Sam Dekker

Louisville, KY-- The 40th annual Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic presented by papajohns.com showcased some of the top committed seniors in the country last night. A crowd of 6,716 was on hand at Freedom Hall to watch the White Team defeat the Black Team by a score of 130-127.

Louisville signee Terry Rozier scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and was named White Team MVP. Amile Jefferson, still undecided, scored 26 points and grabbed five rebounds and was named Black Team MVP. Indiana recruit Jeremy Hollowell was named the “Fan Favorite” in text-message voting by spectators in attendance at the game. The Papa John’s “Slice Award” for core values went to Robert Carter, a Georgia Tech recruit.

N.C. State commit T.J. Warren led all scorers with 27 points while St. John’s commit JaKarr Sampson added 18 points.

Let's take a look at a few other top performers.

Standouts:

Sam Dekker (Wisonsin commit) - Bo Ryan has done it again by identifying and landing a player with great work ethic, size and skill. Dekker is definitely a match up problem for opposing perimeter players and could even cause trouble for an undersized power forward.

Hanner Mosquera Perea (Indiana commit) -  Perea has the potential to be an outstanding defender when he puts his mind to it and, because of his leaping ability, is able to contests shots even when giving a cushion.

Tyler Lewis (N.C. State commit) - Lewis can drive it and find shooters. Best attribute is that he's got an edge to him and pushes the basketball with purpose. Takes great care of the ball and isn't too risky with his passes. Young man has a player's DNA.

Jeremy Hollowell (Indiana commit) - Hollowell is comfortable behind the line and isn't a bad rebounder though he can do it more. Likes to operate from the corners and the baseline. He is much like a current Hoosier Christian Watford but with more upside and can bang on you if you get caught sleeping. 

Chicken Knowles (Houston commit) -  Knowles has a soft but funky shooting touch out to the 3-point line and a high basketball IQ. In addition, he has bounce and runs very well in transition. He could be deadly in a high-low offensive set due to the aforementioned shooting touch and innate passing ability.

Phil Forte (Oklahoma State commit) - Forte is a true point guard that brings excellent ball handling, passing and court vision. He has a nice pull up and not only excels on the break but can run the team and can make a positive plays at end of clock situations.

Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State commit) -Forte is a do it all type of player. I am convinced that he could play the sport of his choice. He is also a excellent passer with matching court vision. He does not hesitate to advance the ball on the break and is a terrific drive, draw and kick passer where he can deliver the ball with either hand.