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Monday, July 20, 2009

Underclassmen of Note from the IWU/P-Hoops Elite Prospect Camp

Yesterday, we took an in-depth look at the top seniors in attendance at the Indiana Wesleyan/P-Hoops Prospect and Skills Camp. This afternoon, we turn out attention the the cream of the crop from the underclassmen in attendance, of whom there were many. Some big-time talents were on court, displaying their vast skill and potential and proving that their future in hoops is bright. Here's a glimpse of the younger standouts from the camp.

William Clinton "Clint" Barnes III - Marion HS - Junior - 6'3 SG - Clint Barnes (in white) was a name I knew of coming into camp since he played a significant role last season on a loaded Marion team that included D1 talents Scott Wood and JaRob McCallum. Barnes stood out to me as a versatile guard capable of doing many things well. He is a solid athlete with the ability to defend multiple positions. His shot, while streaky, falls enough from deep to make him a legit threat from three point land. He gets up pretty well and can consistently finish at the rim while slashing. Two needed areas of improvement are his ball handling and the mental aspect of his game. If he can tighten up his handle and have better, more consistent focus on the floor, Barnes could be the next in a long list of Marion mega-stars.


Travis Burkett - Indianapolis Home School Wildcats - Junior - 6'3 and 1/2 SG/SF - Another big surprise was the play of Burkett, who along with Spencer Khrin, was one of the workout warriors of the camp. Travis and his IHS Wildcat teammates who were in attendance impressed me with their play. These aren't your father's home school basketball players. All of them played well, but Burkett really stood out to me. The muscular lefty has the ability to shoot it from deep with great form, but his shot didn't fall all that much. But with his textbook form and release, consistency can be developed with work. He is a good defender and has a high level motor. He also showed well on the bench press and vertical test, leaping 31 inches. If Burkett wants a college ball future and is willing to put in a little more work, he has the tools to do it.

Spencer Comer - Rushville HS - Junior - 6'4 G - Comer really impressed with his hard work and tremendous attitude all camp long. His strengths include his solid defense, good handles, and the constant hard, smart work. He has the ability to play the one or the two since he is heady enough to run a team and a good enough shooter to play off the ball. If Comer puts in hours making himself a deadly outside shooter and puts time in to improving his already quality ball handling, he has a certain college future. Really enjoyed the kid for his play and attitude.

Trent Crabtree - Crawfordsville HS - Junior - 6'0 PG - Crabtree may have been the best underclass point guard in the camp. He has some great handles and showed them off with a couple of nice crossovers during scrimmage play. He is heady as well, as his team had a lead with over 30 seconds to play in 5-on-5 and was able to dribble out the final seconds. Also a very capable deep shooter that was one of a handful to successfully complete a high level three point shooting drill. Crabtree needs to improve his strength and explosiveness as well as his ability to create for himself on the bounce.


Brandon Dunaway - Corydon Central HS - Junior - 6'3 SG - Dunaway, who plays for Indiana Elite Green in AAU ball, proved to be one of the top outside shooters in camp. He knocked down several outside J's and deep threes in drill work and 5-on-5 play. Shooting is his best asset, but he is also a tireless worker, going through all the skill work with high intensity. You can tell Brandon really wants it. He is a capable ball handler, but he needs to tighten his dribbling in order to be more versatile and appealing to college coaches. With another year to develop, Dunaway is one to keep an eye on.


Kyle Fillman - Norwell HS - Sophomore - 6'5 and 1/2 G - Fillman was probably the biggest surprise to me all day long. He more often than not dominated the 5-on-5 play on the younger kids court with inside-outside ability. He slashed well from the wing, once going one dribble, pro-hop jump stop, finish at the rim during scrimmage. His outside shot is average right now, but his form is solid, so with work it will improve. He first caught my eye while throwing down a two-handed dunk during point guard drills. I really like this kid, and since he's so young with plenty of time to continue his development, I like him all the more. Fillman could really be a stud in the near future.


Tyler Greathouse - Columbus North HS - Junior - 6'8 F - Greathouse, along with one or two other prospects at camp, had the highest ceiling of anyone in attendance because of his skill set, frame, and versatility. He has made a name for himself playing for one of the top AAU teams in the state, Spiece Select. He has had more college suitors as of late because he is so long and lanky and is versatile, with the ability to shoot it like a guard and the potential to be a mismatch in the post. He didn't get to participate in 5-on-5 play since he was required to rest for his upcoming AAU tourney, but I got a great picture of his ability nonetheless. He has a ton going for him and is clearly a high-level talent, but there are a few things he can work on to make himself all the better. One would be his strength. He is very slight of frame, weighing in at only 190 pounds, and along with that, he also needs to improve his physical strength. His reach is impressive, at almost nine feet, but he could improve his explosive jumping (26" vertical) to be an even more dynamic finisher above the rim. Tyler is a great kid with a great family and he will no doubt improve all his weaknesses, making him highly desirable for any college program.

Brandon Muncie - Lawrence North HS - Junior - 6'4 G - Muncie (pictured with Coach Tonagel) was another well-known name and high ceiling athlete in attendance. Brandon has stood out playing for another top AAU team, Spiece Indy Heat Felder. The first thing that stands out to someone watching Muncie is his freak athleticism. He was measured at 33 inches on his vertical, but he told me his best measurement was as high as 38 inches. During skill work and water breaks, he had some jaw-dropping jams that drew ooh's and ah's from the campers and raised eyebrows from the coaching staff. There were a few reverses and 360's, and one missed attempt at a between-the-legs dunk that was still impressive despite the result. His game is somewhat raw overall, but you can't teach the natural ability he has. His shot and handles are above average, but if he were to choose to work on them hard and decide to really improve, the sky is the limit for Muncie.

Check back later on this week for more on the camp and to see who earned awards for their play!

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