July Tune-Up Scrimmage Report

QCP's Ramar Hairston attacks Rozelle Nix of GameTime Magic

Some thoughts on the teams that participated in Saturday's scrimmages at Rockdale academy, hosted by the Queen City Prophets: Photos 

• Queen City Prophets 17u: The addition of PG Lionel “Bubba” Hill, who joined the team for States, has taken this team to the next level as they really competed in all their games today. Hill, who would be a hotly recruited player if he were a little taller, is a tough guard with great quickness and unlimited confidence in his scoring abilities from anywhere inside half court. Guards Darrell Bullock (West High) and Kendall Beamon (Withrow) were also scoring threats today for QCP; to go with the usual offensive production of PF Michael Van Kleunen (Mason).

• Cincinnati Knights 17u: Very talented team that just could not get a rhythm today. An unexpectedly close game with the Prophets 17u squad and a loss to GameTime Magic make the day a failure for the Knights, but they are able to use it as a teaching point for their July schedule. PG Semaj Christon ('11 Winton Woods) was the leading scorer and playmaker for the Knights as he constantly broke through pressure and scored through contact at the rim, while showing an improved stroke from deep. Every time CPHR sees Christon it seems like his athleticism has improved as he is now consistently playing above the rim in the open floor and in traffic. SF Darrin Harris (Mason), although he saw limited shots, was also impressive today using his basketball IQ to take advantage of mismatches; whether it be posting smaller defenders or attacking slower ones.

  

  Semaj Christon, of Cincy Knights, gets by his defender

  
  
• GameTime Magic 17u: 2-1 day for GTM, with two great wins and one disappointing loss. After being upset by the younger QCP 16u team the Magic really responded and posted impressive wins over the Cincinnati Knights (2^nd time in as many tourneys) and the Prophets 17u squad. SG Deontez McGee (Norwood) was the leader today, providing both toughness on the defensive end and scoring on the offensive end. Guards Malcolm Smith (Princeton), Louis Walker (North College Hill), and Deion Isham (Princeton) all played efficiently inside today as well. On the interior improving center prospects Rozelle Nix (Withrow) and De'arius “Tank” Young (Princeton) were able to control the boards, leading their team to the wins.
  
  
• A-Game Athletics 17u: A new program that is going to make a name for itself, led by former UC player Armein Kirkland. SF Ulysses Thomas (Princeton '11), who is headed to Prep School, was the leading scorer while PG Max Hassell (Clark) ran the offense efficiently.
  
  
• Queen City Prophets 16u: The surprise team of the day turned some heads with impressive wins over three teams, including an upset of the old GameTime Magic squad. Even playing shorthanded QCP was able to will its way to victories with some intense defense and unselfish offense. The leading scorers for the Prophets were PF Joe Cossins (Anderson), SG Ramar Hairston (Northwest), and C Cortez Adams (West High); who were all effective at scoring around the basket off of drives.
  
  

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  The Prophets' Lionel "Bubba" Hill

  Queen City Prophets 15u: PG Ronnie Rousseau continues his rise towards elite status in '14 with his stellar play on both ends of the floor. Rousseau had his jumpshot going while crossing his man over constantly and creating opportunities in the paint. SG Kevin Daniels (Hughes) and PG Isaiah Jones (Northwest '15) were also effective today for QCP. 
  
  
• Ohio Tarheels 15u: Playing without their two 6'7 studs (Roderick Mills and Vincent Edwards) the Tarheels were still able to get multiple wins. SG Grant Benzinger and SF Devon Goodson were the leading contributors for the team; Benzinger's creativity and jumpshot propelled the team, complemented by Goodson's outstanding athleticism.
  
  
• Shining Star (Hill) 15u: Team finished 1-1 today, including a solid team performance in a win against QCP's 15u squad. '13 PF Kwan Cheatham of Winton Woods, along with '14 prospects PG Frank Catrine (Bishop Fenwick), PG Ishmael Carter (Walnut Hills), and SG Devyn Walker (Northwest) all were impressive today for the Stars. Cheatham is a 6'7 combo forward with a nice stroke from deep, Catrine is a tough minded guard with a nice handle and fearlessness when attacking the rack, Carter is a strong lead guard with nice athleticism, and Walker was able to score around the rim and hit from behind the arc. New addition Adam Gigax, a 6'6 PF from Moeller, also was able to stretch the defense with his jumpshot.