Peach Jam: Newton leads Team Final upset

MORE: Peach Jam Friday

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.- The events in the Augusta area rolled on Saturday. At Nike's Peach Jam, an inspired Team Final squad led by Ja'Quan Newton knocked off the tournament favorite Houston Hoops, while at the Peach State Classic Doral Moore was one of many impressive prospects playing for the Atlanta Xpress 16 and under team.

Newton leads Team Final to huge win

The way the Houston Hoops were playing through the first three days of Nike's Peach Jam, it was hard to see anybody else winning the title. Led by the incredible play of five-star wing Justise Winslow the Hoops looked ready to take on and conquer any challengers. That message never made its way to Philadelphia-based Team Final and its leader, Ja'Quan Newton.

Pound for pound one of the toughest players in America, the 6-foot-3 point guard from Philadelphia (Pa.) Neumann-Goretti continued a run of fantastic play that started at June's NBPA Camp and went through last weekend's LeBron James Skills Academy. While Newton was fabulous, he wasn't alone in making plays as Team Final put together an incredible defensive effort and played together as a unit.

No. 19 in the class of 2015, 6-foot-5 shooting guard Malachi Richardson didn't shoot the ball with type of accuracy he usually does from deep. However, the junior to be stepped up to the challenge of defending one of the nation's most physical players in Winslow. Yes, Winslow ended up with an impressive 19 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, but the Houston wing had to work his tail off to get there because of Richardson's inspired play.

Villanova-bound four-star Mikal Bridges was also big. He hit three big jumpers from deep including a huge one late in the game after the Hoops had cut a double digit lead to just two during the waning moments. Everybody else played smart, crashed the glass and did their job.

But let's get back to Newton for a minute. He finished with 22 points, four assists, three rebounds and four steals. The thing we've learned about him is that he gets to places off the dribble by dragging defenders and that he seems to step up and make big plays at big moments. Those are traits that any coach would want, and they are traits of an elite player. Elite is what Newton is striving to be.

"I think that's just me trying to become somebody that is an elite player," Newton said of his play. "So, I have to go out there and do elite things when it matters. It feels good to play well and get that win."

When asked which programs were coming at him the hardest Newton mentioned Minnesota, Villanova, USC, Oregon, Miami, SMU, Cincinnati and Seton Hall while pointing out that his mind was still on a tough game and that he could be forgetting somebody. Next for him is to cut things down and move toward making a decision.

"After July I'm going to cut it down to five," said Newton. "Style of play will be important. I like to get up and down and play in pick and roll."

Moore a major find on Saturday

During the early evening, we had the chance to catch the 16-and-under group of Winfred Jordan's Atlanta Xpress. They are a talented bunch who overmatched their opponent and systematically went about their business while dispatching a team that didn't want to come out of a zone in hopes of keeping the pace down. The pace was slow and the game went by in rapid fashion as the Xpress' deep group of talent showed what they can do.

At the point, Terrance Phillips is a speedy, strong and tough 5-foot-10 point guard. The pace didn't really seem to be to the three-star's liking, but he listened to his coaches and did a great job of being vocal with his team. His game has some of the feel of 2014 four-star Lourawls Nairn because of his top end speed. The No. 76 player in the class of 2015, combo guard Lamonte Turner was burning up the nets from deep. He's likely more of a point guard, but with Phillips manning the point and facing a zone defense, he was happy to go to work on the wing and stretch things out.

The game also provided a first look at talented 6-foot-6 wing Danjel Purifoy. He's got a big reputation in the South and the reason was easily evident. He didn't go off in the game, but he showed high-end slashing ability and looks like one of those players who will do a little bit of everything whether it be rebounding, defending or finishing in transition. He'll be a cinch to enter the rankings in the four-star range after the summer and mentioned offers from Alabama, Auburn, UAB, Michigan and Georgia.

The biggest find, though, both literally and figuratively was seven-footer Doral Moore. At the very least he looks to be like a high-end four-star if not a five-star prospect. The big man can run the floor pretty well, he has good hands around the hoop, looks very good hitting a 12-foot jumper and has a nice jump hook. On top of that he's a big-time shot blocker. And though he's not hugely productive just yet, big guys take more time to develop, and he looks to be just scratching the surface of some major potential.

"It was like my seventh game in the last few days and my knees are starting to hurt and I'm getting tired," said Moore. "I've just got to play through it and keep working hard to get better."

College coaches who have watched him are falling for him quickly, and Moore mentioned offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, Florida State and Cincinnati to go along with interest from Illinois (head coach John Groce watched frequently at the Peach State), Ohio State, Kansas and Texas among others.

Memphis-based Team Penny is into the semifinals as well, and it can give a lot of thanks to its brother tandem of No. 24 in 2015 Keelon LawsonClick As expected, things are really starting to heat up for No. 54 Angel DelgadoClick Despite a tender ankle, James BlackmonClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link. was an absolute stud and scoring machine during the Spiece Indy Heat's final pool play game. The IndianaClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link.-bound shooting guard has an absolute heater (true jump shot) from deep and is much better off the bounce and as an athlete than given credit for. He had 27 points, six rebounds and four assists in a close loss and proved that his No. 33 national ranking is well earned and that he could be a legitimate candidate for the McDonald's All-American game next spring.Here to view this Link.. The 6-foot-8 power forward continued his beastly ways and 14 points and 11 rebounds for the New York Lightning in their final pool play game helped to keep Spiece out of the quarterfinals. John CalipariClick Despite a tender ankle, James BlackmonClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link. was an absolute stud and scoring machine during the Spiece Indy Heat's final pool play game. The IndianaClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link.-bound shooting guard has an absolute heater (true jump shot) from deep and is much better off the bounce and as an athlete than given credit for. He had 27 points, six rebounds and four assists in a close loss and proved that his No. 33 national ranking is well earned and that he could be a legitimate candidate for the McDonald's All-American game next spring.Here to view this Link. of KentuckyClick Despite a tender ankle, James BlackmonClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link. was an absolute stud and scoring machine during the Spiece Indy Heat's final pool play game. The IndianaClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link.-bound shooting guard has an absolute heater (true jump shot) from deep and is much better off the bounce and as an athlete than given credit for. He had 27 points, six rebounds and four assists in a close loss and proved that his No. 33 national ranking is well earned and that he could be a legitimate candidate for the McDonald's All-American game next spring.Here to view this Link. and Rick PitinoClick Despite a tender ankle, James BlackmonClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link. was an absolute stud and scoring machine during the Spiece Indy Heat's final pool play game. The IndianaClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link.-bound shooting guard has an absolute heater (true jump shot) from deep and is much better off the bounce and as an athlete than given credit for. He had 27 points, six rebounds and four assists in a close loss and proved that his No. 33 national ranking is well earned and that he could be a legitimate candidate for the McDonald's All-American game next spring.Here to view this Link. of LouisvilleClick Despite a tender ankle, James BlackmonClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link. was an absolute stud and scoring machine during the Spiece Indy Heat's final pool play game. The IndianaClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link.-bound shooting guard has an absolute heater (true jump shot) from deep and is much better off the bounce and as an athlete than given credit for. He had 27 points, six rebounds and four assists in a close loss and proved that his No. 33 national ranking is well earned and that he could be a legitimate candidate for the McDonald's All-American game next spring.Here to view this Link. are both starting to pay very close attention.Here to view this Link. and sure to be highly ranked in 2016 Dedric LawsonClick As expected, things are really starting to heat up for No. 54 Angel DelgadoClick Despite a tender ankle, James BlackmonClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link. was an absolute stud and scoring machine during the Spiece Indy Heat's final pool play game. The IndianaClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link.-bound shooting guard has an absolute heater (true jump shot) from deep and is much better off the bounce and as an athlete than given credit for. He had 27 points, six rebounds and four assists in a close loss and proved that his No. 33 national ranking is well earned and that he could be a legitimate candidate for the McDonald's All-American game next spring.Here to view this Link.. The 6-foot-8 power forward continued his beastly ways and 14 points and 11 rebounds for the New York Lightning in their final pool play game helped to keep Spiece out of the quarterfinals. John CalipariClick Despite a tender ankle, James BlackmonClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link. was an absolute stud and scoring machine during the Spiece Indy Heat's final pool play game. The IndianaClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link.-bound shooting guard has an absolute heater (true jump shot) from deep and is much better off the bounce and as an athlete than given credit for. He had 27 points, six rebounds and four assists in a close loss and proved that his No. 33 national ranking is well earned and that he could be a legitimate candidate for the McDonald's All-American game next spring.Here to view this Link. of KentuckyClick Despite a tender ankle, James BlackmonClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link. was an absolute stud and scoring machine during the Spiece Indy Heat's final pool play game. The IndianaClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link.-bound shooting guard has an absolute heater (true jump shot) from deep and is much better off the bounce and as an athlete than given credit for. He had 27 points, six rebounds and four assists in a close loss and proved that his No. 33 national ranking is well earned and that he could be a legitimate candidate for the McDonald's All-American game next spring.Here to view this Link. and Rick PitinoClick Despite a tender ankle, James BlackmonClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link. was an absolute stud and scoring machine during the Spiece Indy Heat's final pool play game. The IndianaClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link.-bound shooting guard has an absolute heater (true jump shot) from deep and is much better off the bounce and as an athlete than given credit for. He had 27 points, six rebounds and four assists in a close loss and proved that his No. 33 national ranking is well earned and that he could be a legitimate candidate for the McDonald's All-American game next spring.Here to view this Link. of LouisvilleClick Despite a tender ankle, James BlackmonClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link. was an absolute stud and scoring machine during the Spiece Indy Heat's final pool play game. The IndianaClick He's not the highest ranked or most talked about player on the CP3 All-Stars, but 6-foot-7 combo forward Gary ClarkClick More Saturday notes from Peach JamHere to view this Link. was sure helpful in moving them to Sunday's semifinal round. The three-star prospect who is knocking on the door of the 2014 Rivals150 was all over the place in a quarterfinal win over California Supreme while tallying game-highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds. It's hard not to love the way he chases down rebounds and plays with a great motor.Here to view this Link.-bound shooting guard has an absolute heater (true jump shot) from deep and is much better off the bounce and as an athlete than given credit for. He had 27 points, six rebounds and four assists in a close loss and proved that his No. 33 national ranking is well earned and that he could be a legitimate candidate for the McDonald's All-American game next spring.Here to view this Link. are both starting to pay very close attention.Here to view this Link.. Both have outstanding length, are accomplished mid-range shooters and simply have a feel for scoring the basketball. While not elite athletes, they are crafty and skilled and have a knack for getting important buckets. They also got plenty of help from 2015 top 100 player KeVaughn Allen. Seen as more of an athletic slasher in the past, Allen has been a bit up and down, but he's showing signs of becoming a much more dangerous shooter from deep and has had some very nice moments at the Peach Jam.

The 16-and-under finals at the Peach Jam will feature a battle between the Arkansas Wings and Florida-based Each 1 Teach 1 Elite (whose 17's are in the semifinals of the older bracket). During the semifinals, the Wings outdueled a very tough King James squad led by stud 2015 wing Luke KennardClick We touched on his play in the opening, but Justise Winslow was immensely impressive at the Peach Jam. His slight dip in the rankings to No. 16 was a mistake and he needs to be moved back up and possibly into the national top 10. Simply put, Winslow is a guy you need on your team if you want to win. He handles the ball, rebounds like a monster and is a big-time defensive player who can guard multiple positions. Winslow has shot the ball better than ever and plays like the kind of kid who can help somebody win a national championship.Here to view this Link. and likely 2016 five-star V.J. KingClick We touched on his play in the opening, but Justise Winslow was immensely impressive at the Peach Jam. His slight dip in the rankings to No. 16 was a mistake and he needs to be moved back up and possibly into the national top 10. Simply put, Winslow is a guy you need on your team if you want to win. He handles the ball, rebounds like a monster and is a big-time defensive player who can guard multiple positions. Winslow has shot the ball better than ever and plays like the kind of kid who can help somebody win a national championship.Here to view this Link.. Kennard made several tough jumpers but it wasn't enough to overcome the wild athleticism and in-your-shorts defense from the Wings. Leading the charge was 2015's No. 61 player Melvin FrazierClick We touched on his play in the opening, but Justise Winslow was immensely impressive at the Peach Jam. His slight dip in the rankings to No. 16 was a mistake and he needs to be moved back up and possibly into the national top 10. Simply put, Winslow is a guy you need on your team if you want to win. He handles the ball, rebounds like a monster and is a big-time defensive player who can guard multiple positions. Winslow has shot the ball better than ever and plays like the kind of kid who can help somebody win a national championship.Here to view this Link.. The 6-foot-5 wing only scored nine points and grabbed seven rebounds, but his fingerprints were all over every aspect of the game as his intensity and effort led the team. Frazier mentioned Texas A&MClick We touched on his play in the opening, but Justise Winslow was immensely impressive at the Peach Jam. His slight dip in the rankings to No. 16 was a mistake and he needs to be moved back up and possibly into the national top 10. Simply put, Winslow is a guy you need on your team if you want to win. He handles the ball, rebounds like a monster and is a big-time defensive player who can guard multiple positions. Winslow has shot the ball better than ever and plays like the kind of kid who can help somebody win a national championship.Here to view this Link., TexasClick We touched on his play in the opening, but Justise Winslow was immensely impressive at the Peach Jam. His slight dip in the rankings to No. 16 was a mistake and he needs to be moved back up and possibly into the national top 10. Simply put, Winslow is a guy you need on your team if you want to win. He handles the ball, rebounds like a monster and is a big-time defensive player who can guard multiple positions. Winslow has shot the ball better than ever and plays like the kind of kid who can help somebody win a national championship.Here to view this Link. and ArkansasClick We touched on his play in the opening, but Justise Winslow was immensely impressive at the Peach Jam. His slight dip in the rankings to No. 16 was a mistake and he needs to be moved back up and possibly into the national top 10. Simply put, Winslow is a guy you need on your team if you want to win. He handles the ball, rebounds like a monster and is a big-time defensive player who can guard multiple positions. Winslow has shot the ball better than ever and plays like the kind of kid who can help somebody win a national championship.Here to view this Link..

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