2014 National Prep Showcase Top Seniors

by Randy Miller 

Held at Albertus Magnus College, the National Prep Showcase is hosted by Adam Finklestein of the New England Recruiting Report. Its purpose is to provide a high level competition and maximum exposure high school basketball players. We were thoroughly impressed with the events organization, and the fact teams from as far as Wisconsin and Florida came to participate.

Here are the top seniors who stood out last weekend.

Derrick Bruce, 6’3, G, Max My Game Academy (FL)

Derrick Bruce had a very good showing this weekend in a victory over Bridgton Academy, and in a close loss to New Hampton Prep. The slender combo consistently used his greyhound-like speed and separation moves to get by his defender and get to the cup. Bruce was also able to attack by using counter moves if a defender cut him off. While his game is tailored more for scoring, the Cali king showed he could get his teammates involved in transition or in the half court. Defensively, Bruce has the tools to be a good on-ball defender. With some added muscle, Bruce should be ready to contribute at Oregon State. .

Ahmad Caver, 6’1, PG, St. John’s Northwest Military Academy (WI)

While St. John’s took a huge L to Brewster, it most definitely wasn’t due to the play of Ahmad Caver. Going up against a gang of high major guards, the Old Dominion recruit showed that he could certainly hold his own. An explosive athlete, Ahmad was able to blow by defenders to the rack, yet also keep them honest with his outside jumper. Not a selfish player, he was forced to take on more of a scoring role, but showed off his court vision when the opportunity presented itself. With continued improvement, Caver is a guy that you’ll be hearing a lot from at ODU.

Kobie Eubanks, 6’5, SG, Elev8 Sports Institute (FL)

Kobie Eubanks can score the basketball. Opposing defenders found this out when he went for 37 points in a heated battle against New Hampton Prep. Although his team didn’t secure the victory, Eubanks showed the crowd why Baylor coveted the young man from Ft. Lauderdale. He shot the ball exceptionally well, hitting what many basketball purists consider a lost art- the midrange jump shot. Eubanks already possesses a strong frame which allows him to score in the post and absorb contact when driving to the basket. Look for Eubanks to be in the mix when he suits up for Baylor next year.

Aaron Falzon, 6’8, F, Northfield Mount Hermon (MA)

Mr. Versatility himself. If you didn’t know who Aaron Falzon was before this showcase, you certainly did by the time it was over. Falzon lead his team to victories over Lee Academy and Hargrave Military Academy while dropping 29 & 9, and 28 & 14 respectively. A long, athletic, forward with an excellent motor, Falzon presented matchup problems the entire weekend. If he didn’t score in the paint, he knocked down shots behind the arc. Defensively, he should be able to guard both forward positions at the next level due to his toughness and length. If he continues to work on his handle & adds strength, Falzon should have a nice career at Northwestern.

Kealen Ives, 5’9, PG, Putnam Science Academy (CT)

In a game where size usually matters, it’s was fun to see the smallest player on the court control the action. Kealen Ives epitomized the word floor general as he guided his team to victory over IMG Academy. Ives showcased everything a coach would want from a point guard: leadership, good decision making & selflessness. His speed let him push the tempo on make or misses, and create scoring opportunities for himself and others. On the defensive end, kid from Providence was a ball hawk. He stayed in his stance, and pressured the ball ninety-four feet if called to do so. This kind of play and characteristics should make him a contributor once he gets to Rider.

JaQuan Lyle, 6’5, PG, IMG Academy (FL)

What college basketball coach wouldn’t love to have a 6’5 physical point guard? How about the same guard, but add in the ability to get their shot off and score at will? Well these ingredients are what JaQuan Lyle exemplifies. Having never seen him play before, I was pleasantly surprised by how crafty and shifty he was with the ball. Lyle did most of his damage by getting to the basket, but showed that he was more than capable of stroking it from deep. Lyle also played solid defense. LSU, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio St and Xavier are pursuing the senior guard.

Danjel Purifoy, 6’7, SF, Hargrave Military Academy (VA)

Danjel Purifoy may very well be the total package. If there were a prototype for basketball players, Purifoy would be it. The small forward is physically capable of guarding 3 positions at the collegiate level. Purifoy played good on ball defense, and used his long arms and active hands to get deflections and steals. Offensively, Danjel has plenty of tools to get the job done. He scored by hitting threes, mid-range jumpers, or floaters over taller defenders. When he wasn’t putting in work from the perimeter, Purifoy played ruggedly in the paint scoring on drives and put backs. The Alabaman repeatedly finished through contact and got to the line. Bruce Pearl surely got a gem of a player when Purifoy chose Auburn.

Kamau Stokes 5’11, PG, Fork Union Military Academy (VA)

Kamau Stokes wants you to know that he is a point guard. He may be a point guard who scores exceptionally well, but make no mistake- Kamau Stokes is a point guard. As one of many unsigned seniors at the event, no one helped himself more (33 points in a loss against Notre Dame Prep then 28 points 5 assists in a win over St. Thomas Moore) Stokes has an excellent handle that allows him to create space and get by his defender. The Baltimore native is also deadly from downtown. Stokes has the quickness and long arms to make life troublesome for opposing offensive guards. Aside from productivity, Stokes displayed leadership qualities needed at the position that will help him excel at the next level. Stokes currently holds offers from Bradley, Florida International, Louisiana Tech, Fairfield, & Cal-Fullerton.