NEO Youth Elite has emerged as the top youth (3rd-8th grade) organization in the state. Every year, the best talent from across Northeast Ohio and surrounding areas pack into Garfield Heights for stacked two-day camp that draws the top scouts and media cover for middle school hoops.

With a number of the camp's alumni earning varsity playing time this season, it's only right that NEO Spotlight was in attendance to see which future stars I will be covering this summer and throughout the 2017-18 season.

Keep reading for the 8th Grade recap from the latest camp this past weekend!

Meechie Johnson (#1) - You will be hardpressed to find a kid in the 2021 class that possesses the skillset of Johnson. The Garfield Heights native had the homecourt advantage and it was evident early on. Meechie has a smooth shooting stroke and uses a number of shifty hesitation moves to break his defender down. He changes speeds as well as anyone and is a solid downhill finisher in the open court but his competitiveness and effort on the defensive end of the floor was impressive for a kid who has already received such high praise. 

Luke Chicone (#176) - It is virtually impossible to not root for Chicone. The electrifying guard might not pass the eye test but his play alone is certainly worth the price of admission. The undersized guard stole the crowd in the Top 20 game and left no doubt as to why he was selected as one of the camp's top performers. Chicone possesses natural instincts with the ball in his hands and is an above average finisher in the paint despite his size. His game is the perfect balance of flair and efficiency. 

Evanell Lighty (#226) - Perhaps the most intriguing prospect in the area, Lighty is a kid who has continued to blossom as his both his game and body have matured over the last year. The 6'5 forward is the nephew of former Ohio State and Villa Angela-St. Joseph standout David Lighty. Able to play both inside and out, Evanell showcased a newfound skillset this weekend as he stepped away from the hoop to connect on a few jumpers and weaved his way to the rim for coast-to-coast finishes.  

Tae Perie (#218) - When Perie is rolling, look out. The Akron guard is a high-volume scorer that is capable of knocking down shots in a hurry. Perie was effective using pick and roll situations to find open lanes to the hoop and drawing contact at the rim. A name to keep an eye out for, Perie is one of a handful of underclassmen guards that will be suiting up for St. Vincent-St. Mary next season.

Makail Cottingham (#221) - Cottingham almost single handily led Team Jordan to a victory in a Top 20 game that went down to the wire. He was the breakout performer of the weekend and displayed a multi-faceted game on both ends of the court, both scoring and defending at a high level. For a player that I wasn't familiar with entering the weekend, Cottingham certainly made a statemement and left a lasting impression. With good size and energy, the wing forward has earned a spot near the top of our watch list heading into the Spring and Summer. 

Ramelle Arnold (#227) - Arnold, a Warrensville Heights product, wasted no time getting after it on Sunday. In a matchup with Jaden Hameed first thing in the morning, Arnold wasted no time proving why he is perhaps the top guard in his class. The combo guard possesses a natural feel for the game as a playmaker and was able to get to the rim at will and finish at an elite rate. Occasionally, Arnold settles for his jumpshot but as he displayed in overtime of the Top 20 game, he is more than capable of getting hot from deep. 

Justin Slattery (#268) - An aggressive slasher, Slattery is a stong guard who has a high school ready build. In both the final scheduled game and the Top 20 showdown, Slattery wasn't affected by anyone who was on the floor and found a way to slip into the lane and power his way to a countless number of buckets in the paint.  

Omar Abuhamdeh (#310) - Abuhamdeh was one of the only pure point-guard prospects in the building on Sunday. In the uptempo style of play that is accustomed to being played at the showcase events, Abuhamdeh stood out as a result of his ability to handle the ball in tight spaces and find teammates in the open floor. Able to finish at the rim with either hand, he uses a variety of angles on the backboard to create unique scoring opportunities at the rim. His battle with Meechie Johnson on Saturday drew a standing room only crowd.

Will Jeffress (#314) - Considered to be one of the top 8th grade prospects in the country, Jeffress is no stranger to NEO Youth Elite. Jeffress and his family make the trip from Erie, PA twice a year to put on a show. At 6'5, his size and frame will give him a chance to have an immediate impact at the high school level next year. Having added some significant  strength since I last saw him, Jeffress was the most dominant post in attendance over the course of the two days, making a living on the offensive glass and showing off some versatility in transition.

Other Notables:

• Chanze Amerson (#296)
• Jaden Hameed (#297)
• Jonah Lytle (#217)
• Anthony McComb III (#293)
• Mason Miller (#269)

• G - Luke Chicone
• G - Anthony McComb III
• G/F - Makail Cottingham
• F - Evanell Lighty
• F/C - Will Jeffress

Luke Chicone

Chicone scored two back-to-back buckets in the final 30 seconds of regulation to send the Top 20 All-Star game into overtime. After a 15-foot pull up jumper, the savvy guard used his quickness to steal the inbounds pass away from his defender and finish a circus shot at the rim.