The i95Ballerz.com NHSI All Star Teams - First and Second
Ron Bailey, Publisher
This month's NHSI had 'beaucoup' talent.
April 17, 2010 – In conjunction with past i95Ballerz.com coverage of the National High School Invitational, below are event all star teams (first and second) independent of the official squads. These teams, which mirror a real team’s first six players position-wise, were developed in consultation with coaches and observers.
MVP – Corey Joseph, 6’1” unsigned senior guard, Findlay (NV) – Hailing from the T-Dot (Toronto, Canada), Joseph is a guard that can score with the best, seemingly ringing up points whenever and however Findlay needed them; including jumpers, drives and on fast breaks. From a floor leader perspective, Corey loves to have the ball in his hand when it counts, and will find open teammates, though he must become more efficient in that regard for college. Defensively, he plays the passing lanes well, but must become stronger and maybe quicker, thereby becoming a better on ball defender.
Corey Joseph looking to score on the break.
First Team
Austin Rivers, 6’3” unsigned junior guard, Winter Park (FL) – Rivers likes to drive, scoring many buckets via floaters. He’s also capable of hitting spot up threes consistently. Defensively, Austin is solid, though it’s unsure whether he commits totally to that aspect of the game. Fastbreaks are another comfort zone for Rivers, who is athletic. Would like to see him be more of a set up point guard at times.
Jamail Jones, 6’5” senior guard/forward, committed to Marquette, Montverde Academy (FL) - Athletic and aggressive, Jones is a finisher in fastbreak and half court settings. He’s also a streak shooter, who when hot has a ‘wet’ jumper. That athletic ability allows Jones to defend all three perimeter positions. In the Big East next year, Jones must further develop his dribbling skill, thereby opening up his game.
David Nyarsuk gets long for a rebound.
Josh Hairston, 6’8” senior forward, committed to Duke, Montrose Christian (MD) - Josh is a player that gives you inside-outside ability, including hitting mid-range jumpers and attacking the rim. Increasingly Hairston can solidly attack the rim off the bounce, and always plays hard. In the ACC, Hairston will have to get stronger and work on his perimeter defense skills.
David Nyarsuk, 7’1” senior center, committed to West Virginia, Mountain State (WV) - A true shot blocker, Nyarsuk relentlessly challenges shots. To do so in the Big East, David has to get stronger (he weights around 215 pounds). He has to also further his offensive footwork and balance, as now Nyarsuk mostly scores on put backs and dump downs where he simply turns and puts the ball up.
Tristan Thompson 'posterizes'.
Tristan Thompson, 6’10”, senior forward committed to Texas, Findlay Prep (NV) – Another Canuck, Tristan has become still stronger and stouter down low, allowing him to score on jump hooks, post moves, and put backs, as well as pull down rebounds in traffic. He seems to want to be a face up four man in college, and to do so must refine is ball handling and sense of when to pass out of double teams.
Second Team
James Bell, 6’5” senior forward committed to Villanova, Montverde Academy (FL) – Bell is a versatile player capable of driving, handling some point guard duties, and shooting three pointers. He must become more consistent offensively from the perimeter, and diversify his defense away from the basket. Using his strength, James can snag rebounds in traffic, and has a mean streak sometime, which will bode well in the Big East next year.
P'Shon Howard shoots despite contact.
P’Shon Howard, 6’2” senior guard committed to Maryland, Oak Hill Academy (VA) – Howard has steadily developed all aspects of his game, as he’s now capable of playing some point guard in addition to his natural off guard position. P’Shon can hit jumpers, drive, and drop off, though the last skill/focus likely needs to be refined, thereby reducing turnovers.
Doron Lamb, 6’3” senior guard uncommitted, Oak Hill Academy (VA) – One of the most versatile backcourt scorers around, Lamb has ‘scoreability’; he’s able to drop points from the outside and while driving to the hoop. Doron will likely be a true combo guard in college, hence a need to defend better on-ball and be more of an efficient floor leader.
Justin Martin, 6’6” senior guard/forward committed to Xavier, Mountain State (WV) – If you want a player that gives you flexibility, capable of manning the small forward and shooting guard spots, Martin’s your guy; he can shoot, attack the rim, and is tough. Increased dribbling ability in the open floor will help him excel in Atlantic 10 Conference action next year.
Godwin Okonki can hit shots in the paint.
Akil Mitchell, 6’7” senior forward committed to Virginia, Charlotte Christian (NC) – Mitchell will need to improve his ball handling (half court and open floor) and become stronger for ACC play, but the forward is athletic, finishes well, and can shoot mid-range out to three pointer ranged shots.
Godwin Okonji, 6’8” senior uncommitted forward, Findlay Prep (NV) – A rebounding force, Okonji is a glue guy, a gutsy player that plays hard, backs down from no one, and ensures wins. Almost strictly a down low player, Godwin, at his size, should work harder at his mid-range game and solidify his footwork.
Click here for third and fourth teams
Click here for finals coverage