GONZAGA DC CLASSIC - RECAP - ALL-MET ELITE

GONZAGA

 DC CLASSIC 

 RECAP 

 ALL-MET ELITE 

CHRIS LYKES 

GONZAGA HS.

WASHINGTON D.C.

Washington DC - Prior to the tip of the National HS Hoop Festival, the Gonzaga DC Classic featured eight teams filled with prospects of all ages. As host team Gonzaga packed a punch, they were not the only ones who performed well on the first day of the event on Friday. Here's a look at who stood out.

2016 Gonzaga (DC) shooting guard Nigel Stewart - Stewart is a slashing guard who can score the ball in a variety of ways, primarily by getting to the cup. He can shoot it a bit, but most of his points came off of fast break layups where he is quick and aggressive in the lane. Stewart is trying to transition into a combo guard where his size and improving jump shot will help him out, especially once he improves his handle. The junior is also a good rebounder and defender because of the energy level that he plays with on a consistent basis. This has led to interest from American, Maine, Mount St. Mary's, UNC Greensboro and Siena with no formal offers as of now.

2018 Capitol Christian (MD) power forward Nate Watson - Young, skilled and big, there is a lot to like about the freshman. It is early on but he has a very mature and developed post game. He has soft hands and touch to go along with good footwork and an ability to score in the post. He must assert himself all the time and run the floor with a purpose. Essentially, he still plays a bit innocent for someone who, in time, will need to get meaner and more aggressive. That being said, the skill level is high and could take him far. Old Dominion is heavily involved early on.

2016 Mount Harmel (MD) power forward David Erebor - Erebor does not have the skill yet to make much of an impact on the court, but there is a lot to like about his game. He is very active on the defensive end by communicating and moving around. He has good size with a body that has yet to fill out. He can really jump but is not the most coordinated at this point. His offensive game is raw, but with some work from the right coaching staff at the mid-major level, he could be ready to contribute to a college program by his junior year.

2017 Capitol Christian (MD) shooting guard Chris Orlina - Formerly of the 2016 class, Orlina put on a show with his scoring ability. He has a long, wiry frame that is filling out and ideal for a shooting guard. Unlike most scoring guards, he isn't afraid to get dirty and play in the post in order to grab a rebound or loose ball. Orlina has good form and release to his shot. He can shoot the mid-range or outside jumper, as well as get to the hole. His handle is still developing but he was pretty effective in the open floor. Old Dominion, NC State, Radford, Air Force, Virginia, Virginia Tech and others are involved, but look for his stock to rise in near time. He has roots in Philadelphia, as well, so Big Five schools could get involved, too.

2017 Gonzaga (DC) point guard Chris Lykes - Lykes put on a show, despite being the smallest player in the event. Only 5-foot-7, he commands and runs an offense like former Xavier point Drew Lavender. He is quick, can create his own shot and is always playing harder than his opponents. He has quick hands and timing when it comes to picking the ball from the ball handler. From there, he gains possession and sprints to the finish line for a basket. What Lykes needs is a consistent jumper as he already has the ability and speed to create his own shot. If he can do this, he will be a serious threat. That being said, the sophomore already holds scholarship offers from Hofstra, Old Dominion and Richmond with interest from Miami, Stanford, Virginia, Towson, Maryland and others.

2018 Mount Carmel (MD) shooting guard Montez Mathis - West Virginia and Virginia are on him early, and rightfully so. Mathis is a big, developed scoring guard who does a really good job of facilitating the offense. He plays at the top of the key and finds open teammates, or cuts to the basket. A talented slasher, he can get into the lane and get off his own shot with ease. Only a freshman, Mathis needs to be a consistent finisher at the basket.