SLAMonline checks out the top seniors from Primetime.
UNION, NJ — The Primetime Shootout has established itself as one of the nation’s very premier high school showcases for the past decade. NBA superstars such as LeBron, Melo, Dwight Howard and high school legends such as DaJuan Wagner, Tyson Chandler, and Sebastian Telfair have all stolen the show at previous Primetime’s in the pre-YouTube generation. Video has surfaced of the 35 point, 17 rebound game Lance Stephenson had in a W over NYC rival Rice, Doron Lamb’s ridiculous 49 point rampage last year, and even a small highlight reel of Bron and Melo going at it. Needless to say, it’s a can’t miss event for peeps addicted to high school hoops like myself.
The main event at this year’s Primetime Shootout was St. Patrick’s vs St. Thomas More, pegging Kentucky recruit Michael Gilchrist against SLAM’s #1 junior Andre Drummond. Findlay Prep and Montrose went at it in a game that certainly didn’t turn out the way that most scouts expected it would. There were also a number of other teams in attendance that had big time players on their teams when they were booked, but lost them as transfers to other schools. Either way, it was a legit event that gave us a sneak peak at some of next year’s future stars in college.
Tyrone Johnson, 6-2, PG, Montrose Christian (MD), 2011
Primetime events must just be made for Tyrone Johnson because everytime they roll around, he balls out. Johnson did his thing at the Morgantown Primetime and straight dominated Findlay Prep this time around in a 26 point dub with 25 points. The Jersey native was playing in front of many of his peeps from back home and openly acknowledged the crowd numerous times as he was giving it to one of the country’s finest high school programs. Headed to Villanova, you can’t help but see some Kyle Lowry similarities with his stocky build and ability to bully weaker guards. Tyrone’s ability to change speeds and get into the paint should allow him to get some immediate burn once he hits Philly.
Michael Gilchrist, 6-6, SF, St. Patrick’s (NJ), 2011
A top-five player by every respected analyst in the country, Gilly lived up to the hype to the tune of 28 points and 9 rebounds. The future Kentucky Wildcat was blazing going end to end, posted up smaller wings, and played with the typical dog in him that’s made him the most consistent player in the class of 2011. Mike’s handle and shot are constantly improving but will need to continue to do so rapidly if he hopes to be one of Coach Cal’s next one and done guys.
Sir’Dominic Pointer, 6-5, SF, Quality Education (NC), 2011
The Jordan All-American gave the fans a treat with his athletic, gritty style of play from the wing. More of an undersized power forward when he was hooping just outside of Detroit, Pointer blossomed to a full-time wing once he took his talents down to Winston-Salem at QEA. At Primetime, we loved his ability to slash to the cup, play above the rim, and put the clamps on you defensively. The man with possibly the dopest name in high school hoops is going to need to keep progressing as a shooter, but will receive considerable burn from day one at St. John’s.
Myles Mack, 5-11, PG, St. Anthony’s (NJ), 2011
After looking rather average in the first half, the future Rutgers playmaker dominated the second half of St. Anthony’s game vs Hotchkiss with his silky smooth J and killer court vision. Generously listed at 5-11 and 160 pounds, the jetison guard continues to hone his rep as one of the better scoring point guards in the class of 2011. Though Rutgers has been taking its bumps and bruises on the regular, Mack is part of a recruiting class that could really turn things around for them in the Big East.
Derrick Gordon, 6’3, SG, St. Patrick’s (NJ), 2011
Every year there is a guy who simply gets it done but is stuck in between positions. This year continues that trend, with Derrick Gordon being that guy who fits the bill. He killed at City of Palms back in December with his ability to get buckets and did the same thing at Primetime. Adept enough of a ball handler to slide over to the point if need be, Gordon’s bread and butter is getting into the teeth of the D and creating for himself. The athletic combo guard showed you that he can get buckets in a variety of ways with his old school feel to the game and if he improves his consistency from beyond the arc, has a chance to be an all conference performer from day one at Western Kentucky.
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