2021 6-1 PG EJ Walker – Stephenson
It was statement day on Saturday at the HoopSeen Elite Preview for EJ Walker. Coming off a junior season that saw him average 14.8 points, 3.7 assists and 2.3 steals, Walker had more to prove this offseason. Every time I’ve seen him play over the past three months, I’ve come away impressed and that did not change this weekend. Walker was brilliant in his offensive attack. Built like a linebacker capable of diagnosing plays and hitting holes to stop the run, Walker attacked the basket finding crevices in the defense and scored nearly at will, using his strength to finish in traffic. When EJ gets a head of steam, he’s hard to slow down. He gets downhill quickly and knows how to finish against length, using his off arm to shield against shot blockers. Walker is a foul magnet that can tend to live at the line during spurts of a game, but he will need to be cognizant of not extending his arm too much as referees could potentially call him for an offensive foul here and there throughout the season. Walker never got bumped off balance when handling the ball. He got to his spots and showcased an accurate mid-range jumper that he hit consistently throughout the day. Walker dumped in 25 points and 4 rebounds in his first game of the day and was well over 20 points in Game 2. He knocked down a handful of threes throughout camp, but getting to the rack and pulling up from 17-feet were his money shots. Walker should be on D-II and JUCO radars. His strength and toughness translate well to the next level.
.@Stephenson_Jags has a chance to be very good this year. 2021 6-1 PG @ejdagoat is a big reason why. #ElitePreview pic.twitter.com/Rk9bso7qV0
— Kyle Sandy (@KyleSandy355) October 10, 2020
2021 6-3 PG Omari Fonteno – Douglas County
Capable of impacting games on both ends of the floor, Omari Fonteno’s length and defensive effort shined through yet again. The long guard harassed opposing ballhandlers with his on-ball defense, picking up the length of the floor and turning them multiple times before advancing past half court. Offensively, Fonteno is a slasher and playmaker. He’s able to get into the heart of the defense and kick out to shooters or score at the rim. He drew plenty of fouls throughout the day and cashed in from the foul line. His ability to stuff the stat sheet and affect games aside from scoring gives him value. He put up 14 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block in Game 1.
2022 6-5 G Destin Logan – Parkview
Destin Logan is on the verge of drawing major collegiate attention. The North Clayton transfer can play either on the wing or handle lead guard duties like he did on Saturday. Logan can defend multiple positions, possibly 1-4 at the high school level with his length and solid lateral movement. The southpaw finds ways to positively impact games. He balances his scoring with his playmaking. He can get past the first line of defense and score through traffic. Throughout the summer he’s made smart plays driving and kicking to open shooters. Logan has a good motor on both sides of the ball. With his size he’s a very good rebounder from the guard position and can get into passing lanes and help alter shots when he finds himself in the paint. His three-point shot is reliable, hitting three in his 21-point, 9-rebound, 2-assist, 1-block showing at camp. He averaged 3.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists last year, but could be in the discussion for Class 7A Most Improved Player this upcoming season. D-I programs will want to track the high academic wing’s progress who already has over 20 college credits under his belt.
2022 6-8 C Emeka Iloh – McIntosh
It was a slow start to the day for Emeka Iloh getting comfortable in a camp setting, which is natural for big men, but once he found the flow of the game and his role within his team, Iloh got better and better as the day wore on. Moving over from Union, NJ, Iloh will immediately make his presence felt in Peachtree City. Emeka is long and athletic, able to run the floor for the full 32. He finished with authority inside, throwing down some nasty dunks on some of the state’s better shot blockers who were in camp. Defensively, Iloh erased shots up close. He could defend one-on-one or come from the weakside to clean up any attempts. On offense, he used a patient baby hook in the lane to score over top of the defense, keeping it simple. He showcased some range as well, hitting a three and a few mid-range jumpers that were sprinkled in throughout the day. Only a rising junior, with his tools and solid set of skills already in place, expect Iloh to hear from college coaches sooner rather than later.
2022 6-8 C @EIloh2 (@McIntoshBball) keeping it simple on offense.
He’s going to be a popular name with college coaches in the very near future. #ElitePreview pic.twitter.com/L9ErJqg03K
— Kyle Sandy (@KyleSandy355) October 10, 2020
2022 6-4 W Christian Drummer – Archer
Christian Drummer really impressed me on Saturday. He’s a toolsy wing that can play the two and handle the ball like a point guard. He’s a very good athlete that has a quick burst in transition that helps him break away from the pack. Drummer has enviable size, especially if he’s played at either the one or two. Christian stood out with his ability to push the ball and get downhill where he could finish at the rim. He’s got good length and is quick laterally, giving him upside defensively. Working in a consistent three-point shot into his arsenal will help him down the road. He had some strong games throughout the season last year and could be an All-Region type performer this year.