Several stand out at Elite 75 camp

GASTONIA, N.C. – Nearly 180 players packed into Ashbrook High School over the weekend for the Elite 75 showcase and a number of young players and under the radar guys took advantage of the stage.

ELITE 75 STARS

Hendrix Emu, Evangel Christian (Va.) – Meet one of the top surprises and top players from the camp. The 6-foot-4 guard shined with his athleticism, his active play, attention to defense and ability to always be involved in a play. He was great in transition and knew to always be in motion to the basket. The class of 2011 prospect played the part of a high-major guard quite well.

Joemar Black, Mt. Zion (N.C.) (pictured above) – Everyone was asking, “Who is that kid?” The 6-foot-2 guard was always making plays and was either giving Emu a pass to score or receiving one from Emu in return. Emu, a Flint, Michigan native, showed that he could score from deep with a jumper or in the lane with a dunk or with a floater on the baseline. His offensive game was one of the best of the day.

Josh Clyburn, Victory Christian (N.C.) – The class of 2010 big man was one of the top post players on Sunday. He ran the floor quite well, scored in transition with a number of athletic plays. The 6-foot-8 forward showed he can handle the ball and knock down face-up jumpers. Good day of work from Clyburn.

Tyrek Coger, Upper Room Christian (N.C.) – Few defenders wanted to get in the way of the towering 6-foot-7 center. He’s a big kid for a 2013 prospect and physically had his way with the younger competition. Once he got his big hands on the ball, he turned and usually scored with a simple drop step score.

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

One of the best things about the Elite 75 camp is the chance to see a lot of young players. There were more young guys that stood out this year than older guys

Tyler Brunson Mt. Zion (N.C.) – Last year at the Elite 75 camp, a kid named C.J. Barksdale emerged on the national scene. This year’s youngster to watch is Brunson. The long-armed 6-foot-6 combo forward is an eye-catcher because of his length, perimeter skills and ability to run the floor. The natural gifts are there. Now the trick for the 2012 prospect is matching it with a good mental approach.

A.J. Davis, Greater Atlanta Christian (Ga.) – The class of 2013 prospect is one of the top young players in the Atlanta area and he showed why on Sunday. The 6-foot-6 son of former NBA player Antonio Davis showed off an array of skills. He can score with the perimeter shot but also made an impact with his length around the cup. Davis will be fun to watch develop.

Shaq Patterson, Martinsville (N.C.) – At 6-3 and high school senior strong, this class of 2012 guard was impressive because he knew how to overpower defenders on his way to the basket. Moreover, Patterson is a great rebounder on the wing.

Troy Williams, Pheobus (Va.) – Get ready to hear his name a lot over the next four years. The 6-foot-5 wing from the class of 2013 has already drawn good reviews from the always talented Hampton Roads area. He’s a versatile guy that has great length, good ball skills and plenty of room to grow into his body and into a major player.

Montavis Hall, Victory Christian (N.C.) – Charlotte is quickly becoming a recruiting hot bed for schools in the ACC, SEC and even the Big East. The Queen City is also a place where a lot of programs are looking for future stars. Hall, a 6-foot-5 wing, will probably get a peek or two this high school year by the big boys. He’s got the traits that the good ones have.

NOTES FROM THE NOTEPAD

After his MVP performance last weekend in South Carolina, Ian Miller was back at it again at the Elite 75 camp. He seemed to only be playing at half speed and was one of the top guards in the event…Big man Jervaughn Pressley had his right-handed jump hook falling at a consistent clip on Sunday…South Carolina junior guard Ron Trapp (Lancaster HS) was an intriguing prospect. He was a slasher supreme all Sunday long and got the rim when he wanted…Virginia Tech bound forward Jarrell Eddie and class of 2011 forward C.J. Barksdale both looked heavier in their upper-bodies…Liked the court savvy of 2013 point guard Anthony Bagtas from Westlake (Ga.)…Class of 2013 wing Sindarius Thornwell was one of the top prospects from the Palmetto State in the camp…Great speed to the basket from Jacoby Davis, a 2011 point guard from West Charlotte High…Didn’t get to see Daquan Cook, a 2012 point guard from D.C. enough to see why everyone was signing his praises from Saturday. Wish there was more time to do so.

RECRUITING REVIEW

Clyburn, one of the top sleepers in the event, says he doesn’t have a Division I offer at the moment. However, Mercer, Gardner-Webb and High Point have all said they want to come by and see him in an open gym. A host of other programs are keeping in touch, too. He could be a high school season high-riser.

Black, the guard from Flint, Michigan, said he has heard from Penn State, Cincinnati, San Diego and Oakland to date. Now in the 2011 class, Black said he hopes to have more schools enter the mix this year.

Emu said he has heard from Oklahoma State, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Western Kentucky, UNC Wilmington and Alabama to date.

Delron Summey, a class of 2011 prospect from Mt. Zion via Jacksonville, Fla., said he has offer from Farifield and interest from Clemson, Jacksonville, North Florida, Oregon, Virginia Commonwealth and Auburn.