Gonzaga DC Classic Recap

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 Roman Catholic (PA) point guard Tone Carr - After breaking onto the scene in July at Peach Jam, the long lead guard grew several inches and is now 6-foot-4 with major upside. Carr does a good job of navigating the open floor, getting into the lane to score against contact and dishing to open teammates from the perimeter. He has tremendous basketball IQ and is always aware of his surroundings. His issue is knowing when to turn his motor on and always being active. He can take a passive approach on the court, but will have to play with an alpha mentality if he wants to make the most of skill and size. His shooting form needs some work, but long term Carr has the opportunity to be a very successful point at the next level. Indiana, Penn State, Temple, Maryland, George Washington, Rhode Island, La Salle and others have offered, but it is unclear whether he will stay local as the recent trend in Philly has been to do so. He also has some considerable interest from Syracuse as the No. 74 player in the class.

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.

2015 Cardinal Hayes (NY) small forward Chris Middleton - From what his coaches said, his performance at the Gonzaga Classic was the best Middleton has ever played. An unsigned senior, he plays with some confidence, can finish above the rim, and has good defensive timing in order to intercept passes. Middleton didn't try much offensively other than getting to the basket, but he made a number of tough, contested layups and finishes around the hole. He currently has no Division 1 looks, but could slide into someone's lap by the spring.

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.

For the latest in college basketball recruiting, head to TheRecruitScoop.com for the latest details and notes on offers, visits, commitments and more. To contact Alex Kline, you can reach him by email at MaryKlineClassic@gmail.com or on Twitter at TheRecruitScoop.