Angelo Santiago, Scotland Campus: The ease at which the bulldozing 6-foot-5 small forward gets to the rim and scores with either hand has made him a proficient source for the Knights.
Consider his presence on the glass (the Class of 2020 prospect has racked up multiple double doubles this season) and the matchup difficulty he poses with his dependable deep jumper, and Santiago is a surefire scholarship-worthy prospect at the Division-II or low Division-I level. He’s added to his scoring repertoire with an increased vertical and has improved as an above the rim transition finisher. His blend of strength and versatility are Santiago’s most unique assets.
A native of Peekskill, NY, once a basketball hotbed that has produced the likes of Elton Brand (Duke/NBA), Hilton Armstrong (UConn/NBA), Mookie Jones (Syracuse), and notable talent. Santiago recently averaged 20.2 points per game during the , leading the way for Global Squad during the Haris Memorial tournament over Christmas break.
Brenden Kelly, Scotland Campus: You would be hard-pressed to find a harder-working guard than the 5-foot-9 gym rat. With his ability to see the court, create his own shot, and create for others, Kelly has put together multiple performances of 10+ points and 6+ assists. Kelly has shown a knack for scoring via the stepback.
He’s got a fluid outside shot and his bolt-quick release gives him an advantage over other undersized, tough guards of his type. Shifty and a sturdy on-ball defender, Kelly has proven he has the goods to play Division-II basketball. Because of his work ethic and because of his consistent full throttle style of play on the court, Kelly atones for anything he may lack in height. IQ-wise and experience wise, along with his ability to pursue the up-tempo attack, Kelly has the intangibles to transition instantly to the collegiate level.
Jhamar White, Scotland Campus: The 5-foot-10 guard from Guam will continue open eyes as he proves himself as a deadeye 3-point shooter who can knock down timely shots and also spark runs with his hot hand. When he gets into a deadly shooting mode, he’s got the tendency to really engineer a scoring surge and pilot a team. He’s shown the ability to make plays off the ball and provide reliable on-ball defense. White recently showed his scoring aptitude with a 29-point second half, on the strength of five 3-pointers, during a loss to KOA Prep of Maryland.
Dillon Hod, Scotland Campus: Investing the necessary time in the gym, the Class of 2020 guard out of Long Island has developed a dependable outside shot and quickly turned it into one of the finer points of his trade.
With his hustle-heavy game, maniacal work rate, and the IQ translatable to his dishing and ability to score around the rim, the 6-foot-3 Hod may be one of the more vastly improved players in the program. He’s a classic skill guy who won’t blow anyone away with wild athleticism but is very good between his ears and knows how to turn in the heads up play.
Stephan Dieujuste, Central Point Christian Academy (FL), :The 6-foot-1 guard is sneaky explosive and has added to his above the rim finishing ability. A product of Bayside High in Palm Bay, Fla., “Juice” is a left handed combination guard who can fill up a stat sheet when he seizes the hot hand. He recently poured in 32 points (19 in the first half) during CPCA’s 20-point throttling of Impact Academy (Sarasota, FL). Dieujuste stuck 3-pointers, carved his way to the rim at will, and proved he can score the ball in a variety of ways. He’s got a tight handle is working on scoring and creating utilizing less dribbles. He’s got the potential to be a Division-II player or a Division-1 JUCO/NAIa player as his game continues to develop. Promising young CPCA coach Jeff Metzger said the 2020 post graduate is open to all scholarship opportunities..
Jean Woody, Central Point Christian Academy–The 6-foot-9 forward is a late bloomer and still a bit raw and rough around the edges offensively. Yet with his knack for blocking and changing shots, his 7-foot-3 wingspan, and his high efficiency scoring (22 points during recent win against Impact Academy, 7-for-8 FG in second half), Woody possesses upside as he continues to learn the back to the rim game and overpowers smaller defenders while utilizing his length to his advantage around the rim.
Caleb Bates, Mount Zion Prep, 2020: The strong 6-foot-7 forward has relished the “Mr. Everything” role for Mt. Zion (MD). He’s got an innate knack for crashing the boards and coming up with the ball, an aspect which gives the team rugged, augmented toughness. Bates is also a jack of all trades type offensively. Don’t be surprised to see him pop out and stick the 3-pointer, though he’s got an adeptness at scoring around the rim and coming up with pivotal second chance points. His coaches often liken his style to that of Udonis Haslem, the hustle heavy Miami Heat veteran.
Jo Smith, Mount Zion Prep, 2020: The upside-heavy 6-foot-10 prospect might possess the most overall potential in the program. When he’s locked in, he creates difficulty to guard because of his size and the fact that he’s left handed. He’s got a deft, feathery touch in which he leans to his right shoulder. He’s also improved tremendously with his shooting mechanics, rapidly evolving as a reliable jump shooter who can make shots out to the 3-point arc. He’s got the potential to be a matchup headache at the ensuing level.
Remy Robert, State College of Florida (JUCO): The 6-foot-2 sharpshooter has become a consistent 3-point trigger man on a team that is known to move the ball constantly and spread defenses out, especially with the top 3-point shooter in the country in Cleveland State-commit D’Moi Hodge (27.1 PPG). Beyond his emergence as a steady shot-maker who can provide timely scoring, Robert has been instrumental in the team’s wall to wall pressure. He’s been a more active presence on the glass and in kicking in the extra pass.
Robert scored 16 points (6-for-9 FG, 4-for-7 3FG) during a thorough 108-85 victory over Coastal Alabama-North.
