i95Ballerz.com NHSI All-Star 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention Teams

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Age before beauty was operative today.

April 7, 2011 - The National High School Invitational again didn't disappoint, with Montrose Christian (Md) winning the boys bracket, Dr. Phillips (FL) the girls. It was a treat to cover, and from the players' comments, participate in.

Following is continued coverage - all star teams as developed by i95Ballerz.com. The first part is here.

Second Team

Jordan Adams – 6’5”, 220 pound junior swingman, Oak Hill (VA) - Adams is the type of guy that does some of everything, including attacking off the dribble and shooting from deep and mid-range, all effectuated with good pace – he never seems sped up. Averaged 19.3 points and four rebounds in three games.

Physical improvement, including increased foot quickness and leg explosion are next on tap for Adams, who is being recruited by the likes of Georgia, Miami, UCLA, Florida, Kentucky, Syracuse, Georgetown, GA Tech, Tennessee, Georgia State and Baylor. Should focus on stopping guys more consistently also.

That's Mike Taylor with the floater.

Mike Taylor – 6’3”, 180 pound senior shooting guard, Boys and Girls (NY) – Headed to Rutgers next season, Taylor must likely become more of a combo guard, one that also sets teammates up with good shots, given his size. The BIG EAST will demand that.

Nevertheless, he is intriguing, given his ability to not only shoot, but use that in setting up drives, where he finishes using crafty moves.

AJ Hammons – 6’10”, 250 pound junior center, Oak Hill (VA) – Being recruited by the likes of Xavier, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio State, Purdue, Kentucky and others, Hammons will surely get more attention on the summer circuit, as he’s big, mobile and willing to rebound and defend.

In NHSI action, Hammons averaged six points, and 10 rebounds per game, work that would have been enhanced if he were more consistent – likely AJ’s most needed focal point. His body could use further development, which will allow for constant banging. Offensively, Hammons has to develop his footwork and back to the basket game.

Nick Johnson – 6’3, 200 pound senior guard, Findlay Prep (NV) – Set to be an Arizona Wildcat next year, Johnson is athletic, defends (in half court/triggering press) and attacks the rim. His physical strength bolsters those efforts.

In the Pac 10 next year, Johnson must concentrate on being more of a combo guard, one that makes teammates better by giving the ball in good situations; notching 22 points, three rebounds yet zero assists speak to this. His shooting from long distance also could be improved.

Malik Nichols – 6’6”, 175 pound senior swingman, Boys and Girls (NY) – Hofstra University is getting a solid all around player in Nichols, one that excels in getting to the rack but will rebound and defend. He should do well in the CAA going forward.

Nichols must get stronger for college, as well as drive to pass instead of score, more often.

Third Team

Tyler Hubbard – 6’0”, 155 pound senior guard, Montrose Christian (MD) – A dead eye spot up shooter, Hubbard is getting love from low to mid-major programs including St. Peters, Quinnipiac, Loyola and Northeastern, with the number of them reportedly increasing due to his NHSI play. Dropped 11 points, 2.3 rebounds and two dimes over three games. (Note: has since committed to Loyola)

Must work on his ball handling, which will open up shooting at the next level. Also needs increased strength.

Hubbard puts up a shot.

Malcolm McMiller – 6’0”, 160 pound senior guard, John Carroll (MD) – A future Central Connecticut State player, McMiller can slash, dime and shoot. Did so to the tune of 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. Must be more of a point guard in college.

Damien Wilson – 6’5”, 185 pound junior swingman, Oak Hill (VA) – Wilson slashed his way to 13.3 points and 3.7 points over three games, including several solid finishes. Should work on open court handle, defense and becoming stronger for the college game. UCLA, Florida, Florida State and other schools are on him.

Victor Adams – 6’2”, 170 pound senior guard, Dwyer (FL) – Under-recruited, as he noted Jacksonville and North Florida are interested. Prep school is also a possiblity. Averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and a pair of dimes over the course of two games. He’s a deadly shooter, despite having a quirky release. Though he can drive the baseline and finish via a nice floater, Adams should become a better ball handler for college.

Gregory Louis – 6’6”, 210 pound senior forward, Dwyer (FL) – Headed to Penn next year, Louis can give a team a little bit of shooting, some rebounding, slashing and defense. In college he must further develop both dribble drive and back to the basket moves to enhance his game. Put in nine points, 3.5 rebounds and two dimes in each of his two NHSI games.

Honorable Mention

Ron Scott gets to the rim early.

Austin Keel - Sr. swingman, (Winter Park, headed to Central Michigan)
Braxton Ogbueze - Jr., guard (United Faith Christian Academy, committed to Florida)
Ronald Scott - Sr., guard (John Carroll, Southern New Hampshire, Bethany and UAB are recruiting him. Dropped 25 points, 17 in first half)
Peter Junkin - Jr. center (UFCA)
Jared Jones - Jr. forward (JC, Richmond, Oregon State, Loyola, Washingotn, Georgia Tech are recruiting him)