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Elite Players Step Up Big At ESPN Rise NHSI

By Erik Larson, 04/04/11, 12:00AM EDT

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Montrose Christian knocks of Oak Hill Academy in double overtime to win the crown. Montrose point guard Tyrone Johnson (2011, Signed to Villanova) showed the all-around ability that will make him a solid Big East player. He made big plays at key moments, defends ruggedly and can get to the paint at will. He should be able to fight his way into the rotation of a crowded Villanova backcourt. Oak Hill/Dematha point guard Quinn Cook (2011, Signed to Duke) played with his usual swagger by hitting three's, attacking the rim and creating turnovers. Quinn's skill will definitely be of use in Coach K's uptempo offense. Here are the underclassmen that made a statement at the NHSI:

Justin Anderson (Verbal Commitment to Maryland) Montrose Christian 2012 Guard-Forward 6'5 220- Justin is an elite athlete who can score all over the floor. At 6'5 he already has an ACC frame. He scores all over floor with 3 point and midrange jumpers, drives to the basket and offensive rebound put backs. He also plays clutch, hitting a 3 pointer to send the game into double overtime. With another year at Montrose, look for Justin to push his way from the bottom part of the Top 50 players in the country to the Top 20.

Michael Carrera Montrose Christian 2012 Forward 6'6 210- Carrera, a Venezuelan, is a volume rebounder. The best rebounder Stu Vetter has coached since George Lynch, says the coach after the energetic junior controlled the boards for the 3 day event. He posts up strong and has an array of post moves that he uses to get contact and finish. Michael opened up a lot of eyes around the country this weekend with his leadership and by playing bigger that guys much bigger than him. Can he transition to the small forward position by opening up his perimeter game or will a high to mid major school take a shot at him as a post player?

Kevin Larsen Montrose Christian 2012 Forward-Center 6'9 230- This Danish big man showed he has major potential. He runs the floor hard, eats space and has descent touch. He showed a pretty baby hook and got above the rim on occasion. He is limited by a lack of overall athleticism but could translate into a high major prospect. Big 10 and Big East schools take notice, this bulky big man sets screens and can shoot from the top of the key.

Yuki Togashi Montrose Christian 2013 Point Guard 5'7 140- Though undersized, Yuki plays very hard and tough. From Japan, this point guard handles very well and stays in front of elite players one on one. At this point he doesn't get a lot of shot attempts, but has two more years at Montrose to show his ability. Expect Ivy League, Patriot League and D2's to take notice.

Jordan Adams Oak Hill Academy 2012 Guard-Wing-Forward 6'5 225- Jordan has high major potential and swagger. He can score in bunches in a multitude of fashions. He showed the ability to shoot the 3 off of the dribble and the catch. He cut off of screens and buried mid range jumpers. Defensively he has quick hand and rebounds at a descent rate. He should look to up his conditioning regiment and work on better shot selection to be in the rotation at a high major school.

AJ Hammons Oak Hill Academy 2012 Center 6'11 250- Aj is quality center that is still developing. Yes he needs to work on finishing, his conditioning and demanding the ball, but he is a big time prospect. He is a volume shot blocker and rebounder who is able to stay out of foul trouble. He posts up strong and has good post moves with his back to the basket. He plays hard, getting on the floor on an occasion or two. He will definitely play at a high major college.

Damien Wilson Oak Hill Academy 2012 Guard-Wing 6'5 185- Damien is a still-developing athelete who can be counted on to play quality perimeter defense. Offensively, he slashes to the hole, crashes the boards and hits a set 3 point shot. He can finish at the rim with contact and has highlight dunks on breakaways. He need to have more patience on offense, get stronger and have a plan with the ball. Currently he looks like a low major player with the potential to move up.