2023 Crossroads of the South-Top Performers
By Lavel Johnson
A little over a week ago the 2023 Crossroads of the South Elite Camp was held in Ridgeland and proved to be an exciting day of action with lots of interesting matchups. The participants included several already highly regarded prospects but also introduced us to a number of talented below the radar prospects. Let’s take a look at who stood out at this year’s camp.
Eric Paymon, Jr. 2024 6’9” Forward Raymond
Paymon has held down the number one spot in the Class of 2024 player rankings since that class was first ranked and he showed why he’s so highly regarded at the camp. He scored the ball easily all day as he faced up other bigs and drove by them and when they took a step back, he showed a strong three-point stroke. When a smaller player switched over, he used size to power thru them for easy scores and was really strong in transition. On the defensive end he blocked a ton of shots and hit the defensive boards strongly which often times led to him pushing the ball in transition.
Ashton Magee 2025 6’6” Forward Madison-Ridgeland Academy
Magee had a very strong day displaying his ability to play on the perimeter facing the rim, showing a phase of his game that many, including myself, have not seen before. He shot the ball very well from the perimeter, showed solid ball skills and the ability to create space to get off a shot, mixed in drives and slashing finishes and pushed the ball in transition effectively, while still displaying the parts of his game we’ve come to expect, rebounding and grinding.
Ethan Long 2026 6’8” Forward Petal
While Long was far from an unknown he still caught my eye and had an impressive day somewhat improving his position when new rankings are released soon. Long just did what he does and that is score the ball around the rim with great efficiency and effectiveness. He carves out space and gets good position to receive the ball on passes and off the offensive boards and finishes very efficiently. He rebounds on both ends at a high rate and his long arms help him block and alter shots at a high rate.
Jonathan Pace 2024 6’8” Post Harrison Central
Broad shoulder and long armed post who was very active all day, really got up and down the floor and tried to challenge every shot, rebounded the ball well especially off the defensive glass, did his scoring around the rim, showing a quick leap for dunks in traffic.
Ebo Wilson 2024 6’10” Post Ridgeland
Another big body who showed a strong paint presence thru-out the camp. A true wide body but well built, Wilson really works the defensive glass, takes up a lot of space in the paint and while not a high riser his sheer size makes him an efficient rim protector. Offensively he showed that he can score on the block off the post up against man coverage and is a very good passer if too many defenders flood the paint.
Kam Brown 2024 6’3” Guard Port Gibson
Brown gets an “A” for just showing up and playing well has he came off the football field the night before and has been emersed fully in football practice for the last month, nevertheless, he played very well on the day. Understandably his jumper was a bit off, but he did everything else well, handling the ball, pushing the ball in transition, attacking and finishing at the rim, setting up open teammates and was a steady presence on the defensive end of the floor.
Timothy Holliday 2025 6’0” Guard Itawamba AHS
The top under the radar prospect at the camp, Holliday was quite impressive. A solidly built, athletic combo guard, Holliday showed the ability to really score the ball, showing a solid jumper and the ability to really play downhill for tough athletic finishes at the rim. Showed toughness and played with lots of energy working hard on both ends of the court.
Phil Nelson 2025 6’0” Guard Ridgeland
A very quick combo guard who really likes to play downhill Nelson really has a nose for putting the ball in the hoop. He fearlessly attacks the rim and finishes very well in traffic, showed a solid jumper that he takes just enough that the defense has to respect and account for it. A real pest on defense, his quickness and active hands really gives opponents problems.
Dylan Rowe 2025 6’2” Guard Madison Central
Rowe really mixed up his game quite well at the camp as he was very effective facilitating for his team while being just aggressive enough on the offensive end to show that he can put the ball in the hoop when he needs to. When he did look to score, he mixed drives and jumpers quite well to keep the defense off balance and was effective with both, showing a solid jumper with some range and showing the ability to get to and finish at the rim through traffic.
Shaun Murray 2025 6’3” Guard Harrison Central
An athletic wing who shot the ball well and scored attacking the rim. He had a very strong day, got out and ran the floor, finishing well in transition, fearlessly attacked the rim in the half court, and shot the ball well on the day with range. Plays with lots of energy and just has a nose for the ball.
Charles Wesley Lindsey 2025 6’6” Forward Central Hinds Academy
Lindsey was another of the under the radar prospects who really played well and caught my eye. Every time I watched him he always seemed to be making a play. He shot the ball well from the perimeter, showed he could put the ball on the floor and score off the drive and was very active around the rim getting put backs or scoring off dishes. Always seemed to be around the ball.
Reece Garrison 2025 6’2” Wing Olive Branch
Garrison had a strong day scoring the ball in multiple ways. He was really effective driving and slashing to the rim, and his solidly build effectively serves him well helping him be a solid finisher in traffic, his jumper was steady as he showed he could stick the open three or hit the mid-range pull up off the dribble.
