Lighthouse Classic Standouts Day 1 Part. 1
By: TeLante’ Webber
Corinth, MS is the place to be for any hoops head in Mississippi and surrounding states every year after Thanksgiving. This year was the 7th Annual Lighthouse Classic and like every year the match ups didn’t disappoint. Here are some of the top performers from Day 1 of the Lighthouse Classic.
West Oaks (FL) 2020 6’5 Selton Miguel (K- State Commit)
Selton came as advertised. he dominated the game from all angles against CBA. He uses his size well and always takes advantage of smaller guards. He is able to guard any position on the court. He thrives in transitions where he usually finishes with dunks or finds teammates for easy buckets. Miguel is also a crafty passer. He showed good vision throughout the game. Has he continues to develop his jumper look for him to be an immediate impact player at the next level.
Stats: 20pts 5reb 4ast
West Oaks (FL) 2020 6’5 AJ Staton (Unsigned Senior)
Staton did a little of everything on the day. Another long athletic guard for West Oaks that brings high energy and physical play. He gave CBA’s guard fits with his length and ability to play passing lanes. He knocked down shots and finished at will around the basket. He rebounds well on both ends which is another plus of him being a big guard. College coaches should look here as he will be a good asset to any college program.
Stats: 25pts 11reb
Hamilton Heights (TN) 2020 6’6 Samson Ruzhentsev (Florida Commit)
Samson is must-see TV. He is a highlight reel waiting to happen. I first saw him last year at the Lighthouse Classic where he had great performances that kick-started his rise. A year later we had the same type of performance. He lit the gym up with 3’s and crafty lay ups. He left the crowd amazed when he went baseline and put the defender on a poster. Samson has a lot of versitility within his game that will translate over well to the next level. with his size and skill set he will be able to play the 3 and 4 spots with ease.
Stats: 31pts 9reb
Orangeville Prep (Canada) 2020 6’7 Matthew Alexander Moncrieffe
Matthew was a super athlete. He started the game off trying to get his teammates involved, but later begin to take over the game. He can score from anywhere on the court but struggled around the basket early on. Moncrieffe is one of the top wings in the country and a for sure D1 talent.
The Webb School (TN) 2020 6’4 Keon Johnson (Tennessee commit)
Johnson is one that I’ve been tracking over the years and every year he seems to get better and better. He plays with high energy and is always a step ahead of the opposition. Getting to the basket is easy for him and finishing through contact is no problem either. Johnson hit some tough shots against a very good defensive team in Center Hill. For this, to only be Webb Schools 2nd game of the season they looked great. Keon had some spectacular plays and showed why he’s one of the top players in the country.
Stats: 37pts 9reb 7ast
The premier matchup of the day was between two 2021 top 30 guards Kennedy Chandler ( ESPN #16) and Daeshun Ruffin (ESPN #25). Be mindful that both guys are under 6’ and both can fill up the stat sheet every time they step on the floor. The pair were both on the All- EYBL Underclass team and they gave the fans what they wanted to see.
Briarcrest Christian (TN) 5’11 Kennedy Chandler
Chandler wasted little time getting himself going in this elite guard match up. He attacked the rim relentless from start to finish and kept the pressure on Callaway’s defense. In transition, he was a blur and finished around the rim with crafty lays. He made 4 3 pointers in the second half which helped put his team over the top. He closed out the game at the free-throw line going 6-6. Chandler showed why he is one of the top PGs in the country.
Stats: 35pts 4reb
Callaway (MS) 5’10 Daeshun Ruffin
Ruffin is a player that sells tickets. He can get a bucket anytime he wants. He came out in the game with a quick up and under layup that set the tone. Ruffin sparked Callways offense with 5 3’s in the first half. Every shot he took was contested and like they say great player make tough shots. He gave the fans a show in the first half converting layups and his signature side step 3 pointer. Second half they found a way to slow him down which was rare. Look for them to bounce back tonight in a matchup that should be another entertaining game.