Showcase of Champions 2022: Bruton’s Standouts

Cumming, GA - NGSHoops.com recently held the Kenny Smith Showcase of Champions. Several young prospects introduced themselves to the world as players to watch over the years. In this article, I decided to discuss some of the up and coming talent in the class of 2029 that I got a chance to see for myself in action.

Zaire Colbert | 5’3” PG | Team Trezz 2029 (NC)

Colbert was easily the most dominant player in his division. He dominated every game in so many ways, whether it was scoring, distributing or guarding the opposing team's best player. It’s rare to see players this young move the way that he moves with the ball and it’s even more impressive to see how he manages the games. He’s a true point guard that has already found a balance of scoring the ball and creating for others. I’m confident that he’ll develop into a premier guard in his region and possibly beyond.

Raylon May Jr | 5’3” G | Huncho 2029 (GA)

I’ve seen May play several times, but his performance in the championship game against Team Trezz was special to watch, despite the loss. He buried shot after shot from long range, mid-range and in the paint. He’s got a second gear that makes him difficult to contain. Very good player for Huncho.

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Kayden Durham | 5’10” G | Team Trezz 2029 (NC)

Not many kids can handle this kid at this stage. He’s got very impressive athleticism to go along with very good skill as a player his size in 5th grade. With the ball, he quickly builds a full head of steam and is impossible to stop once he’s in the open court. He can beat pressure defense off the dribble with his left hand or with his right and if he gets to the basket, you can count it. Outstanding young prospect from Rocky Mount, NC.

Kendall Hopkins | 5’2” G | Team Trezz 2029 (NC)

Hopkins quickly drew my attention with his quick trigger jumper and his contagious energy. I’m not used to seeing players that get their teammates involved on the court and off the court the way that Hopkins is able to do so. With the ball in his hands, he makes quick decisions, keeps turnovers down and gets to his spots consistently. He has all the makings of true combo guard.

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Kaiden Horton | 5’2” PG | Horton Academy 2029 (GA)

This young guard can get the job done. He’s got a nice array of moves that enables him to get a good shot off. Off the dribble, there aren’t many in his division that can stop him from getting into the paint. He uses his retreat dribble well and knows how to pass and cut. I look forward to watching his progression.

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Kingston Clahar | 5’4” G | Horton Academy 2029 (GA)

Clahar was solid all weekend. He provided value as a shot maker, created quickly off the catch and he provided defensive versatility. Long term, he appears to be a guard that will have excellent length and skill to go along with a nice frame. Keep him on your radar.

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Austin Triggs | 5’4” PG | Jacksonville Heat 2029 (FL)

Nobody in the 5th grade division was able to keep Triggs in front of them. He’s just too quick, too fast and too shifty to be contained by one defender. There were several fast break plays where he was able to beat an entire team down the court and finish. His ability to change directions, create with either hand and his ability to get his shot when he wants is impressive.

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Anthony Moreno | 5’0” PG | Huncho 2029 (GA)

This young PG is fun to watch. He’s got a tight handle, makes shots from every spot on the floor and he’s a competitor. He plays like he’s a seasoned veteran at times with his calm demeanor and pace with the ball in his hands.

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Deuce (Rahman) Grayson | 5’2 PG | Huncho 2029 (GA)

Despite playing up in the 2029 division (Deuce is 2030), this kid has continued to impress at every event against every level of competition. He’s a lefty that plays the game with such great pace and with great skill. He’s starting to show more of an ability to attack the basket as well as spacing the floor with a deadly jump-shot and eagle eye court vision. From a skill standpoint, he’s as good as anyone I’ve ever seen his age.

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Draydne McDaniel | 5’11” G | KT Kings 2029 (FL)

This young guard is already tall for his age, but he’s got plenty of skill and IQ to go along with his great size. Must also note, at 11 years old he already sports a size 15 shoe. On top of being a primary ball-handler, he’s got strong court vision and is able to pass right over the top of defenses, he’s a capable post presence and he finishes well around the basket with his left hand. One of the better young prospects to come through this summer.

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Zaiden Nelson | 5’4” G | Middle Georgia Push 2029 (GA)

This kid flat out knows how to score. He scores the ball as a spot up shooter, as a pick and roll ball-handler, gets to the free throw line and he can get downhill to finish at the basket. If he puts his mind to it, he can get 15-20 points quite often, but he’s unselfish and looks to keep everyone involved.

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Joshua Sanders | 6’3” F | Middle Georgia Push 2029 (GA)

It’s impossible to miss Sanders. He’s already standing around 6’3” - 6’4” and he’s a lefty that sends back shots with ease. He’s got a soft touch on his shot, converts at the free-throw line and his length on defense intimidates scorers that like to drive the ball to the basket. He’s a developing creator with the ball in his hands and isn’t afraid to push the ball in transition. There is a lot to like about the future with this kid.