Summer Jam: Four-star Ramey shows out

Mequon, Wisc. – For the players and coaches kicking off the start of July's second live evaluation period at the NY2LA Summer Jam, there was a buzz in the gym and four-star point guard Courney Ramey of Jets/Ramey United only added to it.

Playing with Jets/Ramey United 16U team, 2018's No. 60 player, Courtney Ramey, got it done at both ends of the floor Wednesday night. The smooth playmaker made four three-pointers, ran the pick-and-roll as if he invented it, blocked two shots and forced several UPlay Canada turnovers.

Ramey, who missed several weeks of the travel season due to a broken jaw, can really shoot it and he got his shot at will. When he got into the paint he either hit a soft floater or used his elite court vision to make the right pass as the help defender arrived. Ramey has a superb feel for the game. Unofficially he had 18 points, six assists and three rebounds.

Following the game, Iowa State offered the thin 6-foot-3 guard who previously held offers from Florida, Texas, Missouri, Saint Louis, Illinois and others.

It is a good thing for Montana, Washington and Washington State that they offered Dream Vision's four-star power forward J'raan Brooks when they did. Based on his performance Wednesday night, a floodgate of offers could be on the way for 2018's No. 70 player.

Brooks was dialed in from the jump in a 16U match up with Wisconsin Playground Warriors. He controlled the paint at both ends of the court. He's more of a shot changer than a shot blocker, Brooks also is an effective area rebounder, but needs more of a go-get-it attitude. On offense, Brooks posted up deep and showed a good understanding of how to score inside. He also showed that he can face up and knock down open 15-footers.

The 6-foot-9 rising junior ran the floor well and showed good hands.

In addition to the schools that have offered, Brooks said that he is hearing from UCLA, Oklahoma, Stanford, Gonzaga, USC, Nebraska, Oregon State, California, Grand Canyon and Baylor.

Four-star small forward Justin Smith, who ranks No. 104 in 2017, led his Mac Irvin Fire 17U team with 22 points in an overtime win over Team Bradley NW Panthers. Possessing elite athleticism, Smith is a run-and-jump dunker who excels in transition. His offensive skills are evolving and he showed that when he knocked down two three-pointers. Smith has a healthy dose of upside as he expands his offense.

Shooting guard Max Watson made his mark behind the arc for Dream Vision 16U. He made four three-pointers and finished with 18 points. Watson was accurate off the catch and for some reason the Wisconsin Playground Warriors left him wide open. When the defense corrected this mistake, Watson showed he can put it on the deck and score off the bounce as well. Watson listed Santa Clara, Boise State, Harvard, Yale and Utah State.

Four-star shooting guard Tyler Herro, who ranks No. 80 in 2018, did not have his most efficient game for Wisconsin Playground Warriors but managed to finish with 20 points. Against a swarming Dream Vision defense, Herro struggled to separate from defenders, but demonstrated that he can be good finisher at the rim. The entire Wisconsin staff, plus coaches from Ohio State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Iowa State, Vanderbilt, Arizona and UCLA were courtside.

Wisconsin commit Kobe King, who ranks No. 141 in 2017, had a very quiet night in scoring just three points in an overtime loss to Kingdom Hoops. King started the night with his left hand taped (non-shooting) then took the tape off but he was still a bit passive. King could be a three-level scorer but on this occasion needed to assert himself more. Especially down the stretch when his team was blowing a 13-point lead on the way to an overtime loss.

Combo guard Luke Loewe impressed with his court sense. Loewe is a solid ball handler who knew when to penetrate to the hoop and how to use screens. Getting stronger should be a goal for Loewe as he did struggle to finish through contact. He is used off the ball by Wisconsin Playground Warriors 17U team but he looks like a better fit at point guard.