Ellis One to Watch in 2005

Monta Ellis, a slick 6-2, 160 pound sophomore combo guard from Lanier H.S. in Jackson, Miss., is regarded as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2005.

Rivalshoops.com got a chance to watch Ellis for the first time at the Prime Time Shootout last weekend in Trenton, N.J., and we came away impressed with speed with the ball, athleticism and scoring ability.

Ellis scored 10 of his game high 26 points in the fourth quarter to spark a Lanier comeback bid, but the Bulldogs fell in a 71-69 thriller to St. Raymond's H.S. of the Bronx, N.Y. The loss dropped Lanier to 26-2 on the season, but highlighted why Ellis has been able to average 30 points per outing this season.

Ellis is very slippery with the ball and has an explosive first step. Although he doesn't look it, Monta has a wiry strength that allows him to absorb contact on drives and finish plays. He's also a quick leaper who can create his own shot. He likes to push tempo when running the offense, and while he has the ability to drop some nifty dimes, he's more of a scorer than distributor for his high school squad.

Ellis hit a pair of three pointers and four free throws in the fourth quarter to account for his 10 points. He has a way of getting to the foul line quite a bit, although Lanier Head Coach Thomas Billups wants him to shoot it from the perimeter more often.

"We are trying to get him to shoot the ball more, coming off picks, instead of just relying on driving to the basket," Billups explained. "He started to do that at the end of the game, and as you saw, he hit several shots."

Many feel that Ellis ranks among the top 10 prospects in the Class of 2005.

"I have coached many big time players during my career, I have sent players to Georgetown, Mississippi State, TCU and Ole Miss, but I have never coached a kid like this," Billups said. "He's so young, and can do so much with the ball, and he can play pretty good defense also."

Rivalshoops.com plans on seeing Ellis play quite a bit during the spring and summer months, so we will keep you posted on his progress. Stay tuned!