Shaw's sights and sounds: Peach Jam's 'x-factors' who help teams win games

Peach Jam brings out the stars. Some of the best players in the high school game are featured on Nike’s EYBL Circuit. And when the lights are the brightest, those players are at their best.

However, Peach Jam is not about individual performances; it is about team wins. A team cannot go far without complementary players. Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen by his side for six championships.

So we wanted to go through and talk about some of the ‘other guys.’ The ones on the team who are essential to team wins but also the ones high major programs need to pay close attention to because these unsung heroes could also help their programs.

6-9 PF Ladji Dembele

Ladji Dembele is a 6-foot-8 brute of a man. With long arms and a thick base, he moves well and understands angles and positioning. Playing with the NY Rens, beside four-stars Ty-Laur Johnson and Papa Kante, Dembele has slid into the dirty work role.

He has excellent hands and can step out, knock down the pick and pop jumper, or score on the block. He is an excellent area rebounder and can guard on the block.

The class of 2023 big, who is originally from Mali and plays at Jersey City (NJ) St. Benedict’s Prep, claims offers from Pittsburgh, Wake Forest, and Xavier.

6-7 SF Landon Clark

Landon Clark plays alongside top-rated 2025 Cooper Flagg with the Maine United 15u program. Clark is a lefty sharp-shooter who must be accounted for at all times. Over the last two games, the 6-foot-7 Clark scored 18 and 21 points.

While he has deep range and a quick release, he is an opportune scorer, too, cutting purposefully off the ball and finishing with some toughness around the basket.

The 2025 prospect from Bangor (ME) High doesn’t claim any offers yet; that should change soon.

6-8 PF Amani Hansberry

Amani Hansberry is the workhorse for Team Durant. He is pushing a double-double every time he steps on the floor. The unique part about Hansberry’s game is his vision and length. He can push the break and deliver passes on the move. He is also a good positional shot-blocker.

While five-star teammate KJ Evans – rightfully so – gets a lot of the accolades and love, without Hansberry, this Team Durant team would not be near as effective.

He has taken official visits to Penn State, Miami, Virginia Tech, and Boston College. Watch the production this one puts out in college.

6-0 CG Josh Hubbard

Josh Hubbard has an electric factor to his game. The Team Thad guard is pushing to break the Mississippi state high school scoring record this season, and that nose for the bucket has not slowed down on the EYBL Circuit.

Hubbard averages 16.3 points per game while shooting 35-percent from three. The 6-foot-0 guard showcases an innate toughness about him that keeps attacking at Peach Jam.

Hubbard currently claims offers from Ole Miss, Xavier, Kansas State, and others.

6-10 C Ethan Lathan

The first good look at got at Ethan Lathan was at EYBL Kansas City. I was impressed with his length and the way he moved. Today’s viewing is the second time I have watched Lathan here at Peach Jam, and add toughness to the list.

The 6-foot-10 center for MoKan Elite 16s is a defensive presence, both at the rim and hedging ball screens. Lathan’s touch is natural; he is an aggressive rebounder and has good hands.

The 2024 post has a lone Missouri State offer; however, he is just coming off an injury, and that list should grow over the coming months.