Shaw's Standouts: DJ Wagner, Xavier Booker among Semifinal Saturday's best

Hampton, Virginia – The Hoop Group’s Southern Jam Fest is a must-attend event every year. The talent level is always high, and the bracket-style format leads to very exciting games. On3 was on hand to bring you the standouts from Semifinals Saturday.

6-2 2023 DJ Wagner, NJ Scholars 17s

DJ Wagner is the 2023 On3 Consensus No. 1 player, and he walked onto the floor Saturday with a purpose. The 6-foot-2 guard lived in the paint, getting downhill with a burst and control in the half-court. He was knocking down shots and playing a fierce brand of on-ball defense. Bouncing back from a solid high school season, Wagner has been dominant since the start of travel ball, and that continued here.

Recruitment: Offers from Kentucky, Memphis, Michigan, Temple, etc.

6-9 2024 F Royce Parham, Team Durant 16s

Royce Parham is a new name to the national scene, but monitor closely how he continues to develop. In our first viewing, the 6-foot-9 forward did a bit of everything, knocking down three threes, finishing multiple and-1s, and rebounding out of his area. Young for his grade, this was a very positive viewing; keep a close eye.

Recruitment: Offers from Duquesne, Robert Morris

6-10 2023 Xavier Booker, George Hill All Indy 17s

It has been quite the year for Xavier Booker. First, he leads his Indianapolis (IN) Cathedral High to a state championship, and after his performance at Southern Jam Fest, he is about to become the talk of the travel ball circuit. Booker is a 6-foot-10 four/five. The lefty moves in a way most his size cannot. He is very fluid with long arms and a quick burst. Booker knocked down nine threes in the two games today, going for at least 20 and ten in both outings. The upside is immense here.

Recruitment: Official visits to Kansas State, Indiana, Purdue, and Michigan State.

5-10 2024 Jordan Vick, Team Trezz 16s

Electricity is the first word that comes to mind when thinking about Jordan Vick. The sophomore guard has the quick handle, the burst at the rim, and the touch with range that extends beyond the three-point line. Vick lived in the paint and plays with a chip on his shoulder. He finished with an impressive 20-point performance in his semi-final performance.

Recruitment: Offers from Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, Pittsburgh, etc.

6-5 2023 Jamie Kaiser, New World 17s

Jamie Kaiser was one of the main attractions for me coming into this event. Since watching him in Spartanburg a couple of weeks ago, his recruitment has picked up a lot of steam. Watching him at Southern Jam Fest, you can see why. The former football star has a picture-perfect jump shot with deep range and outstanding balance. He is efficient in his game and knows how t get to where he needs to make a play. In the night two nightcap, Kaiser finished with an easy 29. On to the semi-finals.

Recruitment: Indiana, Boston College, Virginia, Georgetown, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, etc.