Our Select 80 Camp Series took place the last 2 weekends with 2022 prospects competing on October 9th and 2023’s going a week later on the 16th. Both camps had a competitive, energetic environment in which numerous players performed well and elevated their status. In our 1st set of recaps, Benji Oxman gives us some superlatives for both the 2022 & 2023 camps. Here’s what he had from the action he saw at the 2023 Select 80.
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Best Point Guards: Isaac Martin, Tayden Owens & Spence Sims
6’0″ PG Isaac Martin (King’s Ridge)
Isaac is a true point guard and a coach’s dream. Isaac was the most vocal player in the gym: directing his teammates into the right spots, screening and cutting harder than anyone else. That’s already a rare HS player trait in real games let alone a camp. Isaac may not be very athletic but he shoots the cover off the ball and has a basketball IQ through the roof. His freshman and sophomore year of high school he shot 45% & 42% from 3 each season. Isaac also rarely turns the ball over and always makes the right play whether that’s kicking the ball ahead in transition, driving & kicking to an open teammate or running the pick and roll with great patience. Isaac’s athleticism may scare off some college coaches but I hope they pay attention to how crafty he is. Isaac uses his back to lull defenders to sleep in the full court before playing with great pace and footwork in the half-court.
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6’0″ PG Tayden Owens (Cherokee)
My first time seeing Tayden play was a few weeks ago at a fall league and he’s built off that momentum with a strong camp performance. Tayden is a quick & shifty smaller guard who can also shoot the 3 really well. Tayden was able to hit multiple 3s in every game throughout the camp. Also, Owens has impressive ball handling skills and pair that with his quickness he can get in the paint constantly. Once he gets to the paint he’s smart enough to make the right read between finding an open teammate, pull up mid-range, or a creative finish around the rim.
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2024 6’1″ PG Spence Sims (Fairhope (AL))
One of the few 2024 prospects who earned an invite to our 2023 camp and Sims did not disappoint. Spence first caught my eye with his shooting ability, knocking down multiple 3s in the first half. In the second half, he showcased his full game. Spence was breaking down defenders off the dribble & made a few really impressive passes. Spence Sims is an intriguing prospect I’m excited to track over the next few years.
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Best Scorers: Kenny Southall, Max Skidmore
6’4″ SG Kenny Southall (Mt. Vernon)
Kenny Southall was on the championship winning team on Saturday and he was a major reason why. Kenny lived in the paint & thrived in transition all day. Kenny wasn’t afraid to go into traffic and finish through contact. He also had a really consistent mid-range pull up throughout the day. I also loved his competitive and motor. Even in the championship game when everyone was tired, Southall kept his same motor and energy.
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2024 SG 6’2″ Max Skidmore (Heritage School)
Max is another 2024 guy who took advantage of his opportunity. He’s just a guy who’s wired to score. The lefty has a soft, high arching jump shot with picture perfect form. To go along with Skidmore’s three-point shot, he’s got a nice floater and understands how to use his body in the paint. Max was already a first team all-region player as a freshman, but I expect another jump this season as a sophomore.
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Best Athlete: Kaden Cooper
6’6″ SF Kaden Cooper (TSF Prep)
This pick wouldn’t be argued by anybody who was in the gym on Saturday. Cooper is an effortless athlete who can jump through the roof. The game I watched Kaden had 30 points which was dunk after dunk. Cooper even threw down a windmill off of a lob, something not a whole lot of guys are athletic enough to do. While Kaden’s skillset isn’t completely polished yet, he still has a good feel for the game. Capable 3-point shooter, good ball handler & rebounder along with a great shot blocking ability. I expect Cooper’s skillset in the half-court will continue to get better while at TSF as his perimeter game expands, he will be a major problem at the college level. Kaden currently holds offers from: UNLV, SMU, DePaul, Oklahoma State, Tulsa, & Oral Roberts.
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Best New Face: Sean Cusano
6’7″ SF Sean Cusano (Hilton Head Prep (SC))
Recently moved from Virginia to South Carolina, so this was my first time getting to see Sean. At 6’7 Sean has a smooth jump shot and is a solid athlete. Cusano impacted his games in more ways than just scoring. He rebounded & passed the ball really well. Another player who always seemed to make the right play and didn’t force much all day. Hilton Head Prep should have a good team this year with Sean playing alongside JJ Hayes.
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