Thanks to everyone who attended the Tennessee Prep Hoops Rankings and Exposure Showcase at Carson Newman last week. I have compiled the information from several former coaches in attendance and will prepare an evaluation for each player who attended. I will stress positive points and make suggestions on things that could help you improve your game as you move towards your dream of playing at the next level. I wish everyone luck and look forward to seeing you this year with your respective high schools.
I apologize for the lateness of the evaluations. The Fall League finals in Knoxville and Nashville kept me from working on them till after that season was complete. Then a major blow when one of my best friends lost his son in a car accident kept me from working on them as well. Thanks for your patience I hope to have them completed by Friday.
Ohio State (111-120)
111. Austin Glasgow (Hardin Valley) 2014 (5'10 PG)
Tough minded lead guard who knows his role and is a coach on the floor. He defends at a high level and is at his best when running the show in the half-court, He is an adept passer who makes plays on the offensive end. His shooting is a work in progress.
112. Kelvin Jackson (Fulton) 2015 (6'4 SG)
"When his attitude is right he can really play", was the quote from one evaluation. Kelvin is highly skilled, has superb length, shoot well from mid-range and will flush on you going to the rim. He has matured considerably over the past year and is playing much harder on defense. He is well coached and he covers a lot of ground on defense. He needs to add strength which is obvious. This will boost his confidence in all areas, increase his shooting range and make him a better on ball defender and not so much of a gambler on defense.
113. Sam Paul (Indiana) 2014 (6'3 SG)
Solid player who showed the ability to really knock down the deep shot. He uses the bounce effectively to get to the basket and to create space for open shots on the perimeter. He showed a penchant for making the bounce pass to the post and clearing out for open looks. He had good size and played a very smart floor game.
114. Deonta Bizzle-Brown (Hardin Valley) 2014 (6'7 PF)
Athletic and lean, Brown has improved his concentration and doesn't seem to get lost for extended lengths of time during games anymore. He is an excellent outside shooter with time and will go off the dribble if not guarded. He blocks shots effectively but must get better and tougher on the glass. He is thin and needs to continue to add strength. His comfort level is the perimeter but his height dictates being able to come to the block and get some easy buckets. He is an intriguing prospect to say the least.
115. John Payne (Cookeville) 2015 (6'5 PF/WF)
One of the big surprises at the showcase, Payne was a determined individual showing his upward mobility on both ends of the floor and in all aspects of the game. His athletic prowess made him a beast to control on the interior, he ruled the glass and got out in transition for some easy finishes. He has improved his shot but it is still a work in progress. His size is good and as he works on becoming a better ball handler and shooter his best basketball might just be right in front of him.
116. Justin Barnett (Sevier County) 2017 (5'10 PG/SG)
Youngster did not back down against the older players and showed he could hold his own defensively. He is a tough, hard nosed kid who despite his lack of size is a gamer and will mix things up. He has a decent lefty stroke that will improve with gym work and strength.
117. Shawn Logan (Claiborne) 2014 (5'10 PG)
Small lead guard plays with passion and certainly has a non stop motor. He never gives up on a play and is not afraid to mix it up inside against the post players. His shooting is adequate and his decision making is something he needs to get a handle on as the guy with the ball in his hands majority of the time. His hard nosed style will benefit him as he learns his role.
118. Jonny McHenry (Knoxville West) 2017 (6'0 SG)
Young player needs what all the incoming freshman lack which is strength. The kid has length and is active on the floor despite not knowing where to be at times. He is a good on ball defender with his length. He needs to work on his shooting and ball handling which will improve as his confidence rises from gaining strength. He is a really good athlete who needs to make his presence felt while on the floor.
119. John Woodruff (Carter) 2015 (6'1 SG)
Strong and active, Woodruff just needs confidence in his abilities and he will see a major spike in his production. Kid is strong and plays hard all the time. He attacks the basket but must and I repeat must learn to finish those drives to the bucket. His shooting really needs work. Great kid who will work to improve his weaknesses and be a huge contributor to his prep squad this season.
120. Garrett Campbell (Farragut) 2014 (5'9 PG)
Diminutive lead guard played with good concentration, penetrated the lane and found the open man and was able to make some tough shots in transition. He makes the simple play and played with effort. His size will be a detriment especially on the defensive end against bigger and more athletic lead guards.
