The Josh Hubbard Basketball Showcase hosted by All-SEC freshman and Mississippi State Bulldog Josh Hubbard featured some of the top basketball players in the state of Mississippi with scholarship money on the line.
The event capped a two-day weekend where top high school players were given the opportunity to compete and develop in a high-level atmosphere with the winning team in the finale awarded $1,000 in scholarship funds to each player.
Notable players competing included Mississippi State commit EJ Paymon, Mr. 5A and three star prospect Jamarion Davis-Fleming, Mr. 6A Dorian McMillian and Mr. 7A Trey Alexander.
Team Brent/Ryan pulled away late for a 91-87 win. Alexander was named MVP of the event.
Below were the top players from the physical, high-stakes action in Madison, MS.
Team Darby/Rhodes
Deandre Lewis / Canton High School / Class of 2024
Lewis was opportunistic and found different ways to score. Put himself in position for offensive rebounds and knocked down outside jumpers. Operated efficiently without the ball in his hands and scored multiple times as the pop-man off a screen. His energy and passion was displayed throughout the entire game as he was being very vocal.
Damarion Winston / Yazoo City / Class of 2024
Winston didn't make a significant impact on the box score, but effected the game in a variety of ways. The quick-footed point guard initiated offense with confidence and never allowed defenders a free pass by him.
Despite giving up size, Winston wasn't afraid to attack the offensive boards in search of put back opportunities. He showed a strong ability to protect the basketball and acted as a floor general, even when off the ball.
Kari Hamilton / Clinton High School / Class of 2024
Hamilton did a good job letting the game come to him. Never forced a bad shot and took advantage of scoring both on catch-and-shoot opportunities and off the dribble in different locations. Takes pride in trying to guard the best player at all times. Needs to keep working on knocking down his open three point shots.
Dorian McMillian / Pascagoula High School / Class of 2024
In a showcase packed with quickness, McMillian's horizontal attack stood out. He used it to create open shots and space via crossover and sidestep. McMillian's lateral quickness and motor bothered ball handlers and he showed a good sense of the floor on that end. McMillian displayed his explosiveness with dunks in both breakaway and blow-by opportunities. His energy and tenacity helped push the team for a big comeback to take the lead.
Shot selection is an improvement area, but displayed strong ability to finish in traffic and through contact. Has an advanced ability to control the ball and navigate double teams and pressure defense.
Led his team in scoring and poured in 16 of his 23 points in the second half.
McMillian announced his commitment to Jackson State University right after the game.
Dylan Rowe / Madison Central High School / Class of 2025
Good perimeter defender who consistently cut off and beat opponents to their spots. Routinley assigned primary ball-handler and contested shots well. Cerebral player who never put himself in harm's way on offense while still showing strength in his primary-hand drive. Loved his communication and leadership that he displayed. Would be much harder to guard if he scored more out of his pick and roll options.
Eric Paymon Jr. / Raymond High School / Class of 2024
Paymon is a stretch-forward who showcased the outside aspect of his game, operating and hitting shots from different locations around the perimeter. Has a series of post moves enhanced by plus-ball handling for a big. Paymon had one of the biggest highlights of the day with a monstrous contact dunk when the team was gaining momentum to take the lead.
Paymon struggles with being aggressive down low at times and settles for his outside jumper causing him to not take advantage of pick and rolls at times. Paymon is committed to play his freshman year at Mississippi State alongside the camp host Josh Hubbard.
Team Brent/Ryan
Ashton MaGee / Madison Ridgeland Academy / Class of 2025
Lengthy forward who hunted rebounds and took advantage of second chance opportunities. Doesn't rush with the ball in his hands and did a good job getting defenders in the air with his pump fake. His leadership and vocality was next level and showed his maturity. Would love to see him continue working on his jumpshot and ball handling as he can make the transition to a true wing with a better outside presence.
Trey Alexander / Clinton High School / Class of 2024
Downhill combo guard who was very comfortable rising and firing from the top of the key in transition offense. The MVP used a tight dribble to penetrate the middle of the defense and get to his spots for his midrange pullup. At 6'2 185lbs, Alexander uses his solid frame tremendously well to control the tempo of the game and get his team in their sets.
Occasionally forced the issue a little too much, but was adept at drawing fouls in different situations. Alexander is committed to Holmes Community College but will definitely be making his way to a Division I school after his JUCO career.
Alexander showed up in the clutch, scoring 15 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and leading a double-digit comeback.
Jamarion Davis-Fleming / Canton High School / Class of 2025
Athletic post with explosive leaping ability. Can score as the roll man in a pick-and-roll or pop a shot from the elbow off the pass or dribble. Has an outside jumper that shows signs of a high ceiling as a three-level scorer, evident by multiple Power Conference offers. Uses his agility well to deny post entry passes. Fleming had some big time blocks and denied the rim at a high level.
Avery Thomas / Terry High School / Class of 2024
Thomas is a tall guard who showed the ability defend the post as well as the wing. Hustle defender with quick hands and good feel for passing lanes. At 6'6, Thomas has an outside jumper with great form that he shot efficiently. He made some timely shots late in the game.
Tamarion Hoover / Yazoo City / Class of 2024
Hoover displayed a lot of verticality and a jump shot with a high release point that was difficult to contest. Struggle to knock down those shots, though, but attacked with authority and drew help defenders in.
Made up for misses by knocking down game winning free throws in final seconds. The 6'4 SG will be heading to Jackson State for his freshman year.
Amir Abdul-Rauf / Gulfport High School / Class of 2024
The NBA legacy is a shooting point guard who knocked down shots from mid-range and beyond. Struggled with consistency, but drew fouls and protected the basketball.