JaxCo Holiday Hoopfest Top Performers
Analysis

JaxCo Holiday Hoopfest Top Performers


PRO Movement
Store Banner

 

2025 5-11 G Cameron Bland – Lambert
Lambert couldn’t miss in the first half against Monroe Area, building a 55-35 lead at the break as the Longhorns buried nine threes. Cameron Bland’s three-level scoring and electrifying athleticism propelled Lambert to an 81-68 victory. Bland dumped in 14 first quarter points as the Horns led 27-21. The football star hurt Monroe Area with his ability to score in transition, erupting toward the rim. Bland had four buckets in transition but it was his three-point shooting which set the tone early, netting five long balls en route to a game-high 32 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. Bland used his leaping ability to get supreme lift on his jump shots and on drives, would elevate to score at the rim. In Lambert’s fast-pace up-and-down offense, Bland is a blur from baseline to baseline. He has quickly emerged as one of Forsyth County’s most explosive scorers.

2026 5-7 G Kenny LaRue – Lambert
The smallest man on the floor, Kenny LaRue continually got lost on the perimeter and made Monroe Area pay with timely daggers from deep. LaRue drilled six threes and dropped in a pair of floaters to finish with 22 points, 3 assists and 1 steal. LaRue launched with deep range and had some shifty quickness when he put the ball on the floor.

2026 6-6 F Will Dopfer – Lambert
In a game that featured multiple big bodies inside, Will Dopfer had to work hard to collect his 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Dopfer does his damage around the rim, but likes to space the floor and play on the wing. Will wants to get downhill and for good reason. He’s an explosive athlete that had two monster dunks to ignite the Longhorns in the first half. Dopfer has quality footwork as a driver and can muscle his way for baskets when found on the low block. His bounciness is a boon especially on the offensive glass, quick to tip in misses.

2025 5-8 PG Brooks Wehman – Lambert
Brooks might not look like a prototypical basketball player but the Navy lacrosse-commit continues a long line of Lambert multisport standouts that have shined as floor generals on the hardwood. Wehman is a wizard with the ball, a true maestro of the offense. He pushes the ball well and has terrific court vision. He understands how to manipulate the defense with his handle and knows exactly where to place the ball for his teammates. Brooks isn’t a big threat to score the ball but his ability to create offense for others is what makes Lambert’s run-and-gun offense so efficient. Wehman tallied 3 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 steals in the 81-68 win.

Vonte Newell2024 6-0 PG Vonte Newell – Monroe Area
Down 20 at the half, Monroe Area could have easily rolled over and been run out of the gym but instead Vonte Newell took over in the third quarter and stormed the Purple Hurricanes back with a 23-10 frame to trim the lead to 65-58 heading into the fourth before ultimately falling 81-68. Newell netted 11 points in the third, scoring with pull-up jumpers and crafty slashes to the rim. Over the course of the game, Newell drained three threes including one at the buzzer to close an explosive third quarter. Newell’s creativity with the ball and ability to get to his spots lifts everyone around him. Still a pass-first playmaker, Newell’s growth as a legitimate scorer from all levels makes him one of the state’s most fun players to watch with how well he is able to freelance and take over games without forcing things. Vonte recorded 27 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. His stock continues to soar his senior season.

Trip Griffith2025 6-5 F Trip Griffith – Monroe Area
In his first season seeing legitimate varsity minutes, Trip Griffith has immediately established himself as a double-double machine. Trip piled in 15 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Griffith scored on four putbacks and netted a baby hook. His motor, toughness and quickness off the floor allows him to play bigger than his height. In what shaped up to be a physical game that saw Griffith knocked out for a few minutes after a head injury, Trip still proved to be one of the grittiest guys on the floor while drawing a pair of charges. Griffith is trending up.

2024 6-1 G Drew Williamson – Jefferson
Every time I watch Drew Williamson play, he produces. There isn’t much flashy about Drew’s game. He goes about his business as a well-rounded guard that loves contact downhill but can also shoot the ball and do so much more than just score. In a 70-51 win over Jackson County, Williamson posted a game-high 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks. All of his buckets came in the paint scoring on five drives and a cut. Drew is a sneaky good prospect for small schools.

2024 6-0 G Jaden Butts – Jefferson
With their football players fully intact, Jefferson looks like a threat to win some games in the state tournament. Jaden Butts’ cornerback ball skills and athleticism were on full display against Jackson County, tacking on 15 points, 5 rebounds and 1 steal. Jaden hit three three-pointers, scored with his left hand after a steal and used a spin move to bank in a short jumper for his points. Butts had some explosive defensive plays and brought swift lateral quickness to eliminate any drives.

2026 6-0 G RJ Knapp – Jackson County
The lefty showed promise in a 70-51 loss to Jefferson. Knapp, the quarterback of the football team, excelled at getting to his dominant hand on drives. He was able to spin off defenders and had some creative scoop finishes to avoid shot blockers. RJ hit a pair of corner threes and found success in the open floor. Continuing to improve his right hand so he can mix in attacks from both sides of the floor will help his development. Knapp powered the Panthers with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal.