Inaugural Detour JUCO Exposure Showcase gives Region X players a platform

RALEIGH — The inaugural Detour JUCO Exposure Showcase took place at Neuse Christian on Saturday. 

The event was ran by Wake Tech assistant coaches Juwann Baker and Jonathan “Jayy ” Henderson — who wanted to provide JUCO basketball players in Region X an opportunity to play during a live period in front of four-year programs. Four-year coaches in attendance included UNC-Pembroke, Bluefield College, Ferrum College, Elizabeth City State, Bluefield State and St. Augustine.

In an effort to bring more exposure, Baker and Henderson provided a free livestream via WJG SPORTS for the entirety of the event, with HoopFarm Mixtapez shooting footage on the floor for highlights. Highlights will be edited by BucketReel and released soon after. Photos were taken and will be provided for free by Laieke Abebe of WJG Sports & Strika’Lites.

The high scorer for the day was Lance Anthony (pictured above) who kicked off the first game with 38 points, four rebounds, one assist, five steals on 14-27 shooting (10-15 from 3-point land). Overall there were three 30-point games on Saturday, the other two were by Jaren Ellerbe and Christian Koonce (pictured below). Anthony scored 15 points in his next game and was the top scorer for the showcase with 53. 

The Most Outstanding Player of the showcase, to me, was Jaren Ellerbe (pictured above). Ellerbe would be an above average athlete at every level, showed an impressive ability to get an open shot off the bounce and was efficient on the catch and shoot. As a defender, his long limbs and explosive athleticism makes him a threat to block shots, get in the passing lanes and pick his man’s pockets.

First Team

G — Jaren Ellerbe (46 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks)

G — Lance Anthony (53 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals)

F — Christian Koonce (52 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal)

F — Shayne Siago (39 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal)

C — Tony Hauser (37 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal)

Second Team

G — Kamron Humphrey (45 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals)

G — Michael Pollard (41 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals)

G — Jalen Lynch (31 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal)

F — Cam McNeil (26 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals)

C — Josiah Shackleford (28 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks)

All-Freshman Team

G — Lance Anthony (53 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals)

G — Michael Pollard (41 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals)

G — Jalen Lynch (31 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal)

F — Christian Koonce (52 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal)

C — Josiah Shackleford (28 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks)

Players from the WJG Area

Greene Central 2019 Jakael Gay (22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block)

Greene Central 2019 Donte Johnson (13 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block)

Eastern Wayne 2019 Kris Clark (7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal)

Eastern Wayne 2020 Devin Brown (22 points, 9 rebounds)

C.B. Aycock 2020 / Johnston CC Freshman Charles Walker (24 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal)

Johnston Community Freshman Kamon Green (10 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal)

Johnston Community Freshman Jakeem Herbin (12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals)

Johnston Community Freshman Wykise Allen (16 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist)