By Horace Neysmith, Nothing But Net Magazine Contributor
The All MetroHoops Elite100 Freshman/Sophomore Showcase featured many of the top players from Georgia and each showcased their ability on Sept. 24. Individuals in the Class of 2020 were very good, with talent at all positions and plenty of depth.
Missing from the camp were Anthony Edwards from Holy Spirit Prep (GA) and Walker Kessler from Woodward Academy (GA), both unable to attend due to prior engagements. But the players on hand were proof of the talented sophomores.
ELITE100 FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE CAMP TOP FIVE
B.J. Boston, 6’6″, 2020, Norcross (GA): The small forward hasn’t scratched the surface of his game. Boston is a long slasher who can be equally disruptive on both ends of the floor. He can finish plays in the lane and his jumper is much improved. But when Boston starts to add muscle to his frame, watch out. His length, and use of it on the defensive end, creates problems for the opposition. Very dangerous in the passing lanes.
Sharife Cooper, 5’9″, 2020, McEachern (GA): Guard play wins games and when he stepped on the floor, you saw a top-flight competitor, an excellent passer who knows how to set up things with the dribble, a crafty finisher, and most importantly, a winner. Cooper doesn’t put himself in bad situations with the ball. He is dangerous when probing the lane with his floater, also same hand and same leg finishes, along with passing skills. Don’t let the baby face fool you, Cooper is as tough as they come.
Dwon Odom, 6’1″, 2020, St. Francis (GA): The combo guard is the most explosive guard in the state. When attacking the basket Odom is fearless, often times soaring above taller opponents to finish plays at the rim. What he has started to understand is, getting all the way to the basket isn’t necessarily the right play for his longevity. Odom has worked hard on his jumper, improved his arch and it shows with improved consistency. He also is beginning to understand the value of the pull-up in the paint.
Josh Taylor, 6’6″ 2020, Holy Spirit Prep (GA): The wing forward is the one that seems to add to his game every six months. He went from a back to the basket center to a player that can make the trail jumper, or step outside to extend the defense and rip, also attack the rim, or knock down a jumper. Taylor hasn’t went away from his roots, he will still post up to utilize a jump hook. One of the best help-side shot blockers in the state, expects lots more to come from his game.
K.D. Johnson, 6’2″, 2020 Thomasville (GA): The point guard might be one that you haven’t heard of. But make a mental note of his name. He has game in the mold of NBA player Eric Bledsoe, but taller with a better jumper at this stage. Johnson is very explosive, tough and fearless. He has a scorer’s mentality, but has really seen the benefit of getting his teammates involved which has opened up so much more.
ELITE100 FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE CAMP NOTABLES
Kendall Latney, 6’2, 2020, Mountain View (GA)
Jalen Myers, 6’8″, 2020, Bob Jones (AL)
Colin Grainger, 6’8″, 2020, Lambert (GA)
