by Alex Schwartz

While at the first Northstar Basketball Showcase, I was able to take the time to get some scouting reports on a number of players. Have a look:

Khalil Murphy '09, APEX Academies (NJ)
Murphy was impressive at the event, as was easily one of the top two performers in attendance. The 6'7 wing displayed a knack for scoring on tip-ins, a nice shooting motion, and stellar hands. Although when you look at the gifted senior you would think he is a power forward, Khalil is a solid outside shooter, with an ability to knock down threes, and has confidence in his shot, even from very long range. He is fluid when he shoots the rock. Murphy moves well in the post, and when he is down on the block has some nice moves. He is a true inside-outside player on offense, while he is solid on the defensive side of the ball, making him a complete player.

Jhamir White '11, Paterson Catholic (NJ)
White, a undersized point guard, was not spectacular at the Northstar Basketball Showcase, but he was solid and held his own against mostly older players. Jhamir, who showed off nice court vision, had a tendency—although not good or bad—to finger roll all of his layups off the backboard rather than doing it the traditional way. Defensively, he gets steals and also leaks out for fast breaks. White is a stellar young player who could some improvement offensively and will need to grow a bit more, but displays some potential.

Eli Carter '10, St. Anthony's (NJ)
One of the new additions to the St. Anthony's (NJ) Friars, Carter, the step brother of the aforementioned Khalil Murphy, was impressive defensively at the event. Eli utilizes his hands and arms on defense, and when guarding someone on the perimeter does quite well. In addition, he gets a lot of steals. On the offensive side of things, Carter is a good shooter and also drives to the cup well. All said, Eli Carter had a nice showing, displaying a nice game that should continue to grow under Bob Hurley's tutelage at St. Anthony's.

Kerry Weldon '10, St. Agnes HS for Boys (NY)
A relative unknown, Weldon caught my eye in the first set of games. He has good size and is a big guard, yet can play down low. Assuming he keeps growing, Weldon could probably become a true small forward, though now he is a 6'3.5 combo guard. He has an inside-outside game and rebounds the ball well. Kerry is a good overall player, and is one to watch out for down the road.

Shaq Thomas '10, Montclair (NJ)
Thomas was probably the most highly regarded player to come out for the event, as he is a top 40 player in the class of 2010 on Scout and top 75 on Rivals. Thomas, who is lanky and has very thin legs, runs the floor well, yet is lazy getting back on defense and is lackadaisical when moving around. Although he is seems to be most comfortable as a point forward, Shaq does not have a great handle, though he does pass well and has a nice spin move. Athleticism is a strong point for the former Paterson Catholic baller, yet he does move around somewhat awkwardly. Thomas is somewhat flashy and is a confident, but not great shooter. Thomas' defense is really what stood out at the Northstar Basketball Showcase. He reads shots well in order to gets blocks, and truly is a good shot blocker. Right now Thomas is a work in progress, though he definitely has some untapped potential.

Shaq Duncan '10, Prep Charter (PA)
A big name in Philadelphia, Shaq Duncan showed what he can do in his time in the Garden State. The big man is long and athletic, yet does need to add some bulk. Duncan has long arms which help him to be a true interior player. He scores in the low post, utilizing his size and athleticism. Shaq is not a finished product just yet, but he is headed in the right direction with his game.

Fuquan Edwin '10, Paterson Catholic (NJ)
Edwin was the other main standout performer with the abovementioned Khalil Murphy. Fuquan does a good job shooting the ball, yet is inconsistent. He has a long body with long arms and overall good size. Edwin drives to the hoop well and is an aggressive player. The junior has nice ups and is solid in the post. As well, he does a good job of hitting the defensive glass. Fuquan Edwin is a nice all-around player was a great game and is someone who may well burst onto the scene even more so this year, as the aforesaid Shaq Thomas is no longer at Paterson Catholic (NJ). Look for big things from Edwin down the road.

Markens Charles '09, APEX Academies (NJ)
Despite being undersized, Charles is a quality point guard. He gets to the hoop well, and does and nice job of driving and dishing, as he also passes the ball well. In addition, Markens—who recently transferred from The Nia School (NJ) to APEX Academies (NJ)—is quick and runs the floor well. Charles is a stellar shooter, giving him a nice all-around offensive arsenal. Although he likely will not grow all that much more—though you never know—Markens is a nice floor leader.

Isaiah Morton '11, St. Augustine's (NJ)
Another well thought of player who attended the Northstar Basketball Showcase, Isaiah Morton did a nice job against competition that was mostly made up of juniors and seniors. Even though he is undersized, Morton does have a good frame. It seems like his feet are a bit big for the rest of his body, so it appears that Isaiah is not done growing, though once again, you really can never know for sure. The sophomore has a fluid shooting stroke and is just and overall solid baller.

Note- photos are from http://scouthoops.scout.com/.