Nike Elite Showcase: the standouts
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
ATLANTA, GA – Basketball at its highest level was on display this weekend with the Nike Elite Showcase at Pace Academy.
The matchups were state playoff worthy, while a number of individuals took advantage of the stage to stand out.
Jamichael Davis | 2023 | McEachern | made certain to show there are levels to not only his game but to being an elite floor general. The Rutgers commit found ways to score and make an impact on the game. If it wasn’t scoring or rebounding, he was dishing out passes like a card dealer in a casino. Davis mixed speed and poise in attacking Oak Ridge’s defense. This mix helped him stuff the state sheet with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. The future Scarlet Knights player will have New Brunswick rocking with performances like this one.
Samarion Bond | 2023 | Norcross | is one of the grittiest and most powerful players in the class, arguably the state. The lefty strength allows him to play on the open floor on both ends. He got to the basket through contact against a hard-playing Pebblebrook squad. This unsigned senior is a versatile defender capable of guarding every spot on the floor getting a few steals and deflections, which leads to easy baskets or disrupting opposing offenses. Bond is a player who will help a college program in the future. He has been a catalyst for the Blue Devils for the last few years.
Jase McCullough | 2023 | Pebblebrook | can certainly put pressure on a defense. The unsigned guard will hurt opponents from the perimeter and getting into the lane. This is exactly what he did against Norcross. He went on a stretch knocking two deep 3-pointers, while also attracting multiple defenders trying to close out on him. His ability to get to the rim will also force opponents to account for him in the paint. This could lead to a tough finish on his part with a pass to an open teammate. McCullough has fit in just nicely with the Falcons this season. Look for them to fly even further with his ability to knock down shots.
Josh Dixon | 2025 | Milton | is becoming one of the more talked about floor generals in the class. This shifty ball handler’s sweet spot is the lost art of the mid-range jumper. He got into a rhythm against host Pace Academy. His court vision is impressive finding teammates in tight spaces. He will continue garnering attention from opponents and college programs for the next few years.
Chandler Bing | 2025 | Pace Academy | was one of the more impressive players throughout the day. The 6-foot-5 forward was on the glass at both ends of the floor. He finished inside with a variety of moves. His game helped the Knights compete throughout the game. Bing has a great future ahead and will continue making major contributions to Pace Academy’s team as it heads deeper into region play and a run to toward a state championship.
Jalen Reese | 2025 | Oak Ridge | has been a player on my radar since middle school. This point guard is much more mature than his classification. He has been around the game at a high level. His poise was on display against a tough defensive team in McEachern. The Pioneer product never let up running the team on both ends of the floor. He never looks rattled. Whenever the Florida team needed a basket late in the game Reese delivered. Look for Reese to keep playing at a high level.
About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.