Flyin to the Hoop: Saturdays top performers
KETTERING, Ohio -- At Day 2 of the 10th annual Flyin' to the Hoop event, the competition heated up as college coaches flocked into Trent Arena. With Ohio State's Thad Matta, Xavier's Chris Mack and several high-profile assistants in the crowded stands, two games went to overtime, while several more went down to the wire.
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With multiple four- and five-star prospects participating, some players stood out above the rest.
Top Performers
1. GARY HARRIS, SG, FISHERS (IND.) HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN
The Michigan State signee stole the show in Kettering for the second year in a row, as he threw down five highlight-reel dunks in transition, stroked the three-point shot and used his improving handle to attack the rim and score. The five-star prospect finished with 24 points in only a little more than a half as his team won by 40 points. Harris also impressed with his overall floor game as he was his team's most consistent rebounder and also recorded multiple steals in the blowout.
2. ZAKARIE IRVIN, SF, FISHERS (IND.) HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN
The four-star junior shot lights-out on Saturday afternoon as he made all five of his three-point attempts on his way to a game-high 26 points. The Michigan commit hit threes off the dribble, off of screens and by spotting up with a smooth stroke and confidence. Irvin also displayed some of his signature bounce by throwing down two alley-oop dunks off of set plays. The 6-foot-5 wing was active on the defensive end, where he recorded four rebounds, two steals, and a blocked shot.
3. JUSTIN JACKSON, SF, HOUSTON (TEXAS) HYCA
The four-star sophomore might have had the most impressive stat line of the day as he scored 29 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in leading his team to an overtime win. The 6-foot-7 forward showed the ability to handle the ball as he pushed the break with fluidity and was able to score or distribute. While he has a lean frame, which should fill out as his body matures, Jackson is capable of playing on the low block. His best play may have been a late-game turn-around jumper from the post to give HYCA the lead. Jackson told us he took a visit to Ohio State on Friday and enjoyed his time on campus, and Coach Matta was in attendance Saturday to watch him play.
4. CHICKEN KNOWLES, PF, HOUSTON (TEXAS) HYCA
The 6-foot-10 four-star forward might be on the thin side, but his length and athleticism more than make up for it. The Houston signee had a big game in his team's overtime win, as he totaled 18 points and 15 rebounds. Known as a high-motor rebounder who can run the floor, Knowles stretched the defense with a nice shooting touch, including making his only three-point attempt. As usual, Knowles' best attribute was his shot altering. He influenced several attempts, including three blocked shots.
5. MIKYLE MCINTOSH, SF, CREEDMOOR (N.C.) CHRISTIAN FAITH CENTER ACADEMY
After showing off his athletic abilities in a win on Friday night, McIntosh displayed more of a skill game on Saturday. The 6-foot-6 junior is a prospect who can hit the 15-foot jumper with regularity. He scored 24 points, including hitting on all 10 of his free-throw attempts. As McIntosh improves his ability to put the ball on the floor, he will become a true triple threat prospect. His best attribute for the time being nay be his rebounding, as he uses his strong frame and athleticism to go after every ball. McIntosh grabbed 11 boards in the overtime loss.
6. JALEN COLEMAN, SG, INDIANAPOLIS (IND.) CATHEDRAL
With the level of competition being so high, no one expected a freshman to lead his team to victory, but that is what Coleman did in an overtime win over Centerville (Ohio). The 6-2 combo guard showed off an impressive jump shot, with soft touch and excellent elevation, as he scored 15 points, including the final free throws to seal the victory. For such a young guard, Coleman has a very mature overall game with a high basketball IQ and a natural feel for manning the primary ball-handler spot. Coleman most impressed with his ability to penetrate with explosive quickness and either score the ball or dish it off to a teammate. Coleman has received offers from Notre Dame and Indiana and claims interest from Xavier and Michigan State.
7. MIKE DAVIS, SG, GARFIELD HEIGHTS (OHIO)
Davis poured in 28 points in his team's loss to Columbus (Ohio) Northland. He filled it up in a variety of ways, as the 6-2 wing guard was in constant attack mode. While his shot was falling from midrange and he scored several times in traffic through contact with his strong frame, it was his athleticism that impressed the most. During one stretch in the third quarter, the Northern Illinois signee threw down three dunks from way above the rim.
8. JORDAN POTTS, PG, COLUMBUS (OHIO) NORTHLAND
A fiery pure point guard headed to UNC-Greensboro next year, the 6-foot Potts shot the lights out at Trent Arena, finishing with 23 points in a huge Northland win over Garfield Heights. Potts knocked in four three-pointers in the game and hit four clutch free throws to preserve a hard-fought win. The defensive end was another area that Potts dominated, as he held Garfield's starting point guard to just three points in the game.
9. DEVON SCOTT, PF, COLUMBUS (OHIO) NORTHLAND
The three-star post player is Dayton bound next year, and if he plays like he did today, he is going to make coach Archie Miller very happy. Scott finished with 23 points by making second-effort plays on the offensive boards and finishing everything around the rim. Scott has been known for years as a defensive presence, and he didn't disappoint in this one, helping to hold the massive Garfield Heights frontline to single-digit scoring.
10. ANDREW WIGGINS, SF, HUNTINGTON (W.V.) HUNTINGTON PREP
In a blowout victory over Trotwood Madison (Ohio), the five-star forward and top-ranked sophomore in the country played above the rim early and often. Whether it was pushing the break and dunking the ball himself, pulling up for jumpers off the dribble or distributing, Wiggins was impactful on both ends of the floor in every possession in a game he played limited second-half minutes. Wiggins totaled 26 points in the game.
11. ELIJAH MACON, SF, HUNTINGTON (W.V.) HUNTINGTON PREP
A Columbus, Ohio, native back to his home state, it was obvious this event meant a little more than just a normal game to Macon. The 6-8 four-star forward who is headed to West Virginia next season dominated the glass and the painted area against a severely undersized Trotwood Madison team. Macon threw down two dunks off low-post moves in the first quarter as Huntington Prep built a 20-point lead. In the second half, Macon showed a polished low-post game, scoring at will with his power and finishing with 18 points.
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