Team Uptown during introductions of the Coach Francis All Star game featured a loaded line-up including
standouts Hunter Dickinson (DeMatha) and Che Evans (Dulaney High School)
The 2016 Middle School and Coach Francis All Star games brought the cream of the crop from the classes of 2023, 2022,2021 and 2020 to St John's for a elite showcase. The talent on hand, considering their age, was unreal. It not only speaks highly of the players talent level and potential, it also speaks highly of the coaching staff's, programs and parents that teach and help guide these kids day in and day out. The Finest Mag staff was on hand to evaluate and below you can find who stood out and who you should keep an eye on going into the future.
2023 - (6th Grade)
Canada's 6'4 point-center Elijah Fisher was unstoppable in the 2023 contest
Christian Bliss/ New Jersey/ Forward - Fearless scorer who can also shoot which is a rare combination at any level. Routinely hit timely contested shots to keep the momentum for his team.
Samaritan "Fatman" Bouges/ Maryland/ Guard - Shifty point guard who can create with the best of them yet showed the poise and IQ to run the team.
Franklin Ayissi-Etoh/ Maryland/ Forward - Double double machine. A rugged, high motor forward who loves to mix things up in the paint on both ends. An efficient finisher with great hands and defensive instincts.
Elijah Fisher/ Canada/ Guard-Forward - The game's MVP wowed the crowd with his blend of size, skill, athleticism and versatility. He literally did it all playing all five positions. Fisher is undoubtedly a prospect to keep a very close eye on.
Aden Holloway/ North Carolina/ Forward - guard who is deadly in transition and off the dribble. A gifted ball handler with very good court vision, Holloway can score efficiently yet gets as much joy setting up teammates as well.
Sebastain Robinson/ New Jersey/ Guard - Tough nosed guard who is relentless attacking the basket. A crowd pleasing passer, he can make others better and finish as well as any guard in his class.
Wesley Yates/ Texas/ Guard - Even at this young age, you can see Yates being a power guard as he matures in the future. His combination of strength and quickness made him a tough cover all night long.
2022 - (7th Grade)
Carlos Alexander/ Maryland/ Combo - A prototypical combo guard, Alexander was equally effective on both ends playing on and off the ball.
Emoni Bates/ Michigan/ Guard - A Kevin Durant clone in every sense. His size (6'5, 6'6) and perimeter skill set and fluidity on the court forces you to think of the four time NBA scoring champion and former MVP. Needs to get stronger and get better at finishing through contact more consistently. Sky is the limit.
Antonio Hamlin/ Maryland/ Forward - Hard nosed physical forward who much rather do the dirty work than score, even though he's a solid finisher. Had a game high in rebounds (11, six offensive) and 3 steals.
Tyler Hawkins/ New York/ Guard - Definitely has that "New York flair" in his game as he could dish and handle like no other, keeping the defense off balance all night.
Derrick Key/ Washington DC/ Center - Key stood out as the best big man prospect at the event. He simply was a force in the paint, posting a near double double with 16 points (8-10 FG) and 7 rebounds in a win. If he extends his range to 3-point range along with maturing physically, he could be a household name by the time he graduates high school.
Chris Livingston/ Ohio/ Guard - Smooth guard who not only is a knock down shooter, but a willing and lock down defender.
Dee Morton/ Georgia/ Forward - A walking bucket! Morton filled it up from all over, didn't matter if it was in the post, off the dribble, or spotting up for a jumper out to 3-point range.
Trey Thomas/ Washington DC/ Guard - Another talented local kid who combination of size, skill and toughness makes him an intriguing prospect moving forward. He's a throwback where he figures out an advantage and exploits it rather than forcing something that's not there. Thomas bullied his way to 12 points in the contest.
Jarace Walker/ Pennsylvania/ Guard - Sniper simple as that. You can't leave him open at all or he will make you pay all the while being a solid creator off the dribble.
2021 - (8th Grade)
Jalen Bradberry/ New York/ Combo - Efficient scorer with supreme ball handling that appears to be a mandatory skill for New York based guards. Very confident in his ability who will take on any challenge.
Ryan Conway/ Maryland/ Guard - Best player on the floor by far. Game MVP dominated with 29 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assist and 2 steals. His game is mature beyond his years. He is a skilled, tough guard who literally can score from anywhere on the court. If he makes up his mind to become a lock down defender, he will undoubtedly be the most complete player in his class and he's not far off right now.
Donnel Harris/ Florida/ Center - Man Child! He's still raw skill wise but physically and athletically ahead of his peers. Harris has a Ben Wallace'esque game where he makes his impact defensively and on the boards. At 6'7, 6'8 and already playing above the rim, with some skill work he can develop into a force in the years to come.
Matthew Nelson/ Canada/ Wing - Versatile wing, capable of playing both forward position's effectively.
Noah Pebbles/ Ohio/ Forward - A solid all around forward who plays with a poise. Efficient scorer and willing rebounder, Pebbles won't wow you with flashy plays, however, he will wow you with consistent winning plays.
Wesley Peterson/ Washington DC/ Guard - Tough athletic wing who can shoot it with range.
Carter Whitt/ North Carolina/ Guard - Traditional shooting guard. Although he can pass, Whitt is a natural putting the ball in the basket. A high IQ player who plays within himself and usually makes the correct play.
2020 - (9th Grade)
Hunter Dickinson/ DeMatha Catholic High School, Hyattesville, MD/ Center - Dickinson is a 7 foot center with perimeter skills who also can play with his back to the basket. Dickinson put on a show. Hitting 3-pointers, dribbling the ball full court making play's, rebounding, blocking shots, the kid has everything you would want in a young center. Once his body catches up athletically, it should be pure dominance down the road.
Che Evans/ Dulaney High School, Lutherville-Timonium, MD/ Wing - Evans needs no introduction, yet he brought it like he does. A smooth scoring wing who can do it all, Evans has all the tools to one day be playing 82 games, he's that talented.
Keyshawn Johnson/ Paul VI Catholic High School, Fairfax, VA/ Guard - Scoring point guard who is deadly off the bounce and in pick & roll situations. He can score from all three levels and lead the team effectively as well.
Myles Stute/ Gonzaga College High School, Washington, DC/ Wing - Stute impressed with his blend of size and athleticism. One on One, he's unstoppable, due to his strength driving to the basket and his jumper off the dribble, he will be a force at the high school level and beyond.
Earl Timberlake/ Clinton Christian School, Upper Marlboro, MD/ Wing - Probably the most athletic player on the floor, and proof of that came when while blocking a shot, he hit his forehead on the backboard, he bounced back up immediately and kept playing. Reminds me of a young Andre Iguodala due to his length, size, skill and athleticism. Although offensively he can do a lot, he stands out on defense. On the ball, and helping out on rotations he's a problem. Expect Timberlake to make major noise for Clinton Christian and higher level's to come.
Terrance Williams/ Gonzaga College High School, Washington, DC/ Forward - Another high flying wing, where Stute rely more on strength as his advantage when attacking defenders, Williams utilizes his quickness and speed more. The result is usually spectacular. Williams is a gifted slasher who can finish at with the best of them. Has the potential to also be a elite defender due to his length and quickness if he makes that a focus moving forward. When it's all said and done, William's should be one of the top two way wings in the country.
* - Evaluations done by Finest Mag Coaches - Delrico Shelton and CJ Green