The Upward Stars Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina hosted the adidas Qualifier over this past weekend and it was loaded with talented teams and players. Here is a rundown of the event and some of the top performers and my breakout players from the event.
17UJosh Hall (Team Loaded NC)-Probably on the short list of the most attractive college prospect in the Southeast right now is the 6-foot-9 Hall. He recently picked up an offer from Kansas University after watching him workout at his high school Moravian Prep in Hickory, North Carolina.
For the weekend, Hall averaged right at 14 points per game as Team Loaded NC dropped two games while winning one. What stands out about Hall is his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his length. He alters and blocks shots down low and can defend on the perimeter all while on offense he is able to pull the defenders outside because of his shot making ability.
Justin Wright (Team Loaded NC)-The 6-foot-1 lead guard for Team Loaded NC is one of the best facilitators in the region and is a winner, an attribute I strongly consider when evaluating a player. Wright recently led Farmville Central High School to a NCHSAA 2-A state title. Over the weekend, Wright averaged 14 points and dished out 2.3 assists per game.
Carter Whitt (Team Loaded NC)-Already sporting offers from NC State, Ole Miss and Virginia, Carter Whitt is playing up an age group with the 17's. Effective and efficient are the words to describe Whitt's game. He doesn't "wow" anyone with ultra-athleticism or flashy plays, he just facilitates and makes the right passes. He averaged 8.1 points and 4.3 assists per game at the qualifier.
16UJalen McDonald (Team Loaded NC)-Considered by many to be the most athletic player in the class, McDonald showed glimpses of what has caused the commotion around the high praise. He has a really quick second jump and almost seems to hang in the air longer than anyone else on the floor. He uses this ability to get a lot of easy baskets off tip-ins and follows. He runs the floor very good for a 6-foot-5 slasher that can also take defenders off the dribble and get into the paint where his athleticism prevails.
Elijah Jamison (Team Loaded NC)-The sturdy-built guard looks like he would also be a bear on the football field. He gets downhill in a hurry and he is a natural scorer. He has a really solid looking jumper and can score from all spots on the floor. He is a bulldog with the ball in his hands and isn't afraid of a challenge.
More from Hoopseen
