BENTON, KY--A terrific basketball atmosphere has always defined the general feeling for spectators at the annual Marshall County Hoopfest, and it continued with this year’s version, although the attendance appeared to be down at Reed Conder Gynasium. This probably was due to the fact that host Marshall County High School did not play games on the prime days of Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5.

The featured attractions, nationally ranked Henderson, NV/ Findlay Prep, and Mouth of Wilson, VA/ Oak Hill Academy, thrilled the fans with very impressive victories against their overmatched opponents. Findlay Prep, led by unsigned, No. 10 rated, 6-3 Sr. PG Cory Joseph, disposed of Arden, NC, Christ School 80-64 on Friday night. Findlay was led by Joseph with 23 points, 7 assists; and Texas signee, No. 4 rated, 6-9 PF Tristan Thompson, and highly talented junior, 6-4 2G Nick Johnson, each with 16 points. The top performer for Christ School was Louisville, KY, resident, 6-6 Jr. WF Tony Kimbro with 24 points, and Greenwood, SC, native, repeat senior, 6-4 2G Damarcus Harrison added 12 points. Indiana head coach Tom Crean was in attendance Friday to watch Joseph, Johnson, Marshall Plumlee and other prospects. 

In the Hoopfest finale on Saturday night, a balanced Findlay Prep attack gave them another blowout victory, 78-41, over Centereach, NY/ Our Savior New American. Tristan Thompson led the way with 18 points, 9 rebounds, followed by Nick Johnson with 17 points, impressive junior, 6-3 G/F Jabari Brown with 16 points, and Corey Joseph with 15 points. The new “czar of the Bluegrass,” Kentucky head coach John Calipari, and Northwestern head coach Bill Carmody were both at the games on Saturday.

Unsigned senior, No. 20 rated, 6-4 2G Doron Lamb was sensational as Oak Hill Academy, playing only on Saturday, routed Jackson, MS/ Callaway, 73-46. The talented Brooklyn, NY, resident recorded a triple double with 26 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and no turnovers, to lead Coach Steve Smith’s Warriors. No. 30 rated, 6-7 Sr. WF Roscoe Smith added 18 points, and 13 rebounds. Outstanding 5-11 Jr. PG Deville Smith led Calloway with 29 points, including 5 three’s; and unsigned Sr., 6-6 PF Jeverik Nelson, had 14 points.

2010 Player Reviews

6-9 PF Tristan Thompson Henderson, NV/ Findlay Prep--This Toronto, Ontario, native signed early with the Texas Longhorns. He is our No. 4 rated national player, although he did not perform at that level in this event. Perhaps, because he was really not challenged. Still, to achieve at the highest level, Thompson must learn to always play with maximum intensity and effort. He has the ability to score at will inside, and the skill level to make shots from outside. Thompson had 19 points, 10 rebounds vs. Christ School, and 17 points, 9 rebounds against Our Savior New American. But, without consistent effort, Thompson will likely drop in our ratings.

6-3 PG Cory Joseph, Henderson, NV, Findlay Prep-- Currently rated the No. 10 player in the Class of 2010, and he could move up. Another product of Canada, Joseph is one of the top two still unsigned point guards in this class. He had a superb game against Christ School getting 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Joseph is an outstanding all-around lead guard, is extremely tough on defense, and is an effective team leader and playmaker. He is now considering Texas, Connecticut, Villanova, Minnesota, UNLV, Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida.

6-4 2G Doron Lamb, Mouth of Wilson, VA/ Oak Hill Academy--Perhaps the most impressive player in the event based upon his triple double game against Jackson, MS/ Calloway. Lamb, unquestionably, will move up from his current No. 20 ranking. He is the “main man,” all-purpose player on the highly talented Oak Hill Warriors team. Lamb, reportedly has trimmed his list of schools to five: Kansas, Kentucky, Connecticut, Arizona, and West Virginia.

6-7 WF Roscoe Smith, Mouth of Wilson, VA/ Oak Hill Academy--This resident of Baltimore, MD, is now rated as the No. 30 2010 prospect. He did not shoot well in this event; but, worked hard on the boards, and had 13 rebounds and 18 points. Smith said that he was now primarily focusing up three colleges: Georgetown (perhaps his favorite), Connecticut, and Duke.

6-3 1/2G Pe’Shon Howard, Mouth of Wilson, VA/ Oak Hill Academy-- played three years ago at Lakewood, OH/ St. Edwards, and is now in his second year at Oak Hill. Howard is exceptionally versatile, and can perform well at both guard positions. He is a consistent perimeter shooter, and a good passer and floorleader. He is now being recruited by Stanford, Virginia Tech, Southern California, South Florida, and has attracted the interest of UCLA,Indiana, and others since he is one of the top still available guards. 

5-11 PG Thomas Jackson, Jeffersontown, KY/ High--extremely active lead guard is a crafty left-hander with an on-target stroke. Jackson hit for 27 points in leading his team to a win over Hopkinsville, KY. He is still unsigned, and was one of the top “true sleepers” in the Hoopfest. Low to Mid major alert: Thomas Jackson is a point guard to check out!

6-7 PF Joe Harms Belleville, IL/ Althoff Catholic--This Austin Peay signee was a force inside, grabbing 12 rebounds, and scoring 15 points in the paint. Harms is rated as a Top 300 player, and is a good recruit for The Govenors.

6-7 PF Elijah Pittman, Covington, KY/ Holmes--one of top college prospects in Blue Grass State. A long, multi-talented athlete, can score inside, or nail three’s. Has 7-0’ wing span. Must improve academics or appears destined for a top junior college program.

6-9 C Matt St. John, London, KY/ South Laurel--still developing big man, has size at 265 lbs., and potential. Appears to be a borderline low Division I or a Division II prospect.

6-4 2G Ricardo Johnson, Covington, OH/ Holmes--Ohio U. signee was MVP of the state tournament as a junior, leading Holmes to a 36-2 season. Had impressive showing in the Hoopfest with 14 points (6-8 FG), 6 rebounds.

2011 Player Reviews:

5-11 PG Deville Smith, Jackson, MS/ Calloway--super quick point guard can really accelerate on the court. He is an accurate three-point shooter, and a skilled playmaker.
Smith is now being courted by Mississippi State, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Baylor, UCLA, and Southern California, among others.

6-6 WF Tony Kimbro, Jr., Arden, NC/ Christ School--impressive young athlete was the most overall effective player for his team. Kimbro is an effective scorer from all ranges, and a highly skilled, gifted athlete for his age. Reportedly, he is now considering Louisville, Kentucky, Indiana, Purdue, Oklahoma State, and Duke.

6-3 2G Nick Johnson, Henderson, NV/ Findlay Prep--this talented young sharpshooter from Gilbert, AZ, is a key contributor on the nation’s top rated team. Johnson can play both guard positions, and may become a lead guard next year when Cory Joseph departs. Johnson is a consistent scorer, and a deadly perimeter marksman. He really likes UCLA, and, reportedly, had received offers from Arizona State, Oregon State, Gonzaga, Virginia Tech, and Pepperdine. Others involved include Texas, Arizona, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Oregon, and California. He is one to watch.

6-11 C/F Marshall Plumlee, Arden, NC/ Christ School--the third of the Plumlee brothers to leave Indiana, and attend Christ School, Marshall has the potential to become the best. He did not have a stellar performance in this event. He is only averaging nine ppg., and needs to use his height to dominate inside. Reportedly, his lengthy list includes Duke (the current favorite), Notre Dame, Indiana, Northwestern, Purdue, Michigan, Ohio State, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, and L.S.U.

6-7 P/WF George Fant, Bowling Green, KY/ Warren Central--outstanding rebounder and in-the-paint scorer, Fant is a hard-nosed, blue-collar combo forward. He needs to improve his outside shooting range, and develop his perimeter skills to become a wing forward at the next level. Fant had 23 points, and 10 rebounds in Warren Central’s close 57-53 victory over Lexington, KY/ Catholic. He is being courted by a long list of colleges.

2012 Player Reviews:

7-0 C Isaiah Austin, Arlington, TX, Grace Prep Academy--towering, still developing young talent was the best 2012 college prospect at the Hoopfest. He is an intimidating shotblocker, and inside dominator. Was limited by foul trouble in both games here. With hard work and low post skill development, Austin can become a major college prospect.

6-1 PF Jaylen Beckham, Lexington, KY/ Lexington Catholic--perhaps the #1 2010 prospect in the Blue Grass State. Beckham has explosive speed and quickness, and is a true point guard with advanced playmaking abilities. He has to reduce his tendency to commit turnovers, and improve his sometimes careless ballhandling. But, make no mistake, Beckham has major college potential.

6-5 W/PF Dejuan Marrero, Gary, IN/ Bowman Academy--this tough, competitive young player started last year as a freshman, and has the potential to dominate opponents at both ends of the court. He defends, rebounds, and scores in a variety of ways. Marrero has a bright future as he becomes stronger, and continues to upgrade his skills set. He had 17 points, 13 rebounds in his team’s narrow 60-58 victory over Covington, KY/ Holmes.