Prelude League Session I: Notebook

Prelude League Session I: Notebook

North Agusta, SC – The inaugural year of the Prelude League powered by New Balance has brought out some exceptional competition and talent. This new league started with 32 teams vying for the No. 1 spot.

Only the top 16 teams will enter bracket play this coming weekend to determine its overall champion. However, before this could happen, many teams ascended to the Palmetto State looking to position themselves properly. Each team has rosters loaded with players worthy of catching the attention of college coaches.

Nwosu’s recruitment will pick up

Chidi Nwosu entered the weekend as a virtually unknown. This is hard to imagine for a 6-foot-8 wing with the versatility in his game. The Massachusetts native averaged a double-double on the weekend playing inside and out. He showed the ability to extend the floor, while also going inside to exploit match-up programs. A small handful of coaches were in the gym intrigued by his game and wondered why many more coaches were not in the gym. They will all have an opportunity to see him again this weekend.

Johnson’s performance lands him three overs

Andy Johnson is a name beginning to gain considerable traction. The 6-foot-5 wing made certain college coaches noticed his performance on the floor. He elevated so high on one possession before throwing down a thunderous dunk that made those coaches in attendance, who may not have known him, sit up in their seats. The Union County (KY) High product then proceeded to show the dunk is just part of his game. He has a solid mid-range jumper and can extend the floor comfortably. Johnson got out on the open floor and showed plenty of toughness finishing at the rim. Coming off this strong weekend, Johnson has earned offers from Eastern Kentucky, Youngstown State, and Morehead State.

Washington’s versatility intrigues college coaches

Rashund Washington Jr is a player and every college coach in attendance knew while watching him or before the games even started. If he played on or off the ball, the 6-foot-6 combo was going to make a play leaving coaches eager to see more. He showed his toughness on defense with his nose to the ball while also demonstrating it by getting into the lane. They played him off the ball where his athleticism was on full display. it allowed him to get into the passing lanes for breakaway dunks. HIs court vision was on point whether on the ball or off. Illinois-Chicago is his only offer to date but that will change as a variety of schools were present to get a better look at Washington.

Melvin mixes finesse and strength for undefeated record

Bryceson Melvin is a big body guard not willing to back down from anyone. The RWG Stem Academy product is strong and agile. He is a good mix of finesse and strength making him a hard matchup. There are moments he can scorch the nets with his perimeter shooting averaging four made three-pointers a game. He then punishes defenders getting to the basket. This 6-foot-5 hybrid guard played with plenty of pace and poise all weekend. When he finds a seam in the middle of the paint Mevlin is not afraid to punch it through the rim on a defender. Max Levels Elite finished undefeated (5-0) on the weekend. The son of former NC State standout, Marcus Melvin, holds offers from UMass, New Orleans, Alabama, George Mason, Mississippi State, and Arizona State.

Lewis toughness helps him make an impact

Trae Lewis was one of the toughest guards on the floor in any given game. His nose was on the ball defensively whether at the top of the press or in the halfcourt set. He was not going to let his opponent have the liberty to roam around the court freely. Whenever he was not stifling opponents, Lewis was disruptive on the offensive end. The Conroe (TX) Grand Oaks product is a smooth scorer. He will get to the rim in a blink of an eye. Then when defenders find themselves on their heels, Lewis will get hot from the perimeter and knock jumpers down from all over the court. His knack for scoring has been impressive.

Grown man Harrison excels

D’Andre Harrison is a grown man. Throughout the entire weekend, the lefty hybrid forward pounded opponents on the glass and in the paint. This Perry (AZ) High prospect knows how to use his body. He uses angles and a relatively tight handle gets him to the rim regularly. Don’t let his strength and size solely impress you. Harrison has a soft touch from the perimeter. He can run off consecutive baskets at a blink of an eye. Lamar, Louyla Maryland, Missouri-Kansas City, Murray State, and Northern Arizona have already offered.

Coleman is a name to remember

Josiah Coleman is a name college programs need to know. The Golden State Prep product is a prototypical combo guard. He is a built 6-foot-4 player capable of playing multiple positions comfortably. HIs strength and quickness make him hard to stop going downhill. He finishes through contact because of his college-ready body. His game has plenty of range mixing in the mid-range jumper with the three-ball. He will be heard about more as he transitions to the postgrad program on the West Coast.