The fourth annual ESPNHS NHSI will feature eight of the nation's best teams vying for a championship in a three-day tournament, which tips off Thursday (ESPNU at 2 p.m. ET). Here is a look at some of the players we will be watching closely: Findlay Prep (Nev.)Dominic Artis
2012, PG, 5-11, 165 pounds
College: Oregon
Artis is a scoring point guard who has improved his decision-making under head coach Michael Peck and is working on his assist-to-turnover ratio, as well as breaking off the play when he sees an opportunity to score. The future Duck has been the team's leading scorer since Christmas and has led the powerful program. He is an excellent 3-point shooter who penetrates the lane, looking for his teammates or a scoring opportunity with his floater. Overall, he is dangerous because defenders must come out and guard his shot but he's crafty enough to get by them. Anthony Bennett
2012, PF, 6-8, 230 pounds
Bennett is fully recovered from a hamstring injury and looks as impressive as ever. He is a difficult matchup because he can score in the paint thanks to his wide shoulders and soft touch or knock down jumpers from anywhere on the perimeter. In transition, he is always looking to score and is a willing rebounder on both ends -- in and out of his area. His final list of schools is Kentucky, Florida, Oregon, UNLV and Washington. Montrose Christian (Md.)Justin Anderson
2012, SF, 6-5, 210 pounds
College: Virginia
One of the best athletes in the Class of 2012, Anderson has improved his skills every year under the tutelage of coach Stu Vetter. Anderson excels in the transition because he's hard to catch and impossible to stop on his finishes. The Virginia signee has also invested time into his jumper and it is paying off as he can knock down mid- and long-range shots. However, the strength of his game is driving the ball, getting on the glass and defending. Ishmail Wainright
2013, SF, 6-5, 220 pounds
Wainwright has a college-ready physique with long arms and soft hands. He is a versatile small forward who can play a multitude of positions on the floor. He possesses the skills to play out on the perimeter but he's most effective attacking the basket off the bounce, where he uses his great court vision to score himself or make an assist. He is also a tremendous on-ball defender who gives great effort. Wainwright has offers from UCLA, Kansas, Florida, Missouri, Duke, Syracuse and Kentucky, among others. Montverde Academy (Fla.)Michael Frazier
2012, SG, 6-4, 180 pounds
College: Florida
He is a true shooting guard who is a threat every time he touches the ball thanks to his scoring mentality and confidence. The future Gator puts an emphasis on getting open and spotting up all the way out to 22 feet. He also understands the value of reading and using screens to get time and space for his jumper. Overall, his talents open the floor and put pressure on a defense. Kasey Hill
2013, PG, 6-0, 170 pounds
College: Florida
The future Gator has a burst of speed in the open floor that's exciting to watch, especially when driving to the basket. Whether it's in transition or the half-court set, he excels at driving and finding the open man but he also has the body control to finish. Hill makes the game look easy at this point because he is so fluid with the ball in his hands and when his jumper starts to fall, watch out. St. Benedict's Prep (N.J.)Melvin Johnson
2012, SG, 6-3, 175 pounds
College: Miami
He is a deadly shooter who can score any way you need him to. He has a smooth, confident stroke off the catch or dribble, a nice floater in the lane and he can take a hit and finish when he drives to the rim. Defenses must know where the Miami signee is at all times because his trigger is quick and accuracy is consistent. Blanche Ely (Fla.)Clide Geffrard
2012, SF, 6-6, 210 pounds
He is a tireless worker in and around the basket who will try to dominate his opponent in the paint. Geffrard has the demeanor to make opponents foul out of the game, as he works for inside position and hits the glass. La Lumiere (Ind.)Hanner Mosquera-Perea
2012, PF, 6-8, 210 pounds
College: Indiana
The future Hoosier already possesses an NBA body and can dominate a game with his length, aggressiveness and physical presence. Mosquera-Perea excels in transition where he finishes above the rim with flair, blocks shots, rebounds out of his area and finishes drop-off passes with emphatic dunks. He also has a consistent jump hook and a developing jumper. Rapheal Davis
2012, SG, 6-5, 200 pounds
College: Purdue
Davis is La Lumiere's best scorer and he can do it in a variety of ways. He does not shy away from contact in the lane and is a capable outside shooter. Overall, the Purdue signee has the tools and mentality to light up the scoreboard. Ravenscroft (N.C.)Anton Gill
2013, SG, 6-4, 185 pounds
College: Louisville
The left-handed, pure scoring guard is fun to watch and very efficient. He excels in the open floor, drains his 3-point shots over 40 percent of the time and knows how to get in the lane and use his floater. Coolidge (D.C.)Khalen Cumberlander
2012, SG, 6-2, 175 pounds
College: Central Connecticut
Cumberlander has scored more than 1,000 points in high school, so he knows where the basket is located and how to get there. He is a fearless and gifted athlete who slashes his way to the paint and scores.
|