City of Palms Classic Top Performers Day Two

What an entertaining (and long) day at the City of Palms Classic. Who impressed on day two?

Nick Smith key in comeback win against Dr. Phillips

Coming into the game, most eyes were on the five-star duo of North Little Rock, Kel’el Ware, and Nick Smith. But, for me, Dr. Phillips’ Riley Kugel impressed me the most. The Mississippi State signee really showed off his athleticism, bounce, and his ability to score at all three levels. He’s a quick, twitchy guard and a defensive menace. He led all scorers with 24 points.

Arkansas-bound guard Nick Smith struggled to get things going in the first half and didn’t look like himself but improved greatly in the second half. He showed poise handling the basketball and is a great facilitator. He lead his team with his head held high, even when things weren’t going the way he wanted. Smith only finished with 14 points but his impact on the game was much greater than the points scored. Eric Musselman and the Razorbacks are going to love this kid, no matter how short his stay is in Fayetteville.

Future Oregon big man Kel’el Ware showed off his versatility by starting off the game knocking down a three-pointer from the top of the key and then hit another at the start of the third quarter. He had a pair of blocks but altered plenty of others shot with his phenomenal length. His best basketball is way out ahead of him and he truly has so much potential. My only knock is I would like to see him play hard all game long, and continue to work on his motor. Ware also had 14 points, on an efficient 6-of-7 from the field of 2-of-2 from three-point land. He also grabbed nine boards. I also have to mention Corey Washington, who led North Little Rock in scoring with 17 points, on an impressive 8-of-10 shooting from the field. He also added five assists. What impressed me the most about Washington was his consistency, and his heart while playing the game.

Dr. Phillips big man and Kansas signee Ernest Udeh is a man amongst boys. He showed his ability to run the floor and finish strong at the rim. Udeh has a strong body that allows him to be an efficient rebounder. He will thrive in the Kansas system under Bill Self and is the perfect replacement for David McCormack. Udeh finished with 16 points. I also have to give a shoutout to Florida-bound guard Denzel Aberdeen. Despite struggling from the field, he still finished with 16 points. When shots wouldn’t fall for Aberdeen, he made up for it on the defensive end. He brought the energy all game long and played with effort every second he was on the floor.

Karter Knox: Buy Stock Now

Tampa Catholic wing Karter Knox might only be a sophomore but shows tremendous upside. Knox is the younger brother of former Kentucky forward Kevin Knox, who now plays for the New York Knicks. Karter Knox is extremely athletic, has good size, can rebound, handle the ball when needed, and is only going to improve. He maneuvers well in transition and loves to drive and finish at or above the rim. High majors will be all over him with time. Knox finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks in the win over Miami Norland.

Despite the loss, Miami Norland’s star sophomore Marcus Allen also showed a ton of potential. The 6-foot-5 wing is quick, tough, and plays hard. He finished with 18 points and eight rebounds.

Montverde too much for Berkmar

To be blunt, this was Montverde’s game to win all night long, and there wasn’t really any doubt. Berkmar began the game launching threes, one after the other with little success due to the pressuring defense of Montverde Academy. The star-studded lineup led by head coach Kevin Boyle saw success in transition as well as on offensive boards. Texas-bound wing Dillon Mitchell continued to show off his pogo-like bounce, finishing a nice lob from Dariq Whitehead to close out the first quarter, with a nice 21-6 lead. Pretty much the same rhythm continued for Montverde, into the second quarter, and well, for the entirety of the game, winning 76-51. The Eagles saw success all around as they had 5 players score in double figures. Not one particular player dominated for Montverde, largely in part because they are such an ‘all-around’ team. Indiana signee Jalen Hood-Schifino was also impressive and he tied with Dariq Whitehead in scoring with 16 points. Hood-Schifino always handles the ball with poise and is the ultimate floor general. He also continuously plays hard-nosed defense.

Berkmar’s Jermahri Hill did his best to try to keep his team in the game, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. He viciously attacked the rim and showed he can connect from deep. Hill played with a ton of heart so kudos to him. He finished with a team-high 16 points. Future Ole Miss big man Malique Ewin also impressed me, with the time we saw him in the game. Ewin only played 16 minutes, due to early foul trouble. However, Ewin was very efficient, a perfect 6-of-6 from the field, totaling 12 points in limited action. He also showed off some skilled footwork.

IMG struggles early, but finishes on top

On paper, IMG appeared to be the heavy favorite to win this game. But Ballard fought hard and ended the first half up five points against a team with five+ top-100 players. To put it simply, Ballard did not back down from a fight. IMG bounced back in the second half and had a strong third quarter, scoring 27 points, to Ballard’s 12. IMG’s second-half success was largely because Jarace Walker and Keyonte George. Jett Howard also made several key three-pointers to help IMG solidify their lead.

Walker is a combination of strength, versatility, and upside. Offense came easy for him, finishing with 14 points, on 7-of-9 from the field. What really stood out to me though was his energy on the defensive side. An underrated aspect of his game? His court vision and passing ability.

George was terrific on the offensive end, finishing with a game-high 24 points on an efficient 71% from the field. George can score from all three levels and I really liked how he got after it on the defensive end.

For Ballard, Gabe Sisk and Keno Hayden lead their group in scoring. Sisk really fought to keep his team in the game and finished with 16 points. Hayden finished with 15 points, shooting 6-of-10 from the field, and an impressive 3-of-3 from the three-point line.

Ballard’s Maker Bar also impressed me during the first half of play. He’s a versatile big man, showed he has some range, as well as defensive capabilities with a nice steal and block. He also runs the floor extremely well.