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First Day Impressions from Kingwood

O.J. Mayo might not be an explosive athlete, but the well built 6-foot-3 combo guard has tremendous body control and knows how to play the game. In an opening 15-under game at the Kingwood Classic against the Houston Hoops, the 2007 prospect scored 31 points and had 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and only 1 turnover for the D-1 Greyhounds. He hit 3 out of 5 three pointers, one coming of a full speed cut up the lane to the tip of the key where he caught the ball and squared up in one motion before knocking down the three. Again, Mayo does not dazzle with athleticism, especially playing alongside super athlete Bill Walker, who had two ridiculously athletic dunks in the game. It is his understanding of the game, grasp of the fundamentals, and ability to make plays that is amazing.
Another outstanding prospect for the D-1 Greyhounds is 6-foot-11 Keenen Ellis. Ellis is rail thin, but he moves well, has a nice shot, and is a presence defensively. The 2007 prospect has already taken an unofficial visit to Indiana. Maturity and strength are the two big issues for Ellis.
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Jai Lucas, the son of former NBA player and coach John Lucas, led the Houston Hoops with 24 points. Lucas hit from behind the arc and scored with a wide array of runners and floaters in the lane. Although very small and thin Lucas got into the lane at will with either his left or right hand. 6-foot-8 Isaiah Rusher also played strong for the Hoops. He is an outstanding prospect who knows how to use his body inside and has very good hands.
Combo guard Harvey Perry of the Arizona Magic will prep next year at Brewster Academy. He is a very strong defender and tough around the lane offensively. He wants to develop into a point guard, which will mean improving his handle and court awareness. Perry mentioned Arkansas, Minnesota, UCLA, and Utah (offer) after his opening day victory.
Teammate Lawrence Hill was quick off the floor, active, and got to loose balls. He had multiple tip-ins and multiple put backs, but he struggled to score with his back to the basket.
The Howard Pulley squad struggled to beat Houston Gold, but the ability of three of Pulley’s 2006 prospects was very evident. The best prospect is a still growing 6-foot-6 shooting guard Isaiah Dahlman. Dalman has a strong floor game and can stroke it. He lists offers from Iowa State and Boston College and interest from Michigan, Florida, Stanford, Florida State, and Wisconsin.
6-foot-8 Bryce Webster needs work on his shot and foot speed, yet the big man is a big time prospect. He has a feel for the game and gets to the ball. High majors such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Marquette, Boston College, and Florida have offered.
6-foot-7 Cory Johnson loves to bang and his always around the ball. Not very athletic, Johnson does have good skills with the ball although he never shot from outside. Iowa, Minnesota, and Marquette have offered.
The Georgia Stars controlled their game against the Southern California All-Stars and then hung on for a two point victory. Only Billy Humphry of the Georgia Stars shot well in the poorly lit back gym, but the No. 8 ranked player in the class of 2005 Louis Williams was clearly the best player on the court. Williams had at least five spectacular plays in the game involving rebounding, passing, dribble moves, blocked shots, steals, and scoring. In other words the Georgia commitment can do it all and has a way of making the spectacular play seem routine.
Marcus Johnson led the Southern California All-Stars with 22 points on aggressive play in the lane. Johnson beat people down the court, and he had a few nice dribble moves that got him in scoring range. He did, however, struggle mightily from the line, 2 of 7 with 2 air balls, and he could not buy a basket on the perimeter.
After having a tremendous weekend in Vegas, Bryan Harvey struggled against the Stars. He did not shoot well from the arc and had trouble with the athleticism of Mike Mercer and Williams.
Combo guard Bobby Frasor led the Illinois Wolves to an overtime victory over the Tallahassee Wildcats with 16 points. Frasor, the No. 33 player in the class of 2005, is tough, athletic, and skilled. Marquette, Stanford, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Wisconsin, and DePaul have offered.
Teammate Bryan Mullins also played well, finishing with 13 points. The left handed point guard took the ball strong to the basket, completing tough lay-ups and distributed the ball to the Wolves’ shooters. Mullins is coming off an unofficial visit to DePaul.
Abdul Hererra, 6-foot-10, 255-pounds, was impressive against the smaller Wolves. Although he needs work running the court, Hererra moved well in the lane, rebounding and contesting shots. He also has nice post moves where he can finish with a solid jump hook. Hererra finished the night with 19 points.
Teammates Alex Ruoff and Jermonte Bush only put up 3 points and 5 points respectively.
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