Notebook: Select 60 showcase Part I

Notebook: Select 60 showcase Part I

By Robert Alfonso Jr. 

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC – The Lineage of Champion Select 60 showcase was loaded with players from Augusta and the surrounding area. These players arrived at the Riverview Park Activities Center looking to leave a mark along with an impression.

These players were matched up in different teams and coached by college coaches. There are plenty of names college coaches will soon be adding to their database. So much so, we had to breakdown the evaluation in parts.

Heere is Part I of the players who made the biggest impression.

Avantae Parker | 2023 | Gray Collegiate Academy | was one of the more intriguing prospects at the showcase. He is a long, athletic, and highly skilled lefty who finishes around the rim well. His jumper is consistent and smooth for a 6-foot-6 forward capable of extending the floor. He understands positioning on the defensive end of the floor making him a solid defender. Look for Parker to have a breakout season .

Tahj Vines | 2023 | Aquinas High | showed the ability to handle the ball against some of the more relentless defenders in every game. His handle is in control. This 5-foot-8 guard gets into defenders bodies and finishes through contact. He knows how to play with pace and mixes it up really well.

Chaydon Stone | 2022 | Jones County | was one of the toughest players in just about every game played during the showcase. He is a superb athlete, who is exceptional in the open floor. This 6-foot-3 floor general knows how to make the correct plays and has excellent good court vision. The best way to describe Stone is being patient and explosive. 

Caleb Campbell | 2024 | Lexington High | has a high motor, who rebounded well on both ends of the floor. His length at 6-foot-7 forward gave defenders fits on either end during every game. He showed a nice tough around the basket. Campbell was a fundamental technician. The hard part for a young player like this one is the desire to play hard all the time. Campbell showed that consistency and the offensive part of his game will come soon enough. 

Samari Wright | 2023 | Word of God | is not intimidated by anything on the floor. The 6-foot-3 guard posterized a defender and never stopped attacking the rim. He plays going downhill in just about every possession. This elite finisher is a strong defender.

Jalexs Ewing | 2023 | Westside High | was quick to show off his athletic ability. The 6-foot-3 guard can score from all three levels but is extremely consistent with a smooth mid-range. He just makes winning plays every chance possible. Expect the Patriots to make significant noise with him on the floor this season.

Devin Story | 2022 | Evnas High | continued to show why college programs are interested in this shooter. The 6-foot-3 guard knocked down his fair share of jumpers from all over the floor. However, he showed other aspects of his game. Story was a reliable ball handler with laser court vision. His passes were delivered to teammates for simple scoring opportunities. Story will help a college program at the next level.

Josh Hill | 2024 | Vertical Academy | is not hard to miss. The 6-foot-10 forward is long and wiry. He has great hands and timing as a shot blocker. His upside is one to watch. Hill has physical tools one cannot teach. As this prospect sharpens up some of the individual skills, he will be difficult to contain.

Cassidy Golden | 2023 | Burke County | moves well for a long player. He has a decent touch inside the paint and rebounds well outside of his area. This 6-foot-9 forward will change the trajectory of shots inside. His game will continue to grow as the production increases this season.

Kashik Brown | 2022 | Cedar Shoals | put on a point guard clinic for most of the showcase. The 5-foot-9 floor general shifted down, sped things up, and just moved left to right keeping defenders off balance. The lefty point ran the team and showed quality leadership skills. Whenever he was helping lead the team this Jaguar was putting on a scoring exhibition. Defenders could not stay in front of him or block his shot as he finished in the paint through contact.