasher, Slattery is a stong guard who has a high school ready build. In both the final scheduled game and the Top 20 showdown, Slattery wasn't affected by anyone who was on the floor and found a way to slip into the lane and power his way to a countless number of buckets in the paint.
Omar Abuhamdeh (#310) - Abuhamdeh was one of the only pure point-guard prospects in the building on Sunday. In the uptempo style of play that is accustomed to being played at the showcase events, Abuhamdeh stood out as a result of his ability to handle the ball in tight spaces and find teammates in the open floor. Able to finish at the rim with either hand, he uses a variety of angles on the backboard to create unique scoring opportunities at the rim. His battle with Meechie Johnson on Saturday drew a standing room only crowd.
Will Jeffress (#314) - Considered to be one of the top 8th grade prospects in the country, Jeffress is no stranger to NEO Youth Elite. Jeffress and his family make the trip from Erie, PA twice a year to put on a show. At 6'5, his size and frame will give him a chance to have an immediate impact at the high school level next year. Having added some significant strength since I last saw him, Jeffress was the most dominant post in attendance over the course of the two days, making a living on the offensive glass and showing off some versatility in transition.
Other Notables:
TOP 20 GAME - FIRST TEAM
TOP 20 GAME - MVPLuke ChiconeChicone scored two back-to-back buckets in the final 30 seconds of regulation to send the Top 20 All-Star game into overtime. After a 15-foot pull up jumper, the savvy guard used his quickness to steal the inbounds pass away from his defender and finish a circus shot at the rim.
William Jeffress #314- standing 6'6 now he grew a good 3 inches from last camp. Will's game has grown too. Being one of the taller kids in camp last year he played a lot on the post, not this camp, Will looked like he added more to his game. Stepping outside knocking down threes consistently getting to the basket and throwing down mixtape like dunks.
Camron Gaston #264- shot the ball solid all weekend, from pull ups in transition to catch in shoot threes from anywhere on the court. Shooting from college range with ease, and very confident when shooting it. Played some good defense and did a lot of talking on defense as well, don't see that too often in these type of camps.
Luke Chicone #176- when you talk about the best 8th graders around you have to bring Luke's name up. By him being so small but his game is so being big , Luke made his presents known every time he stepped on the floor. From nice mixtape crossovers to no look passes there wasn't anything stopping little Luke from being great.
Jalen Dial #253- is a silent assassin, doesn't do too much talking but his game does all the screaming for him. With more muscle to his frame Jalen made guards that were checking him look like baby's. His explosive first step kept everybody off balance and the muscle he put on helped him finish tough shots in the paint.
Makail Cottingham #221- is and was a walking bucket, a scoring machine with a mindset that nobody can guard him. His long arms helped him sit down on defense and lock defenders all the way up. Winners mindset that did whatever he had to do for his team to win ball games.
Meechie Johnson #1- you have some good guards, ok guards and then you have dominant guards, well Meech is a dominant guard that's been dominating this camp for a long time now. Picked up where he left off last camp scoring the ball at will, getting where he want when he want on the floor at will and finding his teammates with no look passes. Scored 30 twice but did it making it look to easy.
Enavell Lighty #226- the Lighty genes are starting to show, standing almost 6'7 now Lighty did what his uncle OSU alumni David Lighty was doing at his age and that just be a ball player. Still learning and polishing his game you can tell he's been in the gym working on all parts of his game. Very athletic and raw, if he continues to grow and game continues to get better he has a chance to be the best player in this class.
Khaaron Allen #224- in transition you would of thought Allen was running without the ball because he was fast and quick with it on the break. He used his quickness to blow by defenders, get easy wide open layups in transition and quick enough to keep any defender in front of him by beating them to the spot. Played with a lot of confidence and swagger.
Anthony McComb lll #293- did a lot of great things all camp, wasn't much that Ant didn't do. Watched him single handily take over games, not just scoring but passing for good looks for his teammates, defending best players and rebounding with people that where way bigger than him. All around game that turned him into a top 20 all star.
Omar Abuhamdeh #310- his game gets better every camp and we have been watching Omar since he was little. He can flat out play, an extremely good offensive player that knock down shots anywhere on the floor at a high percentage. Handles the ball well with a sick signature spin move that gets the crowds attention every time.
Raymelle Arnold #227- plays with a lot of confidence, emotion and a whole lot of swag. From the color to his hair to his nice shoes Arnold always stands out and his game do the most standing. By far you can say he's one of the best scoring guards around, from long range threes to big boy finishes, he gets the job done.
Mason Miller #269- the stretch big caused a lot of problems for his defenders that were guarding him. He could stretch them out to the wing and knock down shots from three, he also did a lot of pump faking getting them to jump and going right by them. When Mason gets stronger his game will be more consistent and dominant.
Jaden Hameed #297- whenever he plays he is so focuses and is able to keep the same face the whole entire time. He has that killer look to him and his game explains why, Hameed is a force to stop. Being bigger then guards checking him he simply made them look silly, blowing by them with his quick first step, and finishing at the rim with ease. You can't leave him open either, that's almost a guaranteed point.
Jonah Lytle #217- with a lot of raw talent you can see the potential of him being really good. Was very strong with the ball, either going to the basket to get and 1 foul calls or grabbing the rebounds from anybody that tried to jump with him. Has a very high ceiling if he continues to get better the sky's the limit for Jonah.
Chanze Amerson #296- a rebounding machine, being in the right position at all time. Did the little things that nobody pays attention too and you need players like him. Plays like boxing out, hustle for loose balls making the extra pass, he did little things like that to win games for his team and make the top 20 all star game. Sometimes it's not all about making the best plays it's about making the right plays and Chanze made a lot of right smart plays.
Tez Brown #242- you can tell when a player just loves the game, Tez loves this game. Always had a smile on his face even when things wasn't going his way. Shot the ball well from 3 along with handled the ball it like it was nothing. Good court vision, knew when his shot wasn't falling he became that player that made sure his teammates got theirs.
Ja'Lyn Griffin #213- has a great feel for the game, understands everything about it. A good passer that made the right pass in tough situations. Good size for his age along with some strength and muscle to his frame.
Cameron Ray #273- a talent that can't be denied, he was very explosive on offense and locked down defenders on defense. When ask about his game his coach said he had similarities to Westbrook, the way he attacked the rim was fearless, he went up for rebounds like a big and that cocky but confidence mentality.
Justin Slattery #268- all around baller, did a lot of things well. Didn't do much shooting but seem like he found a role for his team to win games. He made wide open layups, ran the floor well, played defense and rebounded the ball. Can't ask for more in a player, did enough to make the all star game and leave people without a doubt in there mind that this kid can play.
Tae Perie #218- the matchup with him and Meechie Johnson woke a lot of people up that was sleeping on Tae. He didn't back down from the nationally ranked player, he showed that he could play with anybody in the country. The smooth lefty is a tough point guard that will cross you over break your ankle and hit a three in your face. Came in a talk around the city left out with questions on why they not talking about him nationally.
8th grade top 40
Antonio Ocasio #182- a true floor general, with a pass first mindset. Love players like Antonio that doesn't need the ball to impact a game, the way he found his teammates and handled the ball was enough to solidify his spot in a all star game.
Tyree Alexander #237- shooters shoot, Tyree was a shooter that did a lot of other things but shooting was his strength. A lot of kids at this age either look to catch and shoot or shoot off the dribble, what set Ty apart was that he used his teammates to get him open off screens for wide open looks. Didn't force shots either.
Jalen Sanders #212- aggressive on both ends of the floor, really had a good feel for shooting the ball as well. Understood when to take and don't take shots, with a nice form like Jalen has and more reps and practice, he could be a deadly shooter.
Chase Harris #156- played on and off the ball, good thing about Harris is when shot wasn't falling he was able to do more and went to the point to start dishing out the ball. Combo guards always have a better advantage of making things happen, Chase made those things happen.
Arik Viney #224- not afraid of big moments, in two of his games the games were close, Arik stepped up and made big plays some where winning plays and some where game changing plays. When you have a big heart like Arik your not afraid to make things happen, he was a walking bucket.
Marius Stovall #261- not many players at camp took pride on the defensive side, Stovall hung his hat on play defense and you can tell. Talking on defense, yelling out screen right and left and taking charges, all of that in a all star setting camp. Nobody want to do that type of work but when doing it, it will definitely set you apart from the rest, Marius was set apart.
Jamere Sheron #170- showed a lot of skill set at camp, handles where really well shot at a high percentage and shared the ball. Pretty much a good all around player that could score every time if possible but filled his stats with scoring rebounds and assist.
Malik Simmons #164- very athletic and explosive, all of his moves where strong hard moves to the basket for and 1 finishes and easy layups. Knew how to create off the dribble for pull up shots and locked down on defense.
James Quinn #232- played a lot off the ball because his team knew he could hit open shots. James did a lot of sprinting the floor to his nice sweet spots on the floor where his teammates found him for either three point shots or finding him cutting to the basket.
Canaan Dye #225- had very easy job and that was to just step on the floor, playing with a nationally ranked point guard he bound to be found on the court. All he had to was make easy layups and knock down open shots, and that's what he did. Great hands and feel for the ball, knew where to be when his guard was in attack mode.
Reese Evans #188- had a nice simple weekend, played with an elite guard that found Reese for open shots and cutting to the rim for easy layups. Didn't force shots when defender closed out on him, he either made the next pass, pump fake and went by him or passed it back.
Shane Robinson #216- combo guard that likes to stay in attack at all times. Pushed the ball on the break every time, used his speed to get by defenders, when driving game stopped he pulled up for mid range jumpers and catch and shoot threes.
Josiah Mobley #70- high IQ and great feel for the game. Knew when and how to set good screens, when to cut to the basket and where to be on defense. Knowing the game made his job that much easier, rebounding was easy because he knew where to be and who to box out. When three point shot wasn't falling he took a couple dribbles in and started hitting inside jumpers.
Wilgus Tolso #258- a work horse that never stops playing hard. His energy level wore off on other players, he didn't take any plays off. Took shots when they were there but didn't force them, gave up a lot of looks to get better looks for his teammates. Extremely good on defense that can guard multiple positions.
Demarya Gadson #162- very aggressive when taking the rim, also knew combo moves when being cut off trying to get there, from a euro step to a jump stop he made it difficult for anyone to stop him from getting where he wanted to go.
Trevor Wood #241- has a nice smooth stroke that shot it from anywhere on the court. Was able to create his own shot with hesitation cross overs that created space for his shot to get off to knocking down the open shot when found by a teammate. Got some steals and deflections just from being in the right spots on defense.
Joe Labas #179- his presents were present in the paint, a true rim protector that stood his ground and wouldn't be stopped. Great hand and eye coordination that allowed him to catch some tough and tight passes when guards drove to the paint. Kept rebounds high and went straight back up and either drew the foul or got the easy put back.
Blair Wallace #35- got in the paint a lot for pull ups runners and floaters. Really knew how to float the ball up over defenders making tough shots over bigger players. Good passer, creative finisher and all around good player.
Marquis Hawthorne #195- nice size and knew how to use his body for rebounds and easy put backs around the rim. Had a nice soft touch that used the back board a lot for layups. Can go inside and outside which made him a mix match night mare. Could guard multiple positions.
Austin Johnson #260- when Johnson realize he could really play and stop thinking so much he will can be special. Showed that he can shoot when open and make plays when he had the ball. More confidence in his game and the sky could be the limit for Austin.
TOP 8th Grade PERFORMERS
NEO Youth Elite has emerged as the top youth (3rd-8th grade) organization in the state. Every year, the best talent from across Northeast Ohio and surrounding areas pack into Garfield Heights for stacked two-day camp that draws the top scouts and media cover for middle school hoops.
With a number of the camp's alumni earning varsity playing time this season, it's only right that NEO Spotlight was in attendance to see which future stars I will be covering this summer and throughout the 2017-18 season.
Keep reading for the 8th Grade recap from the latest camp this past weekend!
Meechie Johnson (#1) - You will be hardpressed to find a kid in the 2021 class that possesses the skillset of Johnson. The Garfield Heights native had the homecourt advantage and it was evident early on. Meechie has a smooth shooting stroke and uses a number of shifty hesitation moves to break his defender down. He changes speeds as well as anyone and is a solid downhill finisher in the open court but his competitiveness and effort on the defensive end of the floor was impressive for a kid who has already received such high praise.
Luke Chicone (#176) - It is virtually impossible to not root for Chicone. The electrifying guard might not pass the eye test but his play alone is certainly worth the price of admission. The undersized guard stole the crowd in the Top 20 game and left no doubt as to why he was selected as one of the camp's top performers. Chicone possesses natural instincts with the ball in his hands and is an above average finisher in the paint despite his size. His game is the perfect balance of flair and efficiency.
Evanell Lighty (#226) - Perhaps the most intriguing prospect in the area, Lighty is a kid who has continued to blossom as his both his game and body have matured over the last year. The 6'5 forward is the nephew of former Ohio State and Villa Angela-St. Joseph standout David Lighty. Able to play both inside and out, Evanell showcased a newfound skillset this weekend as he stepped away from the hoop to connect on a few jumpers and weaved his way to the rim for coast-to-coast finishes.
Tae Perie (#218) - When Perie is rolling, look out. The Akron guard is a high-volume scorer that is capable of knocking down shots in a hurry. Perie was effective using pick and roll situations to find open lanes to the hoop and drawing contact at the rim. A name to keep an eye out for, Perie is one of a handful of underclassmen guards that will be suiting up for St. Vincent-St. Mary next season.
Makail Cottingham (#221) - Cottingham almost single handily led Team Jordan to a victory in a Top 20 game that went down to the wire. He was the breakout performer of the weekend and displayed a multi-faceted game on both ends of the court, both scoring and defending at a high level. For a player that I wasn't familiar with entering the weekend, Cottingham certainly made a statemement and left a lasting impression. With good size and energy, the wing forward has earned a spot near the top of our watch list heading into the Spring and Summer.
Ramelle Arnold (#227) - Arnold, a Warrensville Heights product, wasted no time getting after it on Sunday. In a matchup with Jaden Hameed first thing in the morning, Arnold wasted no time proving why he is perhaps the top guard in his class. The combo guard possesses a natural feel for the game as a playmaker and was able to get to the rim at will and finish at an elite rate. Occasionally, Arnold settles for his jumpshot but as he displayed in overtime of the Top 20 game, he is more than capable of getting hot from deep.
Justin Slattery (#268) - An aggressive slasher, Slattery is a stong guard who has a high school ready build. In both the final scheduled game and the Top 20 showdown, Slattery wasn't affected by anyone who was on the floor and found a way to slip into the lane and power his way to a countless number of buckets in the paint.
Omar Abuhamdeh (#310) - Abuhamdeh was one of the only pure point-guard prospects in the building on Sunday. In the uptempo style of play that is accustomed to being played at the showcase events, Abuhamdeh stood out as a result of his ability to handle the ball in tight spaces and find teammates in the open floor. Able to finish at the rim with either hand, he uses a variety of angles on the backboard to create unique scoring opportunities at the rim. His battle with Meechie Johnson on Saturday drew a standing room only crowd.
Will Jeffress (#314) - Considered to be one of the top 8th grade prospects in the country, Jeffress is no stranger to NEO Youth Elite. Jeffress and his family make the trip from Erie, PA twice a year to put on a show. At 6'5, his size and frame will give him a chance to have an immediate impact at the high school level next year. Having added some significant strength since I last saw him, Jeffress was the most dominant post in attendance over the course of the two days, making a living on the offensive glass and showing off some versatility in transition.
Other Notables:
- Chanze Amerson (#296)
- Jaden Hameed (#297)
- Jonah Lytle (#217)
- Anthony McComb III (#293)
- Mason Miller (#269)
TOP 20 GAME - FIRST TEAM
- G - Luke Chicone
- G - Anthony McComb III
- G/F - Makail Cottingham
- F - Evanell Lighty
- F/C - Will Jeffress
TOP 20 GAME - MVPLuke ChiconeChicone scored two back-to-back buckets in the final 30 seconds of regulation to send the Top 20 All-Star game into overtime. After a 15-foot pull up jumper, the savvy guard used his quickness to steal the inbounds pass away from his defender and finish a circus shot at the rim.