Recruiting Roundup: Kassoum Yakwe, Tyus Battle, Shamorie Ponds, Dimencio Vaughn

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — Kassoum Yakwe and his PSA Cardinals teammates are a perfect 5-0 entering Saturday night’s Peach Jam quarterfinal matchup with Team Takeover.

The 6-foot-7, 205-pound power forward from Our Savior New American and the reigning Nike EYBL Defensive Player of the Year, Yakwe has led the Peach Jam through pool play in both rebounds (11.8) and blocks (5.6).

So it’s no surprise that he has attracted numerous coaches here. One source close to Yakwe said St. John’s, Kansas and Oregon are “working very hard on Kassoum.”

As previously reported here, Yakwe is targeting a decision soon after Peach Jam on what he will do next year. Yakwe could end up on a college campus in 2015 or attend prep school for one season.

De’Aaron Fox Says 4 Schools Working Hardest

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — This could be the year that the Houston Hoops win the Peach Jam.

After two straight quarterfinal losses with teams that featured Justise Winslow and other stars, the Houston team may finally be poised to win it all this year.

And that is certainly what senior point guard De’Aaron Fox has in mind.

The 6-foot-4 floor general from Katy (TX) Cypress Lakes went for 19 points and 7 assists Friday night in a convincing 89-66 win over Miles Bridges and The Family that improved Houston to 3-1.

Coaches have flocked to see Fox and the Hoops at this event, but he says four schools are showing the most interest.

“At this point, Kansas, Texas, Louisville and LSU,” he said. “LSU’s really come on strong in about the last two weeks. So those four I would probably say are coming at me the strongest.”

He also mentioned that he has interest in N.C. State, Baylor and other schools.

Miles Bridges to Cut List After Peach Jam, Will Visit Michigan State & Kentucky

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — Miles Bridges has been one of the most impressive players here at the Peach Jam, with coaches like Kentucky’s John Calipari and Michigan State’s Tom Izzo among those regularly watching his games.

The Michigan native currently features a list of eight schools — Michigan State, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina, N.C. State, Iowa State and Louisville — but plans to cut his list after Peach Jam.

“Shortly after Peach Jam I will [cut it] down to a top five,” he said Friday night after going for 25 points and 7 rebounds in an 89-66 loss to Houston Hoops.