Kentucky Hoop Fest-Day 1

After spending the last 3 days in Indianapolis for the Adidas Invitational, I decided to go ahead and come down to Louisville for the historic Kentucky Hoop Fest. As I have been accustomed to doing lately, my day in the gym began by 8:00 a.m. and went until around 8:30 p.m. I had the chance to watch 7 games involving Indiana AAU teams, including a few that I had yet to see this summer. Here is a rundown of the games, as well as some players who impressed me with their performance.

Team Southern Indiana 2013 Red vs. Team Vigilance

Final: 56-46 TSI 2013 Red

Strong guard play was the key to TSI holding on to a victory in their first pool play game. The duo of Aidan McEwen and Jermaine Parrish displayed great ball-handling and passing skills. McEwen, a 6'3'' combo guard from Clarksville (2013) has great court vision, always looking up court for an open teammate. Also, he made some strong drives to the basket and finished through contact. Solid DIII or NAIA prospect. At just 5'11'', Parrish a Point Guard from New Albany (2013), is obviously smaller. However, he makes up for it in strength and quickness. He also showed some good hands on the defensive end. DIII player down the road.

Spiece Central-Mahurin vs. Minnesota Glory Elite

Final: 59-33 Spiece

Spiece Central dominated this game from the opening tip. They were lead by 6'7'' Forward of Rockville, Lane Mahurin who contributed 13 points. He has good length and can finish over the top of defenders down low. Division III prospect at this time. Sam Philpott, a 6'7'' Power Forward from Noblesville H.S. was also impressive. He has a nice mid-range game and is a good defensive rebounder. Probably a NAIA player. I also really like 5'9'' Point Guard from Fishers, Jon Flemming. He showcased great passing ability and is a good ball handler. Good defender as well, DII/NAIA prospect.

Indiana Elite Stars vs. Gainsville Wildcats

Final: 62-53 IE Stars

Before the July evaluation period began I wrote a little preview in which I said that I expect Mike Crawford, a 6'5'' wing from Tipton (2013) would have a huge month. Well, he made me look pretty good today as he scored 16 points on the way to an impressive victory over a tough Gainsville team. He showed off an all-around game, nailing a deep 3, driving to the basket, and scoring off a put back. He really can do it all offensively. Teammate Mo Evans, a 6'0'' PG from Cathedral (2013) impressed me once again.

Team Blaze Select 15U vs. Ohio Crossover

Final: 60-47 Blaze

Bloomington North should be set in the backcourt for the next 3 years. Guards Saikou Jallow and Grant Sims are both very good players, and have good size for their age. Jallow is a bit taller and longer right now. He displayed very good court vision and good rebounding ability from the guard spot. Sims is an all-around scorer. He ran the fast break well and finished lay ups in traffic. He is also a good outside shooter. Both will be Division I players down the road.

MBA Select 2013 vs. Wisconsin Wizards

Final: 70-26 MBA

This was my first chance to see MBA play this summer, I had been eagerly awaiting a chance to see talented 6'1'' Mishawaka Marian Guard Demetrius Jackson. He showcased good strength and quickness in the open floor, as well as his ability to create turnovers. Finished up with 20 points while playing in front of Michigan, Miami (OH), St. Bonaventure, Wright State, and Evansville. Also impressive was 6'4'' Shooting Guard Jake Thompson from Wawasee. He has a very pure shooting stroke and good ball handling skills. Could play the 1-3 spots. Good Division II prospect, maybe even low Division I.

Team Southern Indiana 2012 Red vs. West Virginia Wildcats

Final 64-52 West Virginia

Unfortunately for TSI, nobody was really that impressive. It was an all-around ugly game with lots of turnovers and missed shots. Michigan, Miami (OH), Wright State, Eastern Kentucky, Toledo, and IUPUI were all in attendance, but I don't they were too impressed with what they saw. 2013 Guard Darryl Baker showed off some good strength and the ability to finish in the paint, and guards Keegan Kincaid and Grant Meyer both played pretty well also. Both guards would be good Division II or NAIA players.

Spiece Select-Irwin vs. Florida Q6 All-Stars

Final: 56-45 Spiece

If all you had done was watch the two teams warm up you would have figured that Q6 came away with a 20 point victory. However, games aren't won in warm ups. Spiece came out with some aggressive defense and forced Florida into many missed shots. Stetson recruit Logan Irwin lead the way with 16 points. Very impressed with his play.

Another July day is in the books. Great day of basketball at the opening day of the Kentucky Hoop Fest, and will look forward to being back in the gym tomorrow!

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