Oak Hill Academy currently has four players rated inside of our 2010 top 100. Coach Smith lost three very talented players from last season's team in Keith Gallon, Lamont Jones and Glenn Bryant. So he wasted not time in adding two of the most talented players in the nation in guard Juwan Staten and forward Roscoe Smith for the upcoming season.

Doron Lamb- He is definitely going to visit Oklahoma and Kansas. Lamb plans on committing at some point "during the school season". Lamb's list of schools are Kentucky, Kansas, Oklahoma, Rutgers, Arizona, Clemson, Marquette, St. John’s, Oklahoma State, Seton Hall, and Florida. The smooth guard currently sits at #17 overall in the class of 2010.

Peshon Howard- Recently gave us this list of schools. Harvard, Rutgers, USC, UCLA, Virginia, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Former teammate and close friend Glenn Bryant is already at Arkansas. One would think that gives the Razorbacks a little leverage. Howard is currently rated #97 overall in the class of 2010

Roscoe Smith- Smith has offers from just about every high major program in the nation. The only thing that Smith made certain during a recent interview was that he is attending Oak Hill for his senior season. "They're all the same; no different right now," Smith said of the chances for each school. "It's still a long list and everybody has a chance. I want to take some visits in the middle of the (senior season), so I can get the list shorter." Smith checks in at #25 in our class of 2010 top 100.

Juwan Staten- Recently transferred to Oak Hill. Staten is committed to Dayton and is among the better players in the 2010 class that the nation is unaware of. Staten checks in at #76 in our most recent shuffle of the top 100 in the class of 2010.

Chasen Campbell- Served as Keith "Tiny" Gallon's primary backup. Campbell fought injuries during his senior season. He is going to prep for a year and reclassify as a 2010 prospect. He already holds an offer from IUPUI.

An interesting little nugget from TwinCities.com writer Charley Walters:

"The latest buzz is that 6-foot-6 Harrison Barnes, the consensus No. 1 incoming senior prep basketball player in the nation and someone of whom the Gophers have been in hot pursuit, is leaning toward Kansas."

We haven't spoken with Barnes in sometime but his commitment to Kansas would deal huge blows to Duke, Kentucky's, Iowa State, UCLA and UNC's 2010 efforts. It is apparent that Barnes is now the top shooting guard prospect for the Kentucky Wildcats, after Will Barton's recent unexpected commitment to the Memphis Tigers. The Bluedevils also have a lot riding on the possibility of signing the heralded prospect. If coach Self lands this kid, the Jayhawks could soon be featured in the finals the big dance once again.

According to Evan Daniels of scout.com Johnson has decided not to attend USC. Before committing to USC in September of 08' Johnson's list of schools included UCLA, N.C. State, Miami, Wake Forest, UNLV, Texas and Indiana. We had the privilege of watching this young man play in the 09' Derby Classic, where he posted 10 points, 1 rebound, one steal and an assist in about 15 minutes of play.

Below is an article that we wrote awhile back about Johnson's impressive childhood.

As a freshman at Lovejoy High, Johnson was tabbed as one of the top prospects in the state. Now the senior from Fayette County high is one of the top prospects in the nation. However the grounded Johnson keeps everything in the right perspective:

“I just look at myself as just another individual that plays basketball.”

Noel’s family and support system has always had him involved in athletics. Johnson’s father was a star at Wichita State and played one season for the Golden State Warriors. Johnson has inherited his fathers athletic ability to go along with his 6′7, 180 pound frame. The kid has developed the ability to aggressively attack the rim and sports an improved jumper.

Johnson lists his parents as the biggest role models in his life:

“Both of my parents ‘cause they want me to strive to be the best at everything I do.”

Johnson’s father has had Noel mentored and tutored by some of the classiest people associated with the game:

-Xavier McDaniel is Johnson’s godfather.

-Nate “Tiny” Archibald, teaches Johnson ball handling ,court vision and awareness drills.

-Former Hawk Mike Glenn teaches him shooting and helps to mold him into a well rounded student/athlete (Johnson carries a respectable B average)

-The first ever African American to sign a scholarship at UNC, Charlie Scott helps Johnson with offensive consistency.

In December of 2007, while playing in front of a packed gym, including Rick Pitino. Johnson burned Mctinosh Ga, for 42 points and 14 boards. In March of 08′ it was more of the same. Johnson’s late three pointer closed the game out against #7 ranked Miller Grove in the state 3-A semifinals game. Johnson finished the game with 29 points. Johnson finished his junior campaign averaging 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists per contest. The quick rising junior had this to say after his clutch performance:

“We knew they were not going to get rattled,” Johnson said. “We just had to keep our composure.”

Mfon Udofia, who led Miller Grove to its first trip to the semifinals, finished with a game-high 30 points. Johnson went on to be named to the State AAA first team along with Mfon Udofia.

When Johnson was asked what was looking for in a program and coach he added:

“(I’m looking for) A coach that enjoys the game as much as I do but at the same time wants to help each and every player reach the next level.”

“I’m looking at how important the school takes education. Also, I’m looking at how the school takes care of their alumni.”

Photo courtesy of here.

Gold Team

Micheal Snaer- 30 points, Gold Team MVP. Wow, this kid continues to impress us. Snaer (pictured center) has a nose for the ball. Showed a nice touch from the perimeter as well. Snaer doesn't play above the rim as much as you would like him to, but other than that the 6'4 shooting guard has the complete package. Leonard Hamilton has to be anxious to get this kid on the court.

Christian Watford - 25 points. Watford was wonderful. He completed 4 of his 5 and 1 attempts in the game. Watford has a great blend of size and athleticism that should give defenders trouble at the division1 level. Showed a decent stroke as well. Watford is definitely more of a slasher as of now, but given time could develop into a star at IU.

Daniel Orton- 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks. Orton (above center) was a bit out of his element in this game that went up and down so much, the final score was 151-145. However he showed that he has a strong all around game. Once sealed in the low block the kid is going to be tough to stop. Orton displayed a great feel for the game and seems to always know where to be on the court. After the game Orton told us that: "I am going to sit down and talk about my future with my father all this coming week, but as of now I am still on board wth Kentucky."

Maurice Creek - 17 points. Creek and Watford should complement one another well. The 6'5 guard showed nice touch from the outside as well as a strong ability to finish plays.

Brendan Lane- 15 points. The 6'9 UCLA commit runs the floor well. Showed range on a nice three point basket. Will definitely provide immediate help at the 4 and possibly help at the 3 in the future. Had some heady plays and should fit nicely into the Bruins gritty style.

John Hood- 13 points, The Kentucky signee looked a little sluggish at first but came on strong in the second half. Showing nice athleticism and speed for a kid just a few weeks removed from having a boot on his leg. Should provide immediate spark for the Wildcat's in limited minutes as a freshman.

Maalik Wayns- 10 points, 3 assists. Wayns is going to be a great player while at Villanova. Didn't do anything to hurt or help his ranking in this game. Wayns did have trouble with Siva's speed (something to keep in mind with 2 future Big East players.)

Black Team

Peyton Siva-16 points, 8 assists and 3 steals. We knew this kid was good, but Siva has gotten better. Known as a combo guard in high school the crafty, shifty one has shown that he can handle the point guard responsibility's at the division 1 level and beyond. Had great passes. speed and timing. Looked a cut above the other point guards in the game.

Rakeem Buckles- 24 points, 18 in a row in the 3rd quarter. Buckles started slow. In the second half the kid showed why he is a consensus top 40 player in the class.. Buckles displayed a large arsenal of post moves and slashes. We were very impressed with this kids drive. Buckles did fouls out with just under 4 minutes remaining in the game.

Raymond Penn- 24 points. (pictured above)This young man displayed the best touch from 3, knocking down 5 treys during the course of the game. Penn's shooting was part of a late surge that almost helped his team get over the hump. Penn is a solid built guard who should step in and fill departed senior Byron Eaton's shoes nicely.

Lakeem Jackson- 14 points. Jackson had the best springs in the event. The 6'5 forward was all over the place, getting several baskets off of hustle alone. Runs the court as good as any player in his class, could use a little work on his shooting. Overall Gamecock fans should be pumped about seeing this kid on the hardwood.

There are 4 video's in the player to the right that feature footage from the Derby Classic.