Elite II Features Deep Talent Pool. Day 1 Outstanding Performers

Players didn’t waste a minute yesterday as soon as the registration process was complete instruction stations’ intensity resembled something like a high school tryout. Well what players may or may not have realized is that they were trying out. Hoop Group coaches were busy evaluating players throughout instruction stations as well as the first sets of games in order to go through Hoop Group’s comprehensive process of balancing teams. Here are some of the outstanding performers from day 1:

Sem Kroon | 6’10 PF/C | Northfield Mount Hermon (MA) | Class of 2014
Kroon immediately stood out like a tree. Well at 6’10 that isn’t too hard but what was really impressive was Kroon’s ability to play with his back or face to the basket. Kroon had some variety to his game but the most impressive attribute to his game was how he attacked the rim. Every coach got a little wide eyed when they saw that Kroon tried to tear down the rim every time he was within 3ft of the basket. –@DaveKrupinski

Austin Carter | 6’5 GF | Masters School (CT) | Class of 2013
The athletic swing man was quick to showcase his ability running the floor and playing above the rim. Carter was active on the glass on both ends of the floor starting and finishing a lot of fast break opportunities. –@DaveKrupinski

Carlos Galan | 6’1 G | Gompers (NY) | Class of 2013
At first look Galan might not pass some coach’s eye test but Galan is a gifted player with the ball in his hands. A real natural feel for the game that few players possess. He’s a big time scorer that can heat up quick. Wouldn’t be surprised to see a few coaches say, “How did I miss him day 1?” by the end of camp. –@DaveKrupinski

Johnnie Davis | 6-5 G | Neumann-Goretti (Pa.) | Class of 2013
Davis was a stand-out at last year’s Elite Session I, but he is back in 2012, having grown and added muscle over the last year. He is a hard-nosed shooting guard with bulk, which allows him to use his body to his advantage on the offensive end. Though he plays on the perimeter, he is a willing rebounder and would fit well at a mid-major program. –@DanielJMartin_

AJ Sumbry | 6-8 F | Trenton Catholic (N.J.) | Class of 2013
Sumbry was one of the more impressive post players on Day 1, working with 2013 guard Jevon Thomas in pick-and-roll situations to get open around the rim. On multiple possessions, Sumbry rolled to the basket for open slams off a pass from Thomas. He has noticeable athleticism, but it will be interesting to see how he matches up against similarly sized players. –@DanielJMartin_

Tavon Findlay | 6-3 G | Quality Education Academy (N.C.) | Class of 2013
Findlay has good size for a point guard and is creative when going toward the basket off the dribble. His dribble penetration draws defenders in the lane and he is developing vision to know how to find teammates once he draws the defense to him. In an exhibition, he found power forward Jai Williams for at least three dunks off of dribble penetration. –@DanielJMartin_

Bryan Rivers | 6’0 PG | West-Windsor-Plainsboro (NJ) | Class of 2013
A real blue collar point guard who always seems to come up with the 50/50 balls or the basket when you need it. Rivers has flown under the radar for a while and he plays like he knows it. Looking forward to seeing how he does over the next three days. –@DaveKrupinski

Chris Shields | 6’7 GF | Hedgesville (WV) | Class of 2013
Had a strong 3 days at Elite I, but there were still some unanswered questions about his game. He matched up against guys who were more athletic and bigger than Elite I and he rose to the occasion. Very smooth with the ball around the perimeter and really took the ball hard to the rim, something he didn’t showcase that much last week. –@DaveKrupinski

Shaquille Scott | 6’6 G/F | Robinson School (NJ) | Class of 2012  
Scott stole the show with some freakishly athletic plays. He is a wing player with jaw-dropping athleticism. He has some nice moves on the inside but projects as more of a wing because of the way he moves on the court. Everyone in the gym was talking about him and gathering around to see him put on a show. –@lucashapiro

Jason Wright | 6’5″ F | Bayshore High School (NY) | Class of 2013
Wright is a throwback player. He killed teams with his old school mid-range jump shot. He also did a good job of crashing the boards and doing all of the little things to get his team the win. –@lucashapiro

Travis Cook | 6’3″ G | Middletown HS (NY) | Class of 2014
Cook might have had dunk of the day, but that is not necessarily what makes him special. He is a quiet scorer who has sneaky athleticism. –@lucashapiro