D1 Circuit's 2015 Peach Jam Special

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Operations Manager

ALEC KINSKY

Editor

OWEN KINSKY

ContentsTEAM PREVIEWSFEATURES

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2015 EYBL MVPD1 Circuit unveils its choice for the 2015 Nike EYBL MVP. Hint: He’s tall, plays for

Team CP3 and heads up the 2016 class.

MOKAN’S ELITETwo competitors made names for

themselves during the season but also developed a friendship off the court.

EVOLUTION OFTEAM TAKEOVER

The program Keith Stevens and company have built is something special to behold.

MEET MARVIN BAGLEYThe 2018 standout is looking to cash in

on an opportunity to become 16U Peach Jam Champions with We All Can Go.

ELFRID PAYTON ELITE’S FIRST SEASON

See how the rookie team did in its first season on the EYBL circuit.

Operations Manager

ALEC KINSKY

Editor

OWEN KINSKY

Creative Director

JONAH STEINMEYER

Writer

NATE BUCSKO

PHOTO CREDITS: JON LOPEZ/NIKE, OWEN KINSKY

Albany City Rocks 20-21

Arkansas Wings 6-7

Athletes First 60-61

BABC 74-75

California Supreme 62-63

Each 1 Teach 1 76-77

ELfrid Payton Elite 78-79

Georgia Stars 22-23

Houston Hoops 24-25

King James Shooting Stars 64-65

Las Vegas Prospects 26-27

Mac Irvin Fire 8-9

MOKAN Elite 80-81

New York Lightning 82-83

Oakland Soldiers 66-67

Playaz Basketball Club 68-69

PRO SKILLS 28-29

PSA Cardinals 84-85

St. Louis Eagles 70-71

Team CP3 10-11

Team Final 12-13

Team Penny 14-15

Team Takeover 16-17

THE FAMILY 30-31

PHOTO BY: Jon Lopez/Nike

POOL AN I KE E Y B L

PEACH JAMPREVIEWS

ARKANSAS WINGS: 12-5

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finished T-2nd in division A

With one of the elite scorers in the country, Malik Monk

(ESPN 100 No. 5), Wings Elite put up a ton of points on their way to a 12-5 finish and a spot in the Peach Jam field as a prime contender. Even in losses throughout the season, the Wings were right there at the end of games and they found a way to hang tough and compete regardless of opponent.

They don’t rebound particularly well, but make

up for it as one of the best perimeter-shooting and passing teams on the circuit.

Monk loves getting his teammates involved and he

will need plenty of help for Wings to make it out of pool play and win it all.

This squad, minus Monk, won the 16E Sweet Sixteen last year, so they’ll have plenty of Peach Jam experience to rely upon.

Monk (19.4 PPG) had several impressive scoring performances, which is expected from a player with as impressive a resume as he has (EYBL-record 59 PTS last season). It was his playmaking, however, that truly made this

See roster on page 96

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team great, because it is so hard for a defense to contain Monk when he is a threat to both score at will and find an open teammate.

Contributing to Wings Elite’s unreal team three-point percentage are combo guards Tyrik Dixon (7.8 PPG, 39.7% 3PT) and Payton Willis (8.8 PPG, 40% 3PT). Both are quick guards who can handle point guard duties and play off the ball, but they each have the same weakness as well. That weakness is the ability to create their own look off the bounce, particularly near the rim. While Dixon or Willis, if not both, will be hot from deep, they will need to score more from inside the arc to maximize this team’s offensive potential. Ryan Pippins (39.4 3PT%) and Lawson Korita (46.9 3PT%) both see minutes in backup duty and will be expected to shoot it well.

Eric Curry (10.1 PPG) emerged as the second offensive threat behind Monk with a polished inside game

and tenacity on the boards. When Curry gets going early, it sets the tone for the shooters and the entire offense, opening things up and creating opportunities on the perimeter.

Curry’s partner in crime, Jalen Johnson (8.5 PPG) showed a more aggressive mentality in the paint during the final session, and he will be needed to score near the basket

should Wings come out cold shooting the rock. The best rim protector for Wings is Mitchell Smith, who has taken advantage of limited minutes to help solidify the front line. Ultimately, Curry will need to step up in a big way against a pool full of talented bigs.

X-Factor: Scoring in the paint

As good as Wings has been shooting the ball, especially

from behind the arc, they have struggled to impose their will near the rim. If all of their explosive guards, including Monk, can improve their percentage from in close, they could prove to be too much to handle for any defense in their pool. If not, Wings will live and die by the long ball.

They are certainly capable of getting hot from outside, but big

performances from Curry, Johnson and Smith would improve their chances.

MAC IRVIN FIRE: 9-8

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finished 7th in division a

Losing every starter from a year ago, Mac Irvin did not look like a team that

would be competing for a Peach Jam title early on in the season. Coach Mike Irvin and company are used to having a bona-fide stud in their lineup, so this season featured a bit of an adjustment period.

They certainly had some growing pains as roles were established and they were able to overcome some tough losses to win their final two matchups and clinch a spot

in Peach Jam on the last day. They’re a threat at every

Peach Jam, and this year is no different.

Mac Irvin has a young backcourt led by Charlie Moore (15.4 PPG) who has proven the ability to put the team on his shoulders when the game is on the line. Moore is excellent at changing speeds and wants the ball in his hands any time his team needs a big shot.

His Morgan Park teammate, Jarrin Randall (43.1 percent 3PT) has been the team’s deadliest three-point threat and can also handle and distribute the rock. On the season they shoot 32.2 percent


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from distance, so the Fire will need him to be productive.

Nick Robinson (8.8 PPG) will need to continue to be aggressive with taking the ball to the rack and make timely outside shots, which will help take pressure off Moore.

Sixth man Bryce Barnes has been impressive with his energy on both ends of the floor, and is one of the better on-ball defenders on the circuit. He will be tasked with locking down some talented point guards in Pool A. The frontcourt for Mac Irvin is young but talented, and they have started to play their best basketball at the perfect time.

Zach Norvell (14.5 PPG, 2.2 SPG) is a versatile wing who is finally beginning to play the way he is capable of, and it has taken this team to another level. If Norvell (ESPN 100 No. 85) can sustain the same high level he established in Minneapolis, it will give Mac Irvin a great

1-2 punch and make them a dangerous wildcard.

Justin Smith (8.2 PPG) is an athlete who is capable of being a great defender with his long arms and lateral

quickness. Smith (ESPN 60 No. 51) will be asked to be more of a scoring threat in North Augusta, and should be up for the challenge.

Brandon Johnson is a big body and the closest thing Mac Irvin has to a legit post player, and he is also the team’s best rim protector. Nick Rakocevic gives the Fire a stretch-four who is capable of playing at a much higher level than what’s he’s shown. If he can get in a groove and find his role, Mac Irvin becomes

one of the more complete teams in North Augusta. X-Factor:KJ Santos

The versatile combo guard has missed all season with an injury, but could make his first appearance for Mac Irvin at Peach Jam.

Although he will need to adjust to the pace, his size alone gives Mac Irvin a major boost on the interior, and his ability to handle the ball and knock down jumpers would make this team dangerous.

The health and ability to play at 100 percent for Santos will be a major storyline to watch in the days before Peach Jam.

TEAM CP3: 15-2

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finished 1st in division b

Led by the stud tandem of Harry Giles (ESPN 100 No. 1) and Alterique

Gilbert (ESPN 100 No. 23), Team CP3 cruised through the regular season with only two losses (15-2). This team is an absolute juggernaut on the offensive end, possessing a rotation full of players capable of scoring in transition, at the rim, and from the perimeter.

Head Coach Jon Adams’ squad has length and skill in spades at every position on the floor, and appears to have

the winning recipe for a run at the Peach Jam title. Their star duo has a strong supporting

cast that will make Team CP3 a nightmare matchup for any

team in the field. Gilbert is joined in the backcourt by diminutive 5-foot-2 point guard Darnell Rogers (10.9 PPG, 3.5 APG) to form a duo that rarely turns the ball over and can score in bunches. Gilbert has shown the ability to guard multiple positions, run the point, and score at will playing off the ball. He was one of the most impressive breakout performers of the regular season, which was reflected in his new ranking. He is the only member of the backcourt with


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Peach Jam experience.

Rogers loves to get his teammates involved, especially on the break, and is the team’s best three-point shooter (30 3PM at a 45% clip). He is a very capable scorer and can score in bunches, validated by scoring 29 points in 16 minutes in the season-opener versus Team Penny.

Versatile wing Josh Okogie is a ball hawk on defense and uses his physicality to get to the rim and score consistently. Harry Giles is arguably the best player in America, and he has played like it all season. He has erased any doubt that he would be the same player after his horrific knee injury two years ago. Giles has not only reached his previous level, he has taken his game to new heights, finishing as the league’s leading rebounder and displaying a massively improved all-around floor game.

Giles alone would make this a formidable frontcourt,

but he is joined by powerful Charlotte-area forward Grant Williams (6.7 RPG), giving Team CP3 size and length around the rim. Williams can stretch the floor with his

jumpshot, and has proven to be one of the most effective rebounders on the circuit.

Qwate’ McKinzie has a smooth game and is a fluid athlete who can sky for

rebounds. He does the little things well for CP3 and has turned into a very valuable glue-guy. Giles, Williams and McKinzie can all run the floor exceptionally well, making CP3 extremely dangerous after a missed shot.

X-Factor:Josh Okogie

Okogie has been a streaky offensive player throughout the regular season, which has been overshadowed by the play

of Giles, Gilbert and Rogers. Peach Jam is a brand new season, though, and should even one of Gilbert or Rogers get shut down during pool play, CP3 will need someone to step up and replace those points.

He is also the beneficiary of Giles being constantly double-teamed, and he’s more than capable of making teams pay if they give

him space. With his ability to run the floor, Okogie has shown the potential to be an offensive weapon for this squad.

TEAM FINAL: 11-6

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finished 4th in division b

Team Final has some of the best chemistry among its players of any team

in the field, and whenever one player has struggled this season, there have been two to take his place and pick him up. Led by a stellar trio, Team Final never had an undefeated session but played consistently enough to emerge with an 11-6 record despite dropping its final two contests, one to Seattle Rotary and the other a heartbreaking overtime loss to regular-season Champion Team CP3. The

rotation is full of gamers who do multiple things well, which allows them

to go smaller or bigger

depending on the opponent.

The backcourt features floor leader Tony Carr (ESPN 100 No. 52) and combo guard Lonnie Walker (ESPN 60 No. 12), which has proven to be one of the high-scoring tandems in the league during the season.

Carr possesses great size (6-foot-4) for a point guard and he is great at changing the pace to keep defenses off balance. He has shown an aggressive scoring mentality but will need to shoot the ball



better at Peach Jam.

Walker is a deadly three-point marksman who had several standout scoring performances. He blew up this spring, and he’s every bit as good as his new No. 12 ranking implies. He is a blur in transition and is lauded as an exceptional shooter.

Backup point guard Josh Sharkey (2.7 APG, 1.8 SPG) has quick hands and gives Team Final three players capable of getting it done on both ends of the floor.

Penn State-commit Nazeer Bostick (8.5 PPG) is a versatile wing capable of playing the two through four, and he could easily be the second or third scoring option on some other teams in the league and it’s no wonder Bostick and Carr were able to win a state championship this winter. Lamar Stevens (ESPN 100 No. 74) is one of the best pound-for-pound rebounders on the circuit, as the powerful 6-foot-7 wing pulled down nearly eight rebounds per

game to go along with his team-leading average of 15.3 PPG. Stevens does most of his damage from the rim out to 15 feet, but he has proven to have simply too much strength for

smaller forwards and too much quickness for taller wings.

The question with Stevens is consistency. He’s capable of dominating a game, but is also guilty of blending in at

times. He needs to be dialed in for Team Final to be competitive.

Dylan Painter (5.5 RPG) is the big man for this squad, and he will be asked to play his best basketball as Team Final faces off against longer, stronger opponents in the post.

X-Factor:Dylan Painter

Painter has received a great amount of interest from

college coaches this spring, and he’ll have a chance to add to his resume in a pool full of solid big men. He’s the only true post player for Team Final, so he’ll be heavily relied upon on both ends of the floor. The key for Painter will be staying out of foul trouble.

Team Final Director Rob Brown usually puts forth a smaller, super-athletic team and this season is

no different, so they don’t have very much depth on the interior. If he plays up to his potential, Team Final may have the most complete starting lineup in North Augusta.

TEAM PENNY: 11-6

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finished T-3rd in division c

Team Penny lost to the Playaz in last year’s Peach Jam Championship,

so they’ll be looking for redemption. They had a 2-2 performance to open up the regular season, and over the course of the next two months their roster added two significant upgrades.

The first was Findlay Prep (NV) forward PJ Washington (ESPN 60 No. 7), who immediately made an impact on the glass and in the scoring column after playing his first

session on the Under Armour circuit.

Next, the top-ranked point guard in 2016, Dennis Smith,

Jr. (ESPN 100 No. 4) joined the squad, turning them into a force to be reckoned with and one of the best teams period at the final session in Minneapolis. They will be forced to compete in Peach Jam without Smith, however, which could mean a tough road ahead. Still talented to make a run, Penny still appears poised to make some noise in pool play.

Without Smith running the show, Darrell Brown, Jr. (12.0 PPG) will need to step up once again as the primary



backcourt option for Team Penny, and the combo should rise to the challenge. Brown was hot from behind the arc to end the regular season, and if he has that going for him once again during pool play, he could easily be one of the top scorers in the field.

He will be joined by point guard Dillon Mitchell (2.8 APG) and Kevin Chetham (5.6 PPG) to help make up for the loss of the explosive scorer and playmaker Smith is. Mitchell is a three-year EYBL veteran and played a huge role on last year’s Peach Jam runner-up squad.

Washington (15.4 PPG) was impressive as one of the best 2017 players on the circuit in 2015, using his elite athleticism and instincts to hit the glass with authority and score in a variety of ways. As with the backcourt, Washington will take on a larger workload with the loss of Smith, but he has some great help alongside him.

Braxton Blackwell (11.6 PPG) was a beast in Minneapolis and he is more than capable of averaging close to a double-double in pool play. Unfortunately, he is likely

going to be missing from their Peach Jam roster.

That makes Jalen Dupree (7.9 PPG, 6.7 RPG), another long wing who plays bigger than his height, extremely important

for Team Penny. He provides another athletic rebounder who can run the floor, and he excels at doing the dirty work. The advantage Penny has is strength and girth on the interior, so these three will need to be big and physical from the opening whistle for Penny to have a chance of making it out of their

pool.

X-Factor: Pace

With Smith running the point, Team Penny was lethal in transition and they could go on impressive scoring runs against any opponent. Even with Smith gone, they have the personnell to push the tempo as often as possible, which they will need to do in order to win. They will give up quite a bit of size to the other teams in their pool, so they cannot allow the game to be played in the halfcourt.

Look for Darrell Brown to pace Penny, and look for him to take plenty of opportunities in transition.

TEAM TAKEOVER: 12-5

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finished 3rd in division d

On the strength of a versatile, athletic rotation and two of the best small

forward prospects in the country, Team Takeover began the regular season with a perfect Hampton session and, despite some bumps in the road, would go on to finish 12-5, good for third place in Division D.

One knock against Takeover is that they don’t excel at any one facet of the game, but their recipe has worked well for them so far. If they can

find some additional offensive firepower in time for Peach Jam, this could be a major dark horse for the title.

Though this team lacks overall size, they have a roster full of

wings that leaves something to be desired when it comes to the backcourt. Not a single player in the rotation averages more than two assists per game, but Chris Lykes (9.0 PPG) is the closest thing this team has to a floor general. Though he struggles to finish through contact and at the rim (he’s 5-foot-7), Lykes is an excellent ball handler and plays with a confidence that you need to compete in the league.

Hobbled by injury throughout the regular season, two guard DeMonte Buckingham



should be close to full strength come pool play after getting his legs back under him in Minneapolis. Buckingham could be the player that could spark Takeover, as he has deep, consistent range and is also a good penetrator.

Sophomore guard Aaron Thompson came on strong late in the year, and we expect him to continue his effort in the rotation. Backup point guard Nehemiah Mack will see minutes, especially if Buckingham isn’t effective.

Led by VJ King (ESPN 100 No. 25) and DJ Harvey (ESPN 60 No. 17), Takeover has a strong group of forwards, even though they lack a true post. King (14.2 PPG) showed improved shot selection this season and he is one of the most natural scorers on the circuit, capable of dropping 30 at any time.

Harvey (13.2 PPG) can jump out of the gym, but he has the tendency to rely too much on his outside jumper, which causes him to disappear if

it’s not falling. The DeMatha (DC) wing has the potential to be a dynamic scorer, but he needs to be more assertive in taking the ball to the rack to become a more efficient player.

Takeover is undersized, so Christian Matthews (9.1 PPG) needs to play big at Peach Jam and focus more on crashing the boards and scoring in close. The rotation

player with the most size, Corey Manigault (6.6 PPG), will be as important as any player for Takeover. His ability to defend the post and snag tough boards could determine how far this team goes. 6-foot-9 LeAndre Thomas will help with depth defensively.

X-Factor: DemonteBuckingham

Buckingham was never his normal self during the regular season, and Takeover was still able to finish among the top half of the league despite struggling to put points on the board. With the lack of size a glaring weakness for Takeover and unlikely to change before pool play, they absolutely will need to score more points to put any kind of run together. King and Harvey will still be asked to

shoulder the heavy burden, but if Buckingham can get going and emerges as the third or even second scoring option, Takeover will be a different team capable of beating almost anyone.


POOL BN I KE E Y B L

PEACH JAMPREVIEWS

ALBANY CITY ROCKS: 11-6

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finished 4th in division d

The City Rocks ended a solid regular season on a high note

by winning their last three games. They were fueled by their perimeter shooting and rebounding, competing in every game no matter whom they were matched up against. The Rocks are at their best when they are pushing the tempo and running the break, with several ball handlers capable of taking it up the floor.

This team doesn’t have the

most size, which could be an issue against teams like the Georgia Stars and Pro Skills.

Jim Hart’s squad qualified for the Peach Jam for the first

time in three years. Their backcourt can be as good as anyone in North Augusta, but they’ll need more of a balanced attack to advance at Peach Jam. City Rocks has a deep backcourt that is led by combo guard Kevin Huerter (ESPN 100 No. 74), who shoots better than 40 percent from behind the arc and is also capable of running the point.

Huerter has a very high basketball IQ and rarely



forces shots or passes. He gained 10+ offers after the first few sessions and rocketed into ESPN’s rankings.

Huerter is joined by another sharpshooting combo guard, Howard Washington (10.1 PPG). The 6-foot-2 Montverde-product is an excellent ball handler which allows him to get to where he wants on the court and put his teammates in position for open looks, both inside and out. Either one of these two can lead the break or finish with a three-ball with equal effectiveness.

Andrew Platek (13.2 PPG) has been one of the breakout performers from the regular season, putting up some big-time scoring totals during the last two sessions, and the consistency of his outside shot could be a huge factor for this team’s success.

Quinton Rose (7.6 PPG) adds a scoring punch from the wing and is also one of the team’s best perimeter defenders.

Anthony Lamb (8.2 RPG) was a beast on the glass all season for City Rocks and he also was a consistent contributor in the scoring column (11.0 PPG). He will need to defend the post and

grab even more boards for this team to compete the way they are capable.

Lamb is joined on the front line by Arnaldo Toro (5.1

PPG, 5.2 RPG), a big man from St. Benedict’s (NJ) who can provide some support in the paint and on the boards. He stepped up big in the last two sessions of the season and will look to capitalize on that momentum. For the Rocks to be successful, he needs to play with a more consistent effort on both ends.

Stafford Trueheart is a glue guy who adds depth in the paint. If given meaningful minutes, Trueheart has proven to be productive.

X-Factor: Arnaldo Toro

The interior defense and rebounding are the weak links right now for the Ricks, and if Lamb continues to be the only post player stepping up then it could be a short week.

Toro is more than capable of being physical in the post and being a bigger threat offensively, and

he will need to do just that for City Rocks to make it out of pool play.

GEORGIA STARS: 14-3

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finished 1st in division d

Stacked with talent from top to bottom, the Georgia Stars appear to have all the

ingredients in place for a deep run in Peach Jam as one of the favorites to win it all. They are one of the best teams on the circuit scoring and rebounding the basketball, and they boast one of the best all-around rotations in the league.

Despite a few tough losses along the way, the Stars will enter pool play having won seven straight games and they seem to be clicking on both

ends of the floor like few others in the field. Simply put, barring some unexpected

injury, the Stars make it out of pool play with ease.

Trent Forrest (ESPN 100 No. 38) is an all-around talent who plays an intelligent game, and he has been the motor in the offensive engine for the stars. His averages of 13.8 PPG and 3.5 APG lead the team, and he is also a great on-ball perimeter defender (2.4 SPG).

The size Forrest possesses at the point guard position allows Jared Harper to play off the ball, where he has proven to be the deadliest three-point marksman in the league at 52.9% from deep. Harper, who led the EYBL in three-



point shooting last year, also has handled point guard duties this season. He gives the Stars the flexibility to have two primary ball-handlers.

6-foot-5 Raquan Wilkins (6.2 PPG) has provided a spark with his defense and energy off the bench, but he will need to become a more consistent shooter going forward.

Nick Hopkins and Quintez Cephus will see valuable minutes off the bench, and both are more valuable than their numbers imply. Udoka Azubuike (ESPN 100 No. 18) leads a frontcourt that boasts size, talent, and athleticism, and is a big part of this team’s success. Azubuike has been the model of consistency for the Stars all year, contributing 13.8 PPG (64.5% FG) to a balanced scoring attack and pulling down over seven boards per contest.

He is joined by 2017 stud Wendell Carter (ESPN 60 No. 4), who has truly come

into his own as a post player. He has improved every game, developing his footwork to make him an elite big man. Carter is a monster on the glass (8.1 RPG), and between

him and Azubuike it will be tough for opponents to get any misses the Stars throw up.

Abdulhakim Ado (ESPN 100 No. 32) returns from injury, giving the Stars three elite

post presences. Brandon Robinson (ESPN 100 No. 78) rounds out this stacked rotation as an explosive athlete. He can play the guard spot as well, but will likely factor into a swingman role at Peach Jam. Robinson’s shot has been streaky at best this season, but he’ll certainly make his mark in defense and in transition.

X-Factor:Mindset

The Stars have arguably the most talented lineup in the Peach Jam field, and they need to take a killer mentality into North Augusta. Even at 15-3 and win over Team CP3, the Stars have proven to be one of the top contenders.

Their talent makes them susceptible to complacency, so it is vital that they lock in on defense and put teams away early. No

one in the league can compete with their size and depth, which makes them an obvious Peach Jam favorite.

HOUSTON HOOPS: 13-4

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finished T-1st in division c

When you look at the way Houston Hoops won

games during the regular season, it is hard to figure out how they even lost four games. An offensive juggernaut, they also are one of the best rebounding and defensive teams on the entire circuit.

The backcourt has speed and shooting, while the frontcourt has depth, size and versatility. The irony is that this squad’s worst session was the one they hosted, when they went 2-2

with losses to the St. Louis Eagles and LV Prospects.

When this team is at its best, they are a nightmare to

match up with, and they can absolutely run the table in North Augusta to take the crown. Three-year EYBL veteran De’Aaron Fox (ESPN 100 No. 10) possesses just about everything a coach likes to see in his point guard. He scores (highlighted by a 40-point effort this year), passes (EYBL-leading 5.4 APG) and defends (2.8 SPG). He is a great leader who knows the strengths of his teammates and gets them the ball as soon as he sees a mismatch. Scoring



(16.8 PPG) has never been a problem for Fox, and we assume he’s going to be extremely aggressive in his third go-round at Peach Jam.

Fox is dynamite with the ball in his hands, but he also knows where backcourt mate Carsen Edwards (15.0 PPG) is at all times. Edwards possesses a quick release and pure stroke, and he is also capable of playing on or off the ball.

One of the best backcourts in the league, Houston also adds depth with AJ Lawson, a power guard who is just as capable firing a three-point bomb as he is taking it to the hole. JJ Chandler joined the squad halfway through the season, and the talented sophomore made an impact. He’ll see limited minutes but will earn quality Peach Jam experience. The front line is just as strong as the backcourt, featuring Jarred Vanderbilt (ESPN 60 No. 3), an extremely gifted forward in the mold of Scottie Pippen, with more athleticism. Vanderbilt has not shied from playing against

the toughest competition of his career so far, averaging a double-double and adding in nearly three dimes per contest. He is a special athlete, which allows him to bang inside with the big boys and leave them in

the dust on the break.

Power forward Robert Williams (3.6 BLKPG) is one of the best rim protectors on the circuit, and he also chips in 8.1 PPG and 6.5 RPG to

give Houston Hoops two intimidating forces on the inside. He recently verbally committed to Texas A&M, the first member of the Hoops to commit.

Isiah Jasey (ESPN 60 No. 24) came over from Pro Skills halfway through the season and will definitely make an impact with

expanded minutes. He’s ranked highly for a reason, and will need to up his production from the regular season.

X-Factor:DEFENSE

Putting the ball in the basket has not a problem for the Hoops, as they’ve only faltered this year in games where their defense was lacking.

They have some of the best athletes in the country and they are capable of being a suffocating defensive team. They need to avoid complacency and

take pride in locking down each possession, and if they do, you may be looking at the next Peach Jam champion.

LAS VEGAS PROSPECTS: 11-6

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finished T-3rd in division c

Despite possessing a young and inexperienced roster, the

debuting Las Vegas Prospects were able to put together an impressive regular season with some great wins that included taking down Houston Hoops on their home turf. Fueled by an explosive backcourt and a roster full of versatile players, the Prospects overcame a lack of offensive consistency to earn a spot in the field.

While they struggled to put points up for most of the

regular season, this is a team that possesses the talent to drop 80 any time they take the floor. If they can find their

rhythm on the offensive end and lock it down on the

other side of the ball, this is a dark horse contender for the crown. The young guard tandem of Troy Brown Jr. (ESPN 60 No. 6) and Markus Howard (ESPN 60 No. 26) appears to be coming into its own, as both played their best basketball of the season down the stretch.

Brown possesses the size to guard the one through four and can do it all offensively, putting up 14.6 PPG, leading the team in rebounding at 7.0



per game, and dishing out 3.3 assists per game as the point guard. The one knock on Brown is that he can stand to cut down on his turnovers, in addition to improving on his jumper consistency.

Consistency is one thing Howard (20.2 PPG) does not struggle with, as he has already established himself as one of the league’s premier scorers in his rookie season. Heading to Las Vegas powerhouse Findlay Prep in the fall, Howard shows no fear with the ball in his hands, whether taking it to the rack or burying a long-range bomb in front of a defender. These two will be essential to the Prospects’ success at Peach Jam. Charles O’Bannon (ESPN 60 No. 31) is a versatile swingman that can score, rebound, and play defense at a high level. Although he possesses the size of a shooting guard, O’Bannon has played in the frontcourt at times for the Prospects, doing a good job of defending taller players and adding another scoring threat to Howard and Brown. He is at his best

when he is taking the ball to the hoop, and if he can cut down on settling for jumpers, he could be even more lethal with the ball.

O’Shea Brissett (ESPN 60

No. 57) is another wing with the ability to defend multiple positions, and he has been the team’s second-best rebounder behind Brown. Brissett has shown improvement with

each session and provides versatility for HC Mike Peck’s squad.

Michael Diggins (4.3 RPG) has given the Prospects good minutes and doesn’t need to score much if he rebounds and defends the post at a high level.

Jacob Hughes (6-foot-11) and Felix White (6-foot-9) will both see minutes in the frontcourt. X-Factor:

Playing BIG

As explosive and quick as the Prospects are, if they come out with cold shooting then they could find themselves stuck in the halfcourt offense with no bodies capable of grabbing tough boards or defending the post. This means that Brissett, Brown and O’Bannon will need to play much bigger than they are in order for them to even out

the rebounding margin and reduce points in the paint.

If their wings can step up and hang with bigger opponents, this is a team is dangerous.

PRO SKILLS: 10-7

28 @D1CIRCUIT


Possessing some of the best size on the circuit (no player in the rotation stands

below six feet), Pro Skills came out of the gate strong with a great first two session in Hampton and Louisville, but struggled to put the ball in the basket consistently throughout the next two weekends. They are a great rebounding club, with several big bodies in the frontcourt able to crash the boards hard. Pro Skills can appear stagnant in the halfcourt without a true floor general.

They were able to find their groove at the end of the regular season, closing with

four impressive wins in a row

to clinch a spot in Peach Jam. Head Coach Jeff Webster’s crew has the size and toughness to compete with anyone, but they need to find their offensive identity in order to string together some wins in North Augusta. The backcourt of Andrew Jones and Jalen Harris provides a good combination of slashing ( Jones) and shooting (Harris).

Jones (11.8 PPG) is an athletic guard who attacks the rim with an aggressive mindset,



and this opens things up for Pro Skills’ perimeter players to get open. He will need to continue to finish at the rim and to become more adept at kicking the ball out to the open man.

Harris (47.2 percent 3PT) has been lights-out shooting the ball from deep, draining nearly half of his attempts on the year. His consistency from behind the arc will be absolutely crucial for Pro Skills, as they really have no other surefire option from out there.

Kelvin Robinson has given Pro Skills some solid minutes off the bench and could be a player who takes on a larger role for this squad in July. The same could be said for JaColby Pemberton, who has proven to be productive in limited minutes. At 6-foot-6, he gives Pro Skills another weapon on defense. The frontcourt will be depended upon to set the tone for the offense, and it all starts with star center Marques Bolden (ESPN 100 No. 15).

Bolden has been streaky on the 2015 circuit, with every brilliant performance seemingly followed by a head-scratching line. For a player with his size and talent,

Bolden should be grabbing close to ten boards a game, but averages just under six per game. Bolden has NBA-length and is a natural shot-blocker, and he will need to be able to contribute without fouling.

Luckily, Bolden has had help in the post from power forward Schnider Herard (8.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG), who appears poised for a breakout Peach Jam after finishing the regular season strong, averaging a double-double in Minneapolis. The key for Pro Skills to advance will be the ability of its frontcourt to protect

the glass more effectively than they have in recent performances.

X-Factor: AndrewJones

As mentioned before, Andrew Jones is critical to Pro Skills’ success. His ability to make plays, both for himself and his teammates, will be a necessity against a pool full of talented guards.

He has a chance to continue his ascent if he can take on the leadership role in the backcourt. If he takes

his game to the next level, it greatly improves Pro Skills’ chances at Peach Jam.

THE FAMILY: 9-8

30 @D1CIRCUIT

finished T-5th in division b

The Family had an up-and-down season, and ended up being one of the

final teams to clinch a spot in the Peach Jam field. They were able to surprise many by pulling together to overcome the loss of point guard Cassius Winston (ESPN 100 No. 28) and win enough games to earn the spot.

Offense has proved to come by with the absence of Winston, who was leading the EYBL in scoring at the time of his injury. Role players were thrust

into larger roles and they delivered, which could mean even bigger performances come July.

Winston will be back in North Augusta, making The Family

an underdog candidate to make it out of pool play. For the first two and a half sessions, Winston was the leading scorer in the EYBL. He’s a bona-fide playmaker and utilizes hesitation moves as well as any guard on the circuit. He got hurt with a wrist fracture, which hindered a relatively thin Family squad. Scoring was tough to come by without their floor leader, but three young guards teamed up to give the team some solid options after star Miles Bridges.



Brailen Neely (11.1 PPG) is lightning-quick and is an ace at getting into the lane, but he has struggled with his outside shot throughout the year, limiting his potential as a scorer. Neely took over point guard duties from Winston and looked at home during the Minneapolis session.

Corey Allen (10.2 PPG) is a knockdown shooter who can also rebound and defend well for his size. Sophomore Amauri Hardy (8.6 PPG) could have crumpled with the added pressure of helping replace Winston, but he found his niche as a penetrator and on-ball defender. The Family developed without Winston in the lineup, and should be greatly improved as he makes his return in North Augusta. The frontcourt is led by one of the very best players on the country in do-it-all forward Miles Bridges (ESPN 100 No. 7). Bridges put up per-game averages of 19.9 points and 8.8 boards, respectively, despite being the

focal point of all opposing defenses. He scores, rebounds, passes and even blocks shots at an all-star level, and if he were a better three-point shooter (26.2 percent) he would truly

be unstoppable.

Bridges is joined by three tough forwards in Kelvon Fuller (5.7 RPG), Gregory Eboigbodin (5.1 RPG), and Ikechukwu Eke (3.8 RPG).

While none of the three are particularly scary offensive threats, they help take pressure off Bridges on the glass and one will likely need to be a larger part of the offense for The Family to win some games.

The 6-foot-8 Fuller is a candidate to improve his stock in North Augusta, as The Family’s enforcer will

be tasked with defending some stiff frontcourt competition.

X-Factor:SupportingCast

Bridges and Winston are the horses, but The Family is only going as far as their supporting cast takes them. Neely, Allen and Hardy have proven to be effective in expanded roles, and they’ll need to continue that upward momentum.

Eke, Fuller and Eboigbodin will all need to be active on

the boards, and if one of them steps up in a big way, it will greatly improve The Family’s chances in North Augusta.

32 @D1CIRCUIT

16E POOLS

Alabama Challenge

All Iowa Attack

Athletes First

Georgia Stars

Arkansas Wings

Boo Williams

Playaz Basketball Club

Team CP3

Mac Irvin Fire

MOKAN Elite

Team Final

We All Can Go

Albany City Rocks

Each 1 Teach 1

PSA Cardinals

Team Penny

POOL BPOOL A

POOL C POOL D

Arkansas Wings

Boo Williams

Playaz Basketball Club

Team CP3

POOL B

POOL D

This budding phenom agreed to answer a few questions once he was available. But prying him away from a mob of fans eager for a picture is perhaps even more difficult

than guarding him. Harry Giles III just capped off another brilliant game inside of another outstanding Nike Elite Youth Basketball League session -- the nail in the coffin of his 2015 EYBL Most Valuable Player campaign.

Giles has long been considered one of the top players in the nation, and his latest showing was even more proof of that notion. Giles packs up his Nike gear with his teammates and joins one last huddle with his coaches. To us, his fans, the dominance is extraordinary; to him, it was just another day at the gym.

HARRY GILES IIIby: alec kinsky

36 @D1CIRCUIT

Listed at 6-foot-11, 230 pounds, Giles can do things on the basketball court that

are awfully rare for a 17-year old. During the high school season, he stars for Wesleyan Christian in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The start of this past high school season marked Giles’ full recovery from a potentially career-altering injury.

On July 24, 2013, Giles underwent surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament, a medial collateral ligament as well as a meniscus after suffering the brutal knee injury while playing for the USA Basketball U16 team at the FIBA World

Championships. He was faced with a daunting rehabilitation process, as well as constant questions about whether he’d return to the player he was evolving into from before.

Giles took that challenge head-on, denying any pity that was offered to him. That mindset paid off, with Giles receiving doctor’s clearance to return to the court a mere nine months after his injury.

Equipped with a towel around his neck and a confident smirk on his face, Giles exited the floor with his Team CP3 teammates. Sitting at 14-2, Giles and

company were one win away from the outright EYBL Regular Season Championship.

The rising senior made his way into the tournament commons area, linking up with me and my camera crew to conduct a scheduled interview. Giles shakes my hand, asks how I am, and expresses his excitement about the interview. It’s funny how these future NBA stars can be so humble and even nervous for these interviews. We proceeded towards the media area and it became clear that it was going to take a few minutes for this interview to materialize.“I’m really sorry,” Giles


explained. “This might take a second.”

Giles took a few extra months off after the doctor’s clearance. He returned to the court at the 2014 Peach Jam for the North Carolina-based Team CP3, nearly one year after his injury. Even though it was only a handful of games, EYBL fans received enough of a sample size into what he would eventually bring to the table in 2015.

Giles was nothing short of spectacular this spring, scoring in double-figures in every game and grabbing double-digit rebounds in all but just three.

His teammates laud him as their leader and he consistently plays harder than anyone else on the court.

Currently the No. 1 ranked junior in the country by ESPN, Giles tallied 18.2 points, 11.2 rebounds and shot 52.5 percent from the field this season throughout the four EYBL sessions. Giles did not miss a beat in returning to form, appearing just as dominant - if not more so - than he was before the injury. He saved his best for last, putting up 29 points, 20 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and two assists in an overtime win over Team Final in the last game of the season

-- a win that clinched the EYBL regular season championship.

Giles turned, quickly readied himself, and approached the small mob of fans that had formed.

He posed for pictures, signed autographs and made small talk with the gathering of tournament goers. As soon as the line would dwindle, a few more eager fans would step forward, nervously asking the budding superstar for his generosity. Not one to disappoint, Giles gave each fan their turn. One minute turned into five minutes.

38 @D1CIRCUIT

It was evident that he has truly embraced this aspect of being an elite recruit.

I have observed Giles receive this type of treatment everywhere I’ve seen him play. It would be easy to assume that Giles could become annoyed by the constant attention, but in his case, it is quite the contrary. Blessed with an easygoing and down-to-earth personality, Giles has a certain charm about him as he greets fans. Apologizing to me one more time for the delay, D1 Circuit’s EYBL MVP put his arm around a young man and smiled for one last picture.

Giles prides himself on being a good teammate. To him, his talents are useless if they aren’t used to help make his teammates better. Team chemistry is a major key to winning, and it is a point of emphasis on any Harry Giles-led team.

Team CP3 point guards Darnell Rogers and Alterique Gilbert both raved about playing alongside him.

“The best part about playing with Harry is that he’s always vocal on the court,” Rogers explained. “He just makes my job easier.”

“He’s a winner, and it rubs off on all of us” Gilbert said. “He just does whatever it takes.”

Winning is the ultimate goal at every level of play, and Giles is preparing himself well to do a lot of it in college and eventually the NBA.

He has positioned Team CP3 as the early favorite for the Peach Jam Championship and will have the choice of playing for whatever college he wants in 2016. Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky and Wake Forest are just a few of the schools desperately after his services. He is looking to make a decision before his senior season, citing the fatigue and distraction of his recruitment.

He’s currently playing for the USA U19 team and is impressing amongst much older and more experienced competition. His talent is undeniable. His humble mindset and demeanor make him impossible not to root for.

The last fan parted ways with a gigantic smile on his face, heading home with the knowledge he gets to brag to his friends and family that he met the Harry Giles.

Giles gives me a head nod and a thumbs up, makes his way over to me and we head to the interview area. As we’re walking, I jokingly asked if his face hurts from forcing smiles. His answer epitomizes exactly what type of person Giles is.“Can’t force it!” Giles exclaimed

with his marketable smile. “ You see how happy those kids are? That’s a blessing.”

The interview went as smooth as any. Not surprisingly, his early introduction as an elite recruit has translated into well-refined media skills. Giles answered a variety of questions, humbly crediting his teammates and coaching staff for his improvement. He spoke of his Peach Jam experience and how determined he and his teammates have been all season long to become potential champions.

Winning the D1 Circuit Most Valuable Player in the NIKE EYBL is no small feat and Giles did it with relative ease. Next up is Peach Jam, and Giles has dreams of a title. After all he’s been through for the past 12 months, Giles is ready for North Augusta.

“That’s the goal right there,” Giles gleamed. “I’m ready to take that challenge head on.”

We end the interview and I have the opportunity to reflect on his answers. Giles, like many others, responded that he would love to dine with the four-time NBA MVP James.

I laugh to myself and can’t help but think - it may not be long before recruits are listing Giles as the person with whom they most want to share a meal.


ESPN RANKINGS2016

Rank: Player: Scout Grade: EYBL Team:

1 Harry Giles 97 Team CP3

2 Jayson Tatum 97 STL Eagles

4 Dennis Smith Jr. 96 Team Penny

5 Malik Monk 96 Arkansas Wings

7 Miles Bridges 95 The Family

10 De'Aaron Fox 94 Houston Hoops

12 Jonathan Isaac 94 Each 1 Teach 1

15 Marques Bolden 93 Pro Skills

16 Omari Spellman 93 PSA Cardinals

19 Udoka Azubuike 92 Georgia Stars

23 Alterique Gilbert 91 Team CP3

24 Tony Bradley 91 Each 1 Teach 1

25 VJ King 90 Team Takeover

27 Tyus Battle 90 Team Final

28 Cassius Winston 89 The Family

30 Maverick Rowan 89 Each 1 Teach 1

31 Abdulhakim Ado 88 Georgia Stars

35 Amir Coffey 87 Howard Pulley

37 Braxton Blackwell 87 Team Penny

38 Trent Forrest 86 Georgia Stars

42 Nick Ward 85 All Ohio Red

44 Derek Funderburk 85 King James

46 Josh Hall 84 Cali Supreme

52 Tony Carr 83 Team Final

53 Payton Pritchard 83 Seattle Rotary


54 Robert Williams 82 Houston Hoops

56 Bruce Brown 82 BABC

58 Tyler Cook 82 STL Eagles

60 De'Jon Jarreau 82 EP Elite

62 Kristian Doolittle 82 Athletes First

65 Curtis Jones 82 Boo Williams

66 Ty Jerome 82 PSA Cardinals

67 Shamorie Ponds 82 NY Lightning

71 Koby McEwen 81 CIA Bounce

72 Temple Gibbs 80 NJ Playaz

73 Kevin Huerter 80 Albany City Rocks

74 Lamar Stevens 80 Team Final

76 Brandon Robinson 80 Georgia Stars

77 Jarron Cumberland 80 King James

78 Jonah Mathews 80 Cali Supreme

80 MJ Cage 80 Cali Supreme

81 Jordan Harris 80 Each 1 Teach 1

82 CJ Walker 80 Indy Heat Gym Rats

85 Zach Norvell 80 Mac Irvin Fire

87 Xavier Simpson 80 King James

88 Bryce Aiken 80 PSA Cardinals

89 Charlie Moore 80 Mac Irvin Fire

91 Taurean Thompson 80 NJ Playaz

93 Myles Powell 80 NJ Playaz

100 Kassoum Yakwe 80 PSA Cardinals

MOKAN’ S ELITEMOKAN Elite en-

joyed a terrific regular season on the 2015

EYBL Circuit.

In fact, they may be as good as ever.

Finishing the regular season 12-5 in arguably the toughest division in the league, MOKAN has been sparked by a pair of sophomores; Michael Porter, Jr. (ESPN 60 No. 2) and Trae Young (ESPN 60 No. 22). Porter and Young have taken the league by storm this year, making MOKAN perhaps the leading dark horse to win Peach Jam as each continues to constantly improve.

While it remains to be seen how far they can take their squad this season, Porter and Young were fast friends when they met last year at Nike Elite 100 Camp, and have become brothers both on and off the court.

“We haven’t known each other long, but Trae is my brother now,” said Porter. “Right from the beginning, we really just clicked. We have had a lot of deep conversations on and off the court.”

Both players agree that their chemistry makes the game eas-ier. They feed off of one another and have seen their production soar this season.

“Mike is such a great player, and since he’s usually the focus, that takes pressure off me,” said Young. “The other team has to know where we both are, and chances are they will slip up so that one of us has an open look.”

Porter had similar sentiments, raving about Young’s playmaking abilities.

“We both feel that, even though we are younger, we can be lead-ers and feed off of each other,” Porter said. “Trae gets me a lot of easy buckets. He is a pure point guard who gets the whole team involved.”

Porter went on to say that per-haps the best part of having such

BY: NATE BUCSKO

40 @D1CIRCUIT

“We never get offended when the other gives advice

because we know it’s all out of love.”

MOKAN’ S ELITEBY: NATE BUCSKO

‘a great player as one of his close friends is that they can take crit-icism from each other.

“We never get offended when the other gives advice because we know it’s all out of love,” Porter said.

While Porter, who has been dubbed “Baby KD”, has been considered one of the top pros-pects in 2017 for years now, Young was criminally underrated until his performance this spring forced all rankings services to take notice. Thanks to his mon-ster regular season (18.2 PPG, 4.0 APG), Young skyrocketed up the rankings and may still be too low. So how did Young adjust so quickly to become possibly THE breakout player in the EYBL?

“I’ve played up my whole life, which really helped,” Young said. “[Fellow Houston-area point guard] De’Aaron Fox helped me a lot by kind of telling me what to expect. I think it helped that me and Michael were kind of in the same boat, and I knew with hard work I would be ready.”

“I knew coming in that there were going to be bumps in the road playing in such a tough league,” Young added. “The Minneapolis, I feel I didn’t play well. I have a lot to improve on still, but overall I thought I did well.”

Young is pleased that he has received some national recog-nition for his efforts and hard work, but he is not one to rest on his laurels - just like the player he looks up to, NBA

MVP Steph Curry.

“Mike has always been one of the top guys, and he will prob-ably stay up there,” Young said. “My ranking right now can go up or down just as easily. If I get cocky my ranking can go down really quick, so I am staying hungry and humble. I need to continue to get stronger every day.”

Young ‘s biggest strength is as a lethal long-range bomber, but he has also shown explosive quickness is getting to the rim and creating for teammates, in addition to having quick hands on the perimeter. With a mon-ster Peach Jam, Young could be poised for another swift rise in the eyes of college coaches.

Porter, who models his game after wings like Rudy Gay, Kevin


“Right from the beginning, we really just clicked. ”

Durant, and Carmelo Anthony, was one of the best players at the final regular season session in Minneapolis with averages of 20.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 3.0 APG.

“For me, I thought this season went well for our team but I had my ups and downs,” Porter re-flected. “I got better every game I played in, and I got tougher and more physical with my re-bounding.”

The long and smooth forward knows that he has work to do to take his game to the next level, and feels no pressure despite his lofty ranking.

“I don’t see any reason to feel pressure.” Porter said. “Just need to keep improving.”

Porter has been busy with ball so far this summer, but that hasn’t stopped him from working at his

family’s snow-cone business on the side.

“My parents wanted us to learn responsibility by opening up the business and having me and my siblings work,” Porter said, who is likely the world’s tallest snow-cone maker. “It has helped me in basketball and school because I developed discipline.”

Players are rumored to be “pack-age deals” in every class, but Por-ter and Young appear to be the real deal already. Porter recently cut his list down to ten schools, but what some may not know is several of those schools were added because of his buddy.

“Me and Trae have already talked about (playing at the next level together) a lot,” Porter said. “So when I cut my list down I didn’t make any decisions un-til I talked to Trae. I ended up adding some teams that I hadn’t

even considered until Trae said he was interested.”

“Mike made sure we talked before he cut his list down, and going forward I am going to do the same,” said Young, who also made the decision to play for MOKAN largely because of Porter’s presence.

While Peach Jam is first on the radar for these two friends, that doesn’t mean they aren’t already looking ahead to taking Division I basketball by storm.

“I want people to know that we are serious about the ‘package deal’ thing,” Porter said of play-ing with Young in college. “We want to make it happen.”

Photos by: Getty Images, Jon Lopez/Nike


ESPN RANKINGS2017


2 Michael Porter 97 MOKAN Elite

3 Jarred Vanderbilt 96 Houston Hoops

4 Wendell Carter 96 Georgia Stars

5 John Petty 95 Alabama Challenge

6 Troy Brown Jr. 94 LV Prospects

7 PJ Washington 94 Team Penny

8 Gary Trent Jr. 94 Howard Pulley

10 Mohammed Bamba 94 PSA Cardinals

11 Nick Richards 94 Expressions Elite

12 Lonnie Walker 93 Team Final

14 Jeremiah Tilmon 93 St. Louis Eagles

17 DJ Harvey 92 Team Takeover

19 Zach Brown 91 Nike South Beach

22 Trae Young 91 MOKAN Elite

24 Isaiah Jasey 90 Houston Hoops

25 Matt Coleman 90 Boo Williams

26 Markus Howard 90 LV Prospects


28 Jordan Tucker 90 NY Lightning

31 Charles O'Bannon Jr. 90 LV Prospects

33 Austin Wiley 89 Alabama Challenge

34 Mitchell Robinson 89 Alabama Challenge

35 Jermaine Samuels 89 Expressions Elite

37 Ira Lee 89 Oakland Soldiers

38 Da'Monte Williams 89 Mac Irvin Fire

39 Nojel Eastern 89 Chicago MeanStreets

45 Kevin Knox 89 Each 1 Teach 1

46 JJ Smith 89 Southern Stampede

47 Alonzo Verge Jr. 88 St. Louis Eagles

48 Daejon Davis 88 Seattle Rotary

49 Jaylen Nowell 88 Seattle Rotary

51 Justin Smith 88 Mac Irvin Fire

52 Khalil Garland 88 Team Penny

55 Jordan Goodwin 88 St. Louis Eagles

57 O'Shae Brissett 87 LV Prospects

60 Victor Uyaelunmo 87 Nike South Beach

2018Rank Player Scout Grade Nike Program

1 Marvin Bagley III 98 We All Can Go

2 Silvio De Souza 97 E1T1

6 Javonte Smart 94 EP Elite

8 Cameron Reddish 93 Team Final

9 Gerald Liddell 93 Nike D1 Elite

10 Darius Garland 92 We All Can Go

18 TJ Moss 90 Team Penny

23 Kezo Brown 90 Mac Irvin Fire

24 Reggie Chaney 90 Pro Skills

25 Connor Vanover 90 Arkansas Wings

THE EVOLUTION OF

TEAM TAKEOVER

In 2009, Keith Stevens knew a decision had to be made.

Four years after creating his own grassroots basketball organiza-tion branded as Reebok Triple Threat, Stevens’ hard work paid off in a big way. His DC-based program earned the undivided attention of Nike in the form of a full sponsorship, as well as an invitation to Nike’s brand new Elite Youth Basketball League. The new partnership demanded a name change for the organiza-

tion. Stevens decided on a bold, confident new name – one that epitomized his vision for the future of his program. Stevens decided on ‘Team Takeover’, and the evolution of the program began.

Fast-forward six years, and the name couldn’t be more fitting; Team Takeover has officially taken over Nike basketball as we know it. Stevens’ squad made an im-

mediate impact on their new sponsor, winning the inaugural Nike EYBL Peach Jam Cham-pionship in 2010. A year later, they won an EYBL-record 17 consecutive games. Takeover exploded onto the scene but to Stevens, the evolution of his new program was just beginning. Over the last six years, Stevens’ program has grown at an un-precedented rate. 109 total play-ers have received division one scholarships over the past eight years, including 36 high-majors.

BY: ALEC KINSKY

46 @D1CIRCUIT

Over the past two years, Take-over has had 23 players earn scholarships, more than any oth-er 17U program in the nation. Takeover is the alma mater for five current NBA players -- Ty Lawson, Victor Oladipo, Erick Green, Jerami Grant and Jerian Grant. A dozen Team Takeover assistant coaches have moved onto coaching in the NCAA and even the NBA.

The accolades continue to pile up, but the true value of what D1 Circuit’s 2013 EYBL Coach of the Year has built lies in the depth and organization of his program. Team Takeover currently has 32 total basketball teams, with 12 being girls’ squads. The girls’ 17U elite team earned a Nike EYB

sponsorship in 2013, making Takeover the first program to have sponsorships in both gen-ders. For those who’ve run into him before, it’s pretty clear that Ste-vens runs a tight ship. The pro-gram features nearly 100 coach-es, each thoroughly vetted to make sure they meet Stevens’ ex-pectations. Stevens tasks himself with the responsibility of mak-

ing sure each and every team in the program is properly prepared for their upcom-ing events. Frank Howard, a 2014 alumni getting ready to make his debut at Syracuse in the fall, raved about his former coach’s dedication. “He helped me take that step to the next level,” Howard explained. “He really pushed me, and really developed my game on both sides of the ball.” You would be hard-pressed to find a group of assistant coaches more productive and more loyal than Stevens’ crew. The program is cen-tered around basketball, but

the ultimate goal is much great-er. Team Takeover is built to prepare young men for the rigors of life, while providing them the best opportunities to be success-ful. In a handful of years, Take-over’s staff can be proud of the doors they’ve opened.

“We’ve had kids become law-yers, financial advisors, we’ve

even had kids go to MIT,” said Takeover assistant coach Bren-den Straughn. “We use basket-ball as an avenue for these kids to promote themselves and make their own path.”

Also, of Takeover’s alumni that have attended college, 98 percent have graduated, according to Stevens. Stevens is the head coach for just one Team Takeover squad, his 17U EYBL team. His rosters have quickly built an intimi-dating reputation among the grassroots basketball landscape. His teams are well put together and run with pinpoint control, and first-year Takeover member VJ King took immediate notice upon joining the program. “Keith treats it like a college program,” said King, a 6-foot-8 swingman ranked 25 in the 2016 class by ESPN. “That’s what makes Takeover so special. They hold you accountable and pre-pare you for the next level.” Off the court, Stevens is incred-ibly personable, carrying a con-fident charm with him every-where he goes. But, when the referee hoists up the opening tip, Stevens’ tune, well, changes. A competitor in every sense of the word, Stevens’ passionate, fiery approach to coaching has led to his fair share of ejections throughout the years. Compet-ing against the nation’s finest grassroots squad is a stressful


task, and Stevens’ has earned the target that is firmly placed on his squad’s back. Does playing for Team Takeover make you public enemy No. 1? “I would say so, just because of the history of Team Takeover,” King said. “We win wherever we go and it shows. It’s a lot of fun to play with that type of target on your back.” Along with constructing the past, present and future of Team Takeover, Stevens is making noise in different aspects of the basketball landscape. He heads up Separation Sports, a youth and high school event manage-ment organization responsible for several high-level camps and

tournaments, including the Na-tional High School Hoops Fes-tival, an invite only tournament that hosts some of the nation’s best teams. After the Peach Jam, Stevens will host the second an-nual Ty Lawson/Victor Oladipo All-American Camp, featuring some of the best high school players in the country. Team Takeover recently co-pro-moted the DC Challenge with the Adidas-sponsored DC Thunder on Father’s Day, mark-ing one of the first times that squads from different spon-sorships have partnered for an event. It’s a major step in the right direction for the landscape of grassroots basketball, and Ste-vens was at the forefront.

By all accounts, Stevens has become a present-day godfather of sorts in grassroots basketball. His opinion is highly valued among Nike representatives and he understands the grassroots basketball landscape as well as anyone on the planet. In the grand scheme of things, Team Takeover is still in the very early stages of its existence. Ste-vens and company have gotten off to a great start in the past six years, but ask any member of the organization, and they’d tell you the same thing. The evolution has only just begun.

Photo by: Washington Post

BY: ALEC KINSKY

CLASS OF 2018 STANDOUT MARVIN BAGLEY LOOKS TO LEAD we all can go TO A 16U NIKE EYBL PEACH JAM CHAMPIONSHIP

Marvin Bagley III doesn’t mince words. When asked about the best aspect of his current basketball repertoire, Bagley ignored his physical stature. He disregarded his athleticism. He turned a blind eye to his scoring ability and intangibles. The 6-foot-10 freshman answered that question with a sense of excitement and energy. If you were to ask him, his answer is the most important aspect of playing basketball. “I play hard.”

Ranked No. 1 in ESPN’s recently updated 2018 class rankings, Bagley is all about what he can control. The most controllable aspect of every game is how hard you play. You don’t have to tell Bagley. “I play hard every time I step on the floor. I come with energy.“ Bagley explained. “I love the game of basketball, I’ve been playing my whole life. I come out 100% every time and go hard. If I play hard, everything else follows after that. So that’s definitely my main focus.”

50 @D1CIRCUIT

Starring on the 16U EYBL circuit with We All Can Go (TN), Bagley displayed a motor and on-court energy that fueled his squad. His talent is undeni-able. Standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing 210 pounds, Bagley brings rare athleticism and skills to a player his age and size. His motor makes him an elite re-bounder and he excels in tran-sition. In fact, Bagley credits his transition play as a big turning point in his basketball evolution. “Since fourth or fifth grade, my dad always told me to take the ball and go,” Bagley said, explaining his early-ca-reer goals to be a complete player. “I would grab the rebound and get up the floor fast. It made the rest of my game evolve that much faster.” The Phoenix-native is a proven winner. Bagley helped lead Co-rona del Sol to a State Champi-onship this past winter, helping compile one of the most impres-sive resumes in 2014-15. For the past three summers, Bagley has excelled in transition for We All

Can Go. He leads a group of talented underclassmen, includ-ing Darius Garland (ESPN 2018 No. 10) and highly sought recruits Cameron Johnson and Tyger Campbell.

He’s building something special, and he’s looking to capitalize on the team camaraderie they’ve developed and turn it into a 16U Peach Jam Championship.

“My teammates are really great. I trust in them and they believe in me,” Bagley said. “When we go out on the court, the bond we have off the court translates on the court. It’s something that will really help us. We’ve been playing together since seventh grade. We trust each other a lot. It’s important that Bagley has help, because he has quite the

target on his back. Ranked almost unanimously as the best player in his class since the sixth grade, Bagley understands that target will keep growing as he keeps developing. “I think that put a bigger target on my back,” Bagley said of ES-PN’s recently updated rankings. “Since that came out, I think everyone is going to come harder than ever. Like I said, I’m just going to work hard, and that’s

all that matters. Rankings don’t matter in my work-outs. I’m just going to keep go-ing as hard as I’ve been going, then

nothing will be new to me.”

Bagley’s knows the rankings won’t affect his progression as a basketball player. His father would never let it, and the driv-ing force behind Bagley’s poten-tial is something special. “He’s pretty much taught me everything I know,” Bagley said. “Since I’ve been young, he’s always brought me to the gym, doing all types of drills. He’s been a big part of my game, I


don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have him.” Questioned about what’s next in his progression, and Bag-ley didn’t hesitate. Once again his answer wasn’t something skill-oriented. “I’m looking to be a better lead-er,” Bagley said. “I think I do a good job of bringing energy and helping my teammates out, but I need to be an extension of the coach on the floor. That’s some-thing I’m working on, and if I keep practicing, it will become second nature.”

With spring and summer bas-ketball comes an intense travel schedule, especially if you’re the top recruit in the country. Bagley is soaking up every minute of it. “We’ve been going to different tournaments and different states since I was in 7th grade,” Bag-ley explained. “It’s something I’ve gotten used to now. I just look at it as a new experience. I love traveling with my team and family.” Where will Bagley’s journey head next? In the near future, he is hoping to lead We All Can Go to a 16U Peach Jam title. In

five years? Bagley doesn’t know, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “There’s no telling where I’ll be,” Bagley said. “Wherever God takes me. Every day I’m just focused on my game. That’s all I can see in my future right now.” Bagley can sleep confidently knowing his work ethic is sec-ond to none. “I’m relaxed,” Bagley stated.

“And I will keep getting better.”

ELFRID PAYTONELITE’S FIRSTYEAR

ON THECIRCUIT

BY: Nate Bucsko

Elfrid Payton had a pretty big year for himself. A PRIZEDRookie for the Orlando Magic, the Louisiana native‘s AAU program, Elfrid Payton Elite,also made the jump to the 17U EYBL Circuit.

54 @D1CIRCUIT

As a rookie team in the nation’s toughest grassroots basketball league, Elfrid Payton

Elite surprised almost everyone by winning four of their final five games to clinch a spot in the Peach Jam field. The small group of people not surprised? Director Cleavon Williams and the rest of the EP Elite organization.

“Number one, it’s obviously a huge accomplishment making Peach Jam as a first-year orga-nization,” Williams said. “But secondly, this is not shocking to

us coaches at all. Coming into the season, we set our goal as making Peach Jam.”

Despite lacking any semblance of a post presence and lacking overall size throughout the rota-tion, EP Elite has a collection of talented guards and wings, who bought in to the unique coach-ing style that Williams and coach Mitchell Johnson have imple-mented.

“We like to coach our kids very aggressively, and not everybody wants to buy in to that,” said

Williams. “The way we see it, we are preparing our kids for college, not high school. We look for players that have toughness over size.”

Williams remembered that when his squad first signed on to compete in the EYBL, they were told quite bluntly that this league can eat teams alive and that they probably would not succeed, especially with-out any bigs.

Despite the doubters coming from all directions, Williams and his staff believed that they had the right collection of young hoopers to make a splash in the league.

“We feel really good about our team,” Williams said of his personnel. “We have no egos, and everybody plays for each other. We are a family.”Overcoming adversity throughout the season, the

family that is EP Elite is now poised to make a run with noth-ing to lose, making them one of the most dangerous matchups in the field.

Led by two breakout 2016 stars, forward Brandon Rachal and smooth-shooting guard De’Jon Jarreau, EP Elite overcame their lack of size and depth to clinch a spot in the field with room to spare. Freshman Javonte Smart, the top-ranked point guard in 2018, provided a huge spark this season as the floor leader.

“As the point guard, I really en-joy playing with my teammates and coaches,” Smart said of his first year on the circuit. “We have fun. This is the first year as an organization and for us to make Peach Jam is awesome.”

The adversity that EP Elite has faced this season includes nearly missing the first night of the first session due to a flight delay in Chicago; losing Jarreau, arguably their best player, for an entire session; and playing a whole weekend with a rotation of six players.

One man has helped the team

“We are a family. ”


endure through it all, and that’s the team’s namesake, Orlan-do Magic point guard and All-Rookie First Team member Elfrid Payton. Williams coached Payton when he was an AAU player, and developed a special relationship with Payton. Now, the NBA player is fostering similar relationships based in mentorship and guidance to the current roster, and the praise is pretty clear.

“Elfrid is really like a son to Mitchell and myself,” Williams said. “He has touched these kids so much and almost every single one has his cell number. As soon as the Magic released him from obligations after the season, he flew to meet us to meet the guys.”

“Yeah that’s my dude,” Smart said of Payton. “We talk and he

comes with us on trips and talks with us. I ask him for tips and he always helps me with my mis-takes. He tells me to never let up and keep grinding.”“He’s pretty cool,” said Rachal. “We’ve had a few talks and he told me that if I needed anything to call, so we are starting a good relationship.”

Williams made it clear that while Payton may not help coach the players, he has arguably affect-ed the players in an even more important way.

“Elfrid teaches the guys how to stay humble and hungry,” Williams said. “He is all about getting these guys more expo-sure. The lesson that has stuck with them most is to stay loyal to the people who have been loyal to you.”

With role models such as Wil-liams, Johnson, and Payton, it is clear that EP Elite is about so much more than basketball. They are an organization set on helping its players become successful in whatever field they choose to go into.

In the short term, however, this squad has some unfinished busi-ness heading to North Augusta. With an opportunity to practice as a team for the first time all season, EP Elite will be ready.

“We are going to have two prac-tices Sunday, two Monday, and one Tuesday,” Williams said. “I don’t know if teams will be ready for us once we’ve had a chance to actually practice together.”

Dark horse contender to win it all? Maybe. Just don’t tell them that.

Photo by: Scout.com

“We are a family. ”

JULY 916E SCHEDULE

JULY 10JULY 8Alabama Challenge vs. Georgia Stars

5:00 pm EDT

Team CP3 vs. Arkansas Wings

5:00 pm EDT

Mac Irvin Fire vs. We All Can Go5:00 pm EDT

Team Penny vs. Albany City Rocks

5:00 pm EDT

All Iowa Attack vs. Athletes First6:30 pm EDT

Playaz Club vs. Boo Williams6:30 pm EDT

Team Final vs. MOKAN Elite6:30 pm EDT

PSA Cardinals vs. E1T16:30 pm EDT

Athletes First vs. Alabama Challenge

1:30 pm EDT

Boo Williams vs. Team CP3

1:30 pm EDT

MOKAN Elite vs. Mac Irvin Fire1:30 pm EDT

E1T1 vs. Team Penny1:30 pm EDT

Georgia Stars vs. All Iowa Attack3:30 pm EDT

Arkansas Wings vs. Playaz Club3:30 pm EDT

We All Can Go vs. Team Final3:30 pm EDT

Albany City Rocksvs. PSA Cardinals

3:30 pm EDT

Athletes First vs. Georgia Stars

1:30 pm EDT

Boo Williams vs. Arkansas Wings

1:30 pm EDT

MOKAN Elite vs. We All Can Go1:30 pm EDT

E1T1 vs. Albany City Rocks

1:30 pm EDT

All Iowa Attack vs. Alabama Challenge

3:30 pm EDT

Playaz Club vs. Team CP3

3:30 pm EDT

Team Final vs.Mac Irvin Fire3:30 pm EDT

PSA Cardinalsvs Team Penny3:30 pm EDT

56 @D1CIRCUIT

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POOL CN I KE E Y B L

PEACH JAMPREVIEWS

ATHLETES FIRST: 12-5

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finished 2nd in division a

A team as streaky as they come, Athletes First went undefeated in

both the first and last sessions, playing outstanding basketball on their way to a solid record overall despite going 3-5 in the middle two sessions.

It was difficult but they had to collectively replace Allonzo Trier, the leading scorer in EYBL history and last year’s Most Valuable Player. This squad’s biggest strength may be their ability to shoot the rock from the perimeter and

at the charity stripe, two areas that should help them in tight games at Peach Jam.

Athletes First features a high-powered offensive attack fueled

by its lightning-quick guards and versatile forwards.

Although they have no players standing above 6-foot-7, they make up for it with their ability to run the floor and shoot the rock. They are a true team, with any player capable of leading the team in any statistical category on any given night, and that could carry them a long way come July. The backcourt is led by two studs from Mustang High School in JaKolby Long



(15.9 PPG) and Curtis Haywood (12.7 PPG), who are both physically powerful guards that can take it to the hole and knock down looks from the perimeter.

Long’s shooting percentage will need to improve for Athletes First to take the next step, as he was below 35 percent on the season and tended to force the issue at times. Haywood will be crucial on the defensive end, as he will likely guard taller opponents the majority of the time. Haywood also emerged as the most dependable shooter for the team and will look to continue his hot streak in Peach Jam.

Floor general Micah Speight will need to keep everyone under control and taking care of the ball. Any additional scoring he can add would be icing on the cake, since this team is stacked with scoring guards. As mentioned before, the frontcourt of Athletes First doesn’t possess intimidating size, but all of their forwards

can contribute in a variety of areas. Kristian Doolittle (ESPN 100 No. 62) can score at all three levels, is a beast on the boards, and shows great court vision (second after Speights in assists). He

came up huge for his team in Minneapolis, showing out as one of the top performers of the weekend and taking his game to another level offensively.

Ethan Chargois has great footwork in the post and will be asked to do a lot on the glass when he and Doolittle give up size to some of the bigger teams in the field. He is one of the most underrated big men on the circuit, and should open some eyes with an impressive Peach Jam.

X-Factor: MarcusDickinson

While Long and Haywood have been great scoring the rock this season, the unsung player in the backcourt is Dickinson, who does a little bit of everything to help his team win. He is a great passer and showed a more aggressive mindset when he had the ball in his hands toward the end of the year.

If he can step up into a larger role offensively, that

would take pressure off of the Big Three and make this team even more dangerous.

CALIFORNIA SUPREME: 10-7

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finished T-5th in division c

With two of the country’s fastest rising players and

breakout performers in Jonah Mathews (ESPN 100 No. 78) and Josh Hall (ESPN 100 No. 46), California Supreme was able to make the Peach Jam field despite dropping its final three games in Minneapolis.

Though they are far from an offensive powerhouse, the Supreme has enough firepower to get by with a deep bench featuring several key contributors. They will need to

shoot the ball at a higher clip and shore up some of their defensive holes, but this is a

team capable of doing some damage in North Augusta.

The Supreme boast a deep backcourt, with shooting guard Matthews (14.2 PPG) leading the way as the go-to scorer for the team. He has cooled off as of late, but remains a potent offensive threat both slashing to the hoop and when left open on the wing.

He is joined by Devearl Ramsey (8.4 PPG), a lightning-quick point guard who doesn’t force the issue and knows how to win games. Ramsey is the leading distributor on the team and forms one half of Cali’s point



guard tandem with Milan Acquaah. Though they are both pass-first guards, Ramsey and Acquaah will need to shoot the ball better for the Supreme to have a chance at making a run, as neither shoots above 40 percent from the field.

The primary perimeter threat for the Supreme is Jordan Schakel (7.1 PPG), who will be depended on to knock down open looks from deep and provide instant offense off the bench. Despite losing Cody Riley, the front line for the Supreme remains solid, with Hall (10.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG) doing a great job crashing the boards and defending the paint. His overall statline won’t jump out at anyone, but Hall brings intangibles that can’t be measured by numbers. He takes his points within the natural flow of the offense and consistently guards taller players to great effect.

De’Anthony Melton has been a huge addition for Supreme, showing an increasingly

aggressive scoring mindset and hitting the glass hard on both ends of the floor. Melton is also one of the team’s best perimeter defenders and averages over two steals a

game. He is playing a bit out of position but is displaying his versatility.

On the inside, sophomore 7-footer Brandon McCoy has proven to be the team’s

best rim protector, but he has struggled to stay out of foul trouble when he is matched up against a bigger opponent, something that’s bound to happen at Peach Jam. He’s a top-notch prospect, and if he’s able to contribute without fouling, Cali Supreme will get a huge lift.

X-Factor: Devearl Ramsey

Matthews and Hall are a great one-two punch, but there is a

dropoff in offensive output after those two that could mean trouble for the Supreme if they get into a shootout. Somebody will need to step up as the third major scoring option and Ramsey appears poised to step into that role. He is a team player that looks to get his teammates involved first, and has struggled with his own shot as some result of that.

Ramsey will need to look for his own shot and have an overall aggressive mindset in order for the Supreme to maximize their offensive potential.

KING JAMES: 13-4

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finished 2nd in division b

One of the most consistent teams throughout the regular season,

King James (13-4) has a stacked lineup that includes some big-time talent at every position. They did not live up to expectations last year, failing to qualify for Peach Jam. They make their first Peach Jam appearance, and they do almost everything exceptionally well.

They have to be considered one of the favorites to win the whole thing, especially if they stick to what worked for them

this season. Their three Top 100 recruits will be asked to shoulder much of the burden,

but King James has enough depth to make a run should

one or more of them struggle. Scoring has not been something King James has struggled with on the circuit, and to find the reason why one needs to look no further than the explosive backcourt combination of Jarron Cumberland (ESPN 100 No. 77) and Xavier Simpson (ESPN 100 No. 87). Both players can score on all three levels and can get hot from behind the arc in a hurry.

Cumberland (17.8 PPG) has proven to be an unstoppable



force at times, and when his confidence is soaring there are few players in the nation more dangerous with the ball.

Simpson (15.6 PPG, 4.4 APG) has a high basketball IQ and sees plays before they happen, which can make King James especially tough to stop on the break. He has impressed at the summer camps and should ride that momentum into North Augusta.

St. Vincent-St. Mary’s Henry Baddley is a lengthy defender who has shown the ability to hit timely jumpers. Baddley could see an expanded role on offense if Cumberland and Simpson struggle to produce. Darnell Hoskins (6.4 PPG) is a reliable backup point guard and should spell Simpson for some valuable rest. 6-foot-9 Ohio State commit Derek Funderburk (ESPN 100 No. 44) is a beast down low. He consistently imposes his will in the paint and shows no fear stepping out of the lane to take jumpers.

He is complemented by a pair of physical, athletic forwards in Willie Jackson (7.0 RPG) and Dantez Walton.

Jackson cleans up missed shots and converts them into

made buckets like it’s his job, showing some impressive bounce and a hunger for the ball that makes him a superb offensive rebounder. Funderburk and Jackson give

King James a potent duo in the frontcourt, one that can both score efficiently and attack the glass.

Walton is a glue guy who will likely be in the game when one of Funderburk and Jackson need a break, but he is a tough defender who doesn’t let his size hold him back from defending

bigger players.

X-Factor: WillieJackson

Jackson may be the best pound-for-pound rebounder on the circuit. Funderburk demands a large amount of defensive attention, and Jackson has taken advantage, using his physicality to create havoc on the boards. Consistency will be key for Jackson.

In some games he’s completely dominant, and in some games he blends in. Consistent efforts on the interior from Jackson should

narrow the size gap that they will be facing against most teams in pool play.

OAKLAND SOLDIERS: 11-6

66 @D1CIRCUIT

finished T-4th in division a

Despite a shaky performance in Houston, the Soldiers managed

to clinch a spot at Peach Jam with some excellent guard play and timely shot-making. The Soldiers are used to having one or two elite recruits, but they took on a different identity this year.

The Soldiers boast a deep rotation that features both great athletes and smart ball players, which will make them a tough out in North Augusta. They rebounded from a

1-3 showing in the third session by winning 4 of 5 in Minneapolis (the lone loss coming

by one point to PSA Cardinals) to carry plenty of

momentum into July.

The important thing for the Soldiers is that they know who they are and what they do well, which they will need to remember in order to make a deep run. The Soldiers aren’t used to being the underdog, but they have a chance to surprise a lot of people in North Augusta. The backcourt for the Soldiers is one of the most talented and versatile on the circuit, as they essentially carry three point guards on their roster,



all of which can also play off the ball. Jordan Ford (12.6 PPG) is a lights-out shooter from long range and when he gets going, it is a lot of fun to watch.

He is joined in the backcourt by Damari Milstead (team-leading 3.1 APG) and Remy Martin (11.5 PPG).

Milstead will most likely handle much of the point guard duties at Peach Jam, as he doesn’t need to score much to have an impact on the game and is an extremely smart decision-maker.

Martin overcame a slow start to finish strong shooting the rock. All three have quick hands and are great perimeter defenders, even though they are a bit undersized. The frontcourt experienced a huge boost when Ira Lee (ESPN 60 No. 37) returned from injury, and the athletic wing promptly stepped in to lead the team in rebounding while contributing 8.5 PPG.

He is joined by powerful

guard/forward Carlos Johnson (11.6 PPG), Ben Kone (6.2 RPG), and Robinson Idehen (1.5 BPG) to form a long, athletic front line for the Soldiers. Johnson is strong enough to defend bigger

forwards in the post and quick enough to check smaller wings on the perimeter, in addition to adding a scoring punch.

Kone has been the model of consistency on both ends

of the floor all season, stepping up in the absence of Lee, while Idehen has been the rim protector that every team needs.

With its strength and depth in the backcourt and frontcourt, the Oakland Soldiers appear poised for a run at Peach Jam.

X-Factor: Ira Lee

Although he is the most highly regarded prospect on the roster, Lee was not quite

100 percent at the two sessions he played in. He will have plenty of time to get his legs back under him by the time Peach Jam rolls around, and that is bad news for anyone that has to face the Soldiers. Lee is an elite athlete who can both bang inside and take his man away from the rim.

Simply put, he has enough ability to completely change a

game. If his teammates are smart, they will use him early and often.

PLAYAZ CLUB: 9-8

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finished 5th in division d

The defending champs return just one player with Peach Jam

experience and will enter as a major dark horse, as they needed to win their final game to clinch the last spot in the field.

The Playaz are capable of putting a lot of points on the board, but too often they get caught up shooting the three-ball.

Their guards are elite and can hang with any other team in

the field, so it will be up to their frontcourt to play a large role in the paint. They will need to shoot the ball

at a more efficient clip than

they did most of the year, mainly because they do not rebound very well and will be giving up some size to almost every team in their pool.

The Playaz will rely on their veteran guards to carry them at Peach Jam, as well as a battle-tested head coach in Jimmy Salmon Much of the offensive firepower for this team comes from its talented backcourt of Temple Gibbs (ESPN 100 No. 72) and Myles Powell (ESPN 100 No. 93).



Gibbs (13.7 PPG), who recently verbally committed to Notre Dame, is a combo guard who has the ability to take over a game with his passing or scoring. When he sticks to his strengths and uses his penetration to get to the basket, he can be extremely productive. He is the lone member of the Playaz who has Peach Jam experience, so he will be relied upon greatly.

Powell (18.1 PPG) got better with each session, dropping 28 as Playaz won their last game to finish in the Top Ten in the league for scoring. Powell is also the league’s leading three-point shooter and he will need to be on fire from the opening tip to give his team the best chance to win.

Jagan Mosely (11.7 PPG) is a skilled, rugged scoring guard and James Scott is a ball hawk on the perimeter, usually guarding whoever has the hot hand on the opposing team.

Starring for St. Anthony during the high school season,

Mosely has excelled in his role and will need to continue his scoring output. Taurean Thompson (8.5 PPG) was an absolute monster on the boards during the last

session and he will need to play huge for Playaz. Thompson, also a St. Anthony product, has great instincts but can lose his man at times on defense. His ability to score in the paint and help control it

will be crucial as Playaz will look to establish their perimeter game.

Cyril Langvine provides some much-needed size but is essentially a non-factor on the offensive end, so any scoring punch he can provide would be an added bonus.

X-Factor: TempleGibbs

Though Playaz won it all last year, Gibbs will be the only roster player with Peach Jam

experience. Myles Powell was on the team last season but was injured during their run to the title, so Gibbs will need to lead by his actions and words more than ever. He is an elite slasher who can get into the lane at will.

Against the bigger teams in their pool, Playaz will need to create all the open looks they can get, and Gibbs is just the guy to

do it.

It won’t be easy to repeat but you can believe that Gibbs will do all it takes to get there.

ST. LOUIS EAGLES: 13-4

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finished T-1st in division c

Led by one of the best all-around players in the country, Jayson Tatum (ESPN 100

No. 2), the St. Louis Eagles ran through the regular season with a balanced scoring attack and excellent defense.

The Eagles started the season with a 3-1 record in Hampton and ended it by winning nine of their final ten games. If there is one thing that this team needs to watch out for in Peach Jam, it is resting on its laurels. Their schedule in Minneapolis consisted of just

one team in the Peach Jam field, so they need to find the motivation to rise to the rise

in competition level. Tatum is as talented as they come, and

his supporting cast is nothing to scoff at.

They missed the field last season, but with five members of their squad ranked by ESPN, the Eagles will be definite contenders for the Peach Jam crown in 2015.

The Eagles have a deep backcourt that is full of guards who can contribute in a variety of ways. Jordan Barnes (7.8 PPG) has been excellent running the point all season, and has also been the most reliable three-point shooter



on the team at over 40 percent.

Sophomore Alonzo Verge (ESPN 60 No. 47) is a playmaker who can also rebound well for his size, but he will need to become more of a scoring threat at Peach Jam to give this team another weapon. Barnes and Verge will be relied upon to be the primary distributors, and could rarely be on the court at the same time.

The emergence of Jordan Goodwin (ESPN 60 No. 55) has been huge for the Eagles, as he has been the main scoring threat (7.7 PPG) in the backcourt and has helped take pressure away from Tatum and Tyler Cook (ESPN 100 No. 58). He will be asked to step into an even more important role as St. Louis tries to navigate out of pool play.

D1 Circuit MVP candidate Tatum (19.5 PPG) leads possibly the most versatile front court in the league, as he can play and guard every position on the floor. In addition to possessing an arsenal of offensive moves,

Tatum also proved himself as one of the best rebounders on the circuit, which has been huge for this undersized front line. His leadership both on and off the court have played a major role in the Eagles’ season

to this point. That will be no different during Peach Jam.

Tatum’s Chaminade (MO) teammate, Tyler Cook (9.4 PPG) has had some great

games on both ends of the floor this season, but he has also shown a passive side that sometimes leaves Tatum and Goodwin alone to attack. Cook is capable of being the leading scorer on most teams in the league, so if his killer instinct emerges that would be huge for this team.

Sophomore Jeremiah Tilmon (ESPN 60 No. 14) is an athletic big man who has been adept at crashing the boards and following up with putbacks (7.9 PPG). His interior defense will be

crucial for the Eagles. He is ranked highly for a reason, and we expect his progression to continue under the bright lights of the Peach Jam.

X-Factor:JordanGoodwin

As mentioned above, Goodwin stepped up his scoring in a big way the final weekend. His continued progression

as a scorer will be huge for the Eagles. The aggressive combo guard has fearless attitude on defense, which makes him a player to watch in North Augusta.


POOL DN I KE E Y B L

PEACH JAMPREVIEWS

BABC: 13-4

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finished 1st in division a

It has been an impressive 2015 for BABC, who enter Peach Jam as possibly the hottest team

in the league after winning their past nine contests. Although they battled through the first two sessions with a 4-4 record and looked ready to fight to the wire for a spot in Peach Jam, this squad found its identity at just the right time and was able to close strong to win its division.

On their way to winning nine straight, BABC took down six

other teams in the Peach Jam field, proving that they are the real deal.

Head Coach Leo Papile is a coaching legend in

grassroots basketball, and he might have one of his most balanced squads ever. The unquestioned leader for this team is 3-year EYBL vet Bruce Brown (ESPN 100 No. 56). A powerful combo guard who is built like a strong safety, Brown is one of the best all-around players on the circuit and his experience playing against the best has undoubtedly paid dividends for BABC. While he has the ability to take over a game with his scoring, he usually looks to set up teammates first



and averages nearly six boards per game.

Joining Brown in the backcourt are sharpshooter Thomas Mobley (48 percent from deep) and Patrick Fisher, a defensive-minded guard who can also shoot it.

The backcourt is BABC’s biggest strength and it makes up quite a bit of the ground they give up with their lack of size and depth up front. 6-foot-6 Arkel Ager-Lamar gives BABC some size and strength off the bench in the backcourt. Speaking of the frontcourt, power forward Kevin Marfo emerged as one of the best rebounders on the circuit, especially during the final regular season session in which he was an absolute beast, averaging nearly 13 boards per contest. He will need to continue his dominance under the rim for his squad to advance and win Peach Jam. If he struggles to play without fouling, Papile will be forced to play very small.

When you look at the unbelievable success that BABC has had during its impressive run, it’s not hard to pinpoint the source of their mojo.

Although rare for AAU basketball, BABC has run its 2-1-2 and 1-2-2 press to perfection over the last two months, using their deep roster to keep players fresh and frustrating opponents

with their suffocating defense. BABC has used the press to create turnovers and general chaos, getting out in transition to let their guards energize the offense.

This strategy doesn’t appear likely to stop working any time soon, and as long as this team can stay healthy then they look poised to

build on their run of success in July. X-Factor:Ikenna Ndugba

Ndugba was only healthy for the final session of the season, but he gave us a glimpse of what BABC looks like with a true point guard. Adding a point guard to their rotation proved to be highly valuable, and Ndugba made an immediate impact, which included a game-winning buzzer-beater over the PSA Cardinals.

He has playmakers and shooters around him, and should help create havoc in their patented pressing defense. If Ndugba plays well, BABC’s chances greatly improve.

EACH 1 TEACH 1: 13-4

76 @D1CIRCUIT

finished 2nd in division d

Despite losing two of the best players in the nation from last year’s squad,

Each 1 Teach 1 once again finds themselves in the thick of the race for the Peach Jam title. They have no problems putting the ball in the basket and have one of the best one-two punches in the league with Top 30 players Maverick Rowan and Jonathan Isaac.

They will undoubtedly want some revenge on the teams that dealt them losses this season, which gives this

talented bunch even more motivation to win the whole thing in July.

They won the title in 2013 and reached bracket play last

year, so they’re accustomed to success in North Augusta. Rowan (ESPN 100 No. 30) is one of the most prolific scorers on the circuit, and his 19.2 PPG have come at a remarkably efficient clip, as he is shooting over 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from downtown. He has a very smooth offensive repertoire and excels on E1T1’s up-tempo style.

Georgia-commit Jordan Harris has aided Rowan greatly, as the 6-foot-3 combo



guard gives E1T1 a second scoring option in the backcourt. He can defend the top option in the backcourt and has bought into his role in E1T1’s talented rotation.

Davonta Jordan (4.1 APG), who took over for reclassified point guard Lamonte Turner, gives E1T1 a pass-first floor general to help run the show. Morrow will be relied upon from downtown, with Alberto Moreno seeing point guard minutes off the bench. Isaac (ESPN 100 No. 12) may be the most-improved player in the country and the versatility he has shown playing on the perimeter and in the paint is impressive. He gives E1T1 another lethal scoring option to pair with Rowan, and he doesn’t need to bang inside as much as other forwards because he has Tony Bradley (ESPN 100 No. 24) pulling down nearly nine boards per game.

Bradley has also been great defending the post and sealing off his man for open looks. He

is one of the only true post big men in the league and should see less defensive pressure due to the emergence of Isaac.

Kevin Knox (ESPN 60 No. 45) has made strides as a wing

still maturing into his body, but he is capable of going for 20 on any given night.

Adding to the tremendous depth of this frontcourt is Bruno Fernando (5.9 RPG),

who is yet another big body inside that can clean the class and run the floor. Montverde duo Bruno Fernando (7.0 PPG) and Kouat Noi (7.0 PPG) both will see valuable minutes in the frontcourt, and Austin Williams (3.9 PPG) will be ready to give Bradley a blow.

X-Factor: Kevin Knox As mentioned above, Knox is capable of scoring in bunches and his stock has seen a

rapid rise throughout the spring and summer. His steady emergence into a prime contributor has put E1T1 on an entirely different level, and he seems to get better with each passing game.

With Isaac, Rowan and Bradley already household names that make this an impressive squad, Knox could be the emerging new star that puts

them over the top.

Will they be the final team standing when all is said and done? They certainly have the talent.

ELFRID PAYTON ELITE: 10-7

78 @D1CIRCUIT

finished T-5th in division c

TIn their inaugural season in the EYBL, Elfrid Payton Elite

overcame a lack of size and true post player to finish with a hard-fought 10-7 record to get into the Peach Jam field. After starting the season 3-1 and looking like a surprise contender, EP Elite quickly went 1-3 at the next session and looked overpowered at times by the pace and physicality of play.

However, they looked great in Minneapolis, scoring at an

efficient rate and play great defense to take four of their final five.

They have their work cut out for them in a pool that has size

and talent, but the good news is that none of the other teams in their pool have great size and leaves the race wide open.

The backcourt for EP Elite is fueled by the top young player on the circuit and one of the top breakout players in the entire country.

Javonte Smart (ESPN 25 No. 6) is the top point guard prospect in the 2018 class, and he did not disappoint in his rookie season on the circuit. There were some bumps in the road (his shooting



percentage hovered around 30 percent), but overall Smart, the most productive freshman on the circuit, showed a maturity beyond his years and will be relied upon as EP Elite goes after the title.

DeJon Jarreau (ESPN 100 No. 60) is deadly from behind the arc, and though he has cooled off after a hot start, he remains a great offensive weapon and the perfect complement to Smart. He hasn’t played up to his full potential yet, so now would be a good time to step it up.

Devante Jones (9.6 PPG) was huge during the team’s run through the Minneapolis session, getting to the lane at will and converting through contact. Jones and Jarreau can also handle the ball when Smart needs a breather.

Though he is as smooth as most shooting guards, Brandon Rachal (14.7 PPG) will be relied upon to play big as one of the only frontcourt threats on the roster. Rachal, a 6-foot-5 swingman, averaged nearly a double-double over the

course of the last two sessions and shows a knack for being near the ball. He will need to continue to score while putting more emphasis on his post defense and offensive rebounding.

As perhaps the one true post player on the team, Brison Gresham (7.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG) will have his work cut out for him as he tries

to shut down players like Jarred Vanderbilt and PJ Washington from doing what they want in the paint. Gresham’s stock has skyrocketed since the opening session and he’s proven to be competitive with the elite bigs in the EYBL.

The major storyline for EP Elite throughout pool play will be the ability of Rachal and Gresham to stay out of foul trouble.

X-Factor:InteriorDefense

This obviously means that Rachal, Gresham and Cameron Burkett will need to play tough without committing fouls, but it also means that their guards will have to control the pace of the game to ensure that the tempo is high.

They’ve made due all season with their lack of size, and the other

teams in their pool lack a truly dominant physical specimen, so Elfrid Payton will have decent matchups to work with.

MOKAN ELITE: 12-5

80 @D1CIRCUIT

finished 3rd in division b

MOKAN Elite has played like a Peach Jam contender

all season long, winning several close games on their way to a 12-5 record. They have exceptional talent that includes two of the very best players in the class of 2017, a veteran guard who has been to Peach Jam before, and one of the most efficient offenses in the league.

The bad news for MOKAN is that they will only go far as their stars will take them; the

good news is that those stars have played their best

basketball during the last few sessions.

A sleeper pick to win it all, MOKAN needs to play its best basketball on both ends of the floor to overcome its lack of size and make a run. The growth of Trae Young (ESPN 60 No. 22) has been something truly special to behold, as the point guard has lit up defenses for some huge scoring games throughout the regular season while continuing to get teammates involved. The one knock on Young (18.2 PPG, 4.0 APG) is that he tended to be a high-volume scorer, which certainly



aided his point totals, and his percentage from the field reflected this.

Luckily for him, he is joined by EYBL vet Dainan Swoope (11.9 PPG) in the backcourt, who has undoubtedly helped him progress as someone who keep him under control at times. Swoope is great three-point shooter and actually shot a higher percentage from deep than overall, but it will be his ability to take care of the ball that will have the biggest impact for MOKAN.

Defensively, there is some cause for concern with both Young and Swoope standing just over six feet tall and neither being overly physical. The second-ranked player in the Class of 2017, Michael Porter Jr. (17.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG) has been a ridiculously efficient scorer (56.5% FG) in his first year in the league, and his game is as smooth as they come. Porter shot nearly 40 percent from long range, got into the lane at will, and made teams pay at the charity stripe by missing only 5 attempts

all year. Porter is also a great rebounder, and along with Radshad Davis (8.1 PPG) and Derrick Walker (5.5 RPG) forms an exceptional frontcourt for MOKAN.

Davis and Walker are two players from the same mold, as they are automatic from in close and are especially adept at snagging offensive boards for put-backs.

Each had nearly as many offensive rebounds this season as defensive, and if they can continue to get after it on the glass that will allow MOKAN’s shooters to pull the trigger with peace of mind.

Walker was on last year’s Peach Jam team, so he’ll need to channel that

experience and produce in pool play. X-Factor:Rashad Davis

Michael Porter’s pick for team MVP was Radshad Davis, so he’s clearly one of their most valued players. He brings intensity to both ends of the floor, coming up big in clutch situations throughout the year. He’s a rock-solid defender, and a prime example of a player who impacts the game off the stat sheet.

He’s a perfect role player for a young

Peach Jam contender, and his production will likely have a major impact on how far MOKAN advances.

NEW YORK LIGHTNING: 9-8

82 @D1CIRCUIT

finished T-5th in division b

The Lightning has size at every position on the floor, but they have

been haunted by inconsistency on both ends of the floor as they squeezed into the Peach Jam field. They had a promising final session in Minneapolis, coming within a few points of going undefeated and winning their final game to get in.

Director Dana Dingle’s team has plenty of potential to score a ton of points and go on a run, but time will tell if they

can put everything together to do it. Offensive efficiency will be a major key for this

Lightning team as they hope to make some noise in pool

play.

They have come up just short in pool play at the previous two Peach Jam’s, so the Lightning will be hungry to change their fortunes. Shamorie Ponds (ESPN 100 No. 67) has been one of the best offensive players on the circuit in 2015, averaging more than 17 points per game and running the point effectively for the Lightning. Ponds is also a great defender and tallied nearly three steals per game during the



regular season.

Dimencio Vaughn (14.8 PPG) is a high-scoring wing capable of playing the two or three. Vaughn will need to be at the top of his game if Ponds is shut down or struggles from the field, as he is the only other proven threat. He made second-team All-Minneapolis, so he certainly has momentum to rely on.

Asante Gist (8.5 PPG) has good court vision and takes over point guard duties when Ponds needs a rest or wants to play off the ball, where he is arguably more effective.

Power guards Elijah Pemberton and Andrew Garcia are capable of double-digit scoring games, but neither shoot the ball particularly well from the outside. The frontcourt has both size and quickness, beginning with athletic 2017 wing Jordan Tucker (ESPN 60 No. 28). Tucker (11.2 PPG) has shown the tendency to defer to his teammates Ponds and Vaughn at times, but he could have

the most potential of anyone on this roster. He will need to continue to shoot the ball well (41 percent 3PT) and take the ball to the hole more to help this team take the next step.

Rodney Miller (6.2 PPG) is the biggest player on the roster and his size will be needed in the post and on the boards, and could be the most important contributor come pool play. Brian Assie and

Sam Ibiezugbe will both see minutes off the bench.

The Lightning will play very small, but will likely need their big men to outplay their regular-season production.

X-Factor:Jordan Tucker

The Lightning are a good offensive team when Ponds and Vaughn are filling it up and Tucker contributes double figures. They can be a great team, though, if Tucker

can find a rhythm and begin to find his immense potential as a scorer.

He is long and fluid, and with a more aggressive mindset he could go out and drop 20 points on a regular basis.

If the Lightning want to make it out of pool play, it will likely be due to Tucker stepping up on the offensive end.

PSA CARDINALS: 11-6

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Sporting four ESPN Top 100 players, the PSA Cardinals may have yet to play their

best basketball as they enter Peach Jam having dropped two games to BABC and Arkansas Wings, who they could potentially face in North Augusta.

PSA is one of the best rebounding and perimeter shooting teams in the league, a dangerous combination to face. They have size, athleticism and versatility at every position on the floor, and if they can

bring their best version of themselves every time out at Peach Jam, there is no reason

they shouldn’t be considered top contenders to win it all.

Munch Williams’ squad made it to the Final Four last year, so anything less in 2015 would be considered a disappointment. The backcourt boasts one of the best tandems in the league, with Bryce Aiken (ESPN 100 No. 88) and Ty Jerome (ESPN 100 No. 66) able to play both guard spots with equal effectiveness.

Aiken is more of a slasher who possesses an outstanding first step and ballhandling skills, which allow him to get into



the lane at will to either create for teammates or to finish at the rim himself. He is a strong finisher through contact. Jerome has simply been one of the most efficient scorers in the league all season long, shooting an absurdly high percentage from deep (47.4 percent) and overall (53 percent).

Jerome is automatic when left open, but he has the skills to consistently create open looks for himself as well. Christian Vital came on as a scorer at the end of the season and will be looked on to do more of the same.

Ultra-athletic guard and recent UMass-commit Unique McLean can be a dangerous scoring threat, especially in transition. The size and skill the PSA Cardinals possess in the frontcourt is downright scary. Led by Omari Spellman (ESPN 100 No. 16, 13.4 PPG), there is no concern of being overpowered by other teams in the post on either end of the floor.

Spellman battled through some tough games throughout

the season (due mainly to foul trouble and double teams), but he is without a doubt one of the best big men in the country and he will be a force in North Augusta. His ability to defend in the post without

fouling should be a storyline to watch throughout the week.

Versatile big man Kassoum Yakwe (ESPN 100 No. 100) is a coveted prospect due to his

prolific shot-blocking (3.1 per game) and dedication to defense. The 6-foot-7, freakishly athletic Yakwe has become a factor on the offensive end (9.0 PPG) but his biggest contributions will come under the rim as the best rim-protector in the league.

X-Factor:Kassoum Yakwe

Offensively, the Cardinals have no shortage of weapons with Aiken, Spellman, Jerome, and Vital. Yakwe, however, gives

them a weapon that no other team possesses, as the premier rim protector in the field.

He makes the game easier for Spellman because he takes pressure off him to make plays, which should keep the big man out of foul trouble for the most part.

He won the 2015 D1 Defensive Player of the Year for a reason, and his presence on defense

should make a major impact in North Augusta

MARQUES BOLDEN PROSKILLS

86 @D1CIRCUIT

AQ&

How is preparation for Peach Jam? Hopeyou’re resting, you take a beating in thetrenches of the EYBL.

Yeah I am. I kind of messed up my foot in the final session. That’s why I’ve been resting, but I’ve been back in the gym now.

Going to be 100% for Peach Jam?

Yeah, that’s what I’m trying to do. We don’t play until then so that’s good.

You played for the Texas Titans last yearbehind a lot of talent. How has the secondseason been for you? Did you come in witha different mindset?

It’s been pretty good. I feel really comfortable with this group of guys and we have played well together. And yeah, I came out with a more aggressive mindset. I’m trying to prove something.

Did last year’s experience provide a bigmental advantage for you?

Yeah, it showed me that I wasn’t as good as I thought I was. And that I needed to work way harder.What is the biggest difference for youbetween the EYBL and high school atDeSoto?

The competition by far. It’s way more competitive than high school ball.

What aspects of your game have improvedthe most by playing in the EYBL?

Strength, definitely. And becoming more mobile. My mindset has changed a lot.

What do you think of your Peach Jamchances? Stage doesn’t get any bigger foryou.

I think we have a really good chance if we play together.

What is going to be a deciding factor whatyou pick your school?

Coaching, and I really want to go to a school where I fit in the playing style.

How has the recruiting process been foryou?

It’s been pretty cool. Hasn’t been really rough like people think it has. I mean a lot of the coaches say the same thing.

Any goals for the rest of the summer?

Become stronger. And just stay in the gym and get better.

TRENT FORREST GEORGIA STARS


AQ&

How do you think the regular season wentfor you and the Stars?

It went really well. I think our chemistry was a big factor because for some of us it was the first time playing with this team and just having good chemistry helped us get the top seed in our division.

What was the biggest thing you brought tothe table that helped you guys besuccessful?

Being able to attack the basket, play defense, and set up my teammates.

You’re known for being a really versatileplayer. Where does that ability to do somany things come from?

Being from a smaller city and always being the tallest person I kind of had to learn how to play all the positions and my dad taught me at a young age to work on different things and not just focus on being able to do one specific thing well.

What’s the one part of your game you mosthope to improve this summer, and how areyou going about that?

I want to become more confident and consistent with my shot. I plan on just putting up a lot of shots this summer.

What’s something you guys need to improveon before Peach Jam?

Our defense.

Your team is pretty stacked with talent,top to bottom. What has helped you guysmesh so quickly, where everyone knowstheir role?

I want to become more confident and consistent with my shot. I plan on just putting up a lot of shots this summer.

Who’s your biggest influence on and offthe court?

On the court it is James Harden, and off the court my mom.

What is your favorite part of playing in theEYBL?

Man, the competition is crazy and they have it set up so that you will play all the top players. The competition level is so high that it really shows you how good you are.

De'Aaron Fox Houston Hoops

88 @D1CIRCUIT

AQ&

You’re a 3-year veteran of the EYBL. Howhas the EYBL helped your game evolve?

It’s helped me out tremendously. Being able to play against the top 2014 players, as freshman, was huge for me. I know exactly what to expect this year, Tim (Schumacher) came back to coach this year. He was my coach as a freshman so I knew what to expect. Playing with those three All-Americans ( Justise Winslow, Justin Jackson, Kelly Oubre) has been a tremendous experience. Two of those guys two are top ten picks. The EYBL has helped me physically and helped me handle adversity.

Has the experience helped your turn into abetter leader?

Only two guys on this year’s squad played last year. The rest of these guys are all new to the league. So I knew I had to lead. This is one of the first times where I’ve felt I’ve had to lead. They came in not really knowing what to expect, so it forced me to be a leader. Coach Schumacher told me all year that we will go as far as I take us. It’s really helped me become a leader.

Do you keep up with any of those threeguys?

Yeah, I talk to Justin Jackson the most. He actually came down to Houston for the Texas session and sat on the bench. That’s the guy I probably talk to the most.

What’s the biggest difference betweenplaying in high school and the EYBL foryou?

The biggest difference is speed and physicality. In high school, I can dominate every aspect of the game. In the EYBL, everyone has that physicality and speed, some even more. You have to make changes to differentiate yourself in the EYBL.

Anything Houston Hoops is focusing on as asquad in preparation?

Just becoming more efficient offensively. I feel we are one of the best defensive team in the nation. In the four games we lost, our defense is what let us down. We know we can lock teams down. But if we become more efficient offensively, I think our defense will handle itself.

In 5 years, where is De’Aaron Fox?

I see De’Aaron Fox as an NBA All-Star. No matter which college I go to, I see De’Aaron Fox as an NBA All-star.

What is the main factor for you whendeciding a college?

Playing time is the main factor. For me, I know I want to go somewhere where I’m going to play a lot, so I’d say playing time.

ALTERIQUE GILBERT TEAM CP3


AQ&

You and Team CP3 locked up the EYBLregular season Championship. How are youfeeling?

It feels great. The competition is great. Every has been out here competing and that’s what matters.

You fellas have a target on your back. Isthat something you welcome?

Yeah we have noticed that we have a target on our back. We just try to get better on a team. I’m just trying to open up things for my team so we keep playing well.

What’s it like playing with your Team CP3teammates?

It’s been great. Playing with Harry, you see things differently. On and off the court. It’s been great playing with my teammates.

Do you change your game at all comingfrom Miller Grove over to the EYBL?

I try to play my game. I just want to win. I don’t try to alter anything.

What’s the biggest difference betweenhigh school and EYBL?

I would say the competition. The size. The Georgia Stars frontline is just ridiculous.

What do you do best on the court rightnow?

I would say setting my teammates up. I really like playing defense as well.

You recently released your top five:Syracuse, Louisville, UConn, Texas andIllinois. When you’re looking to make yourdecision what will come into play?

Definitely academics first and foremost. Style of play is important as well. Location isn’t a problem with me, I think it’ll be good to be away from home. I’m just looking for a good coaching staff that will get me better.

Are you looking forward for yourrecruitment to come to an end?

At first I had fun with it. Everyone wants to be recruited like that. But it’s not something I’m worried about. I don’t worry about that process too much.

jonathan Isaac E1T1

90 @D1CIRCUIT

AQ&

Take us through your EYBL experience. Wasit everything you thought it would be?

It really was. I enjoyed the EYBL a lot. I came into it really, really nervous. It was my first time so I didn’t know how I was going to do. Once I relaxed and collected myself, everything just came together.

What’s the biggest difference betweenplaying in high school at IMG and the EYBL?

Just talent level. Everyone is bigger and better, more athletic. Just more competition, everyone is competing to get to Peach jam. It’s just more competitive than high school ball.

How is it playing alongside elite talent?

I think it’s great. One player doesn’t have to do too much for us. I really love playing with Tony. Tony is a true big man. Back to the basket, he just goes to work. Maverick is just a scorer, he’s really good for us. Jordan Harris too, he’s been really good. We have to get better playing off of each other, and I think we’ll get better by Peach Jam.

What’s Peach Jam preparation like foryou? Excited for the opportunity?

That’s really the only reason I played EYBL, was to get to Peach Jam. From the start, that’s all our mind was set on, that’s all the coaches

talked about. Now that we’re here, it’s just about executing and getting to where we want to be. So I’m very excited about it.

Were you eager to showcase your talenton such a big stage?

Definitely. Before, I didn’t really have the chance to. Where I was, exposure wasn’t really that great. Getting to the EYBL is huge. If you play well, you really get your name out there. Really, it just showed me I have to focus to get better and keep improving.

What’s the most important factor whenpicking school?

My relationship with the coaches. I want to feel like I’m at home. I want to feel comfortable, safe. I feel like I’ll do well wherever I go, because I have that work ethic to get better and be great. I want to go to a place that will allow me to show everything that I can do.

What’s it like playing for the E1T1 coaches?

I don’t think I would have done well with any other coaches. They push you hard in practice and they’re really competitive. Boobie, Coach Atkins, they talk to me a lot and have made the transition very comfortable. They just made me feel very comfortable, and I know they always have my back.

Charles O'Bannon Vegas prospects


AQ&

How has the first year in the EYBL gonefor you? Was it everything you expected?

It’s been great, I’ve heard a lot about. It was just about everything I expected.

What would you say is the biggestdifference between playing at BIshopGorman and the EYBL?

Not much for me. I was going up against two McDonald’s All-Americans everyday, so I would say Gorman has been preparing me for the EYBL.

What was the most helpful part aboutplaying with Stephen Zimmerman and ChaseJeter at Gorman?

I would say the ability to finish over big men. They helped me a lot by playing very physical with me, because I was the youngest on the team.

How’s life at Bishop Gorman? What’s thebest part about going to school there?

The best part about being at Bishop Gorman is that I get challenged on and off the court. They are good at showing you there are no easy routes in life if you want to be successful.

What’s it like being able to learn fromyour father? Is he a huge help in yourdevelopment?

It’s great, because he has so much knowledge when it comes to basketball. He is always telling what I need to do or what I need to improve on.

Do you like all of the travel that comesalong with playing elite basketball?

I actually love it. I love going new playing and playing against new players and better competition all the time.

You play on a super young LV Prospectssquad. Is that something you fellas bondedover?

Yes because we are all very close, and we know that we are young. We know that we have to have a stronger bond than other teams who are bigger and stronger than us.

What do you feel is the strongest aspectof your game right now. Working onanything in particular?

Scoring as of now. And I’m working on being more explosive.

Darnell rogers team cp3

92 @D1CIRCUIT

AQ&

What’s a typical day look like for you inthe summer?

Family, basketball with my pops, then just chill with my friends or my girlfriend.

Has the EYBL been everything you thoughtit would be? Any surprises about theexperience?

No surprises. I didn’t expect it to be anything I couldn’t handle. I’ve been playing with older kids since I can remember. Last year was my first year playing against my actual age group.

What’s the biggest difference betweenEYBL and high school?

In high school, I can play more of an offensive game because I don’t have the talent on my team like I do with CP3. I’m used to being the guy getting all of the buckets, but I’ve been having to adjust playing with Harry and Alterique. They can do what I do if not better, and I have to get them involved in the game because that’s my job as the point guard.

How has recruiting been for you so far?Any looks since EYBL?

Not at all. The teams that we’re recruiting me we recruiting me before I started playing on the circuit. I haven’t really picked up an schools that I know of.

Which teams are after you the hardest?

George Washington and Towson.

Mentioning GW, what type of impact doesyour dad have on you? He was a heck of aplayer at for the Colonials.

How’s your relationship with Chris Paul? Iknow he stays close with the team.

Yeah, during the month of July is when we see him all the time. He communicates with and treats us like we are family. I communicate with his brother (CJ) all the time.

What’s it like running with Harry, Alteriqueand your other talented teammates?

I really enjoy playing with them. They’re like family on and off the court, couldn’t ask for a

better team to play on. It’s easy to win with them, no doubt.

He has a major impact. He’s really taught me how to make the game easier for myself.

javonte smart ep elite


AQ&

How does it feel to be qualified for PeachJam?

It feels good. This is the first year as an organization and for us to make it is awesome.

Has your first year in the EYBL met yourexpectations?

Yeah, it my expectations, we had to play really hard. But we had fun. With me being a freshman, I gain a lot of experience playing 17U because the game is faster and tougher. But as the point guard, I really like playing with my teammates and coaching staff. We have fun.

Did you envision yourself having this kindof success as a freshman?

Yeah, I know I can play with these guys. But it’s kind of tough with the physicality. Playing in the EYBL is much tougher than playing in my age group where I can just give buckets.

What’s the biggest difference betweenhigh school and EYBL?

Competition. Basically the size and athleticism.

How is the team chemistry with yourrunning mates?

It’s been good, we’re getting better with it. We had one of our starting players hurt, but he’s back so we should be back on track now.

How much do you talk with Elfrid? Is hehelping guide you?

Yeah that’s my dude. We talk and he comes with us on trips and talks with us. I ask him for tips and he always helps me with my mistakes. He tells me to never let up and keep grinding.

Do you like the travel that accompanies High level grassroots basketball?

Yeah it’s cool. I just keep playing. My folks tell me everything that will come if I put in the work.

What’s the strongest aspect of your gameright now?

Scoring, and making my team better.

Anything you’re working on in particular?

Explosiveness and better defense.

XAVIER SIMPSON KING JAMES

94 @D1CIRCUIT

AQ&

How did the regular season go for you on apersonal level? How about your team,king James Shooting Stars?

It was pretty good, I feel playing in the EYBL has made me/us better, because every game is gonna be a tough one and not just a cake walk.

Aside from every game being tough, whatwould you say thebiggest differenceyou’ve seen from goingfrom a High Schoolbasketball to playing in the EYBL?

The competition level.

What’s a personal highlight foryou, playing against any level of competition? Any specific matchups upsring a bell?

Every point guard I played against wanted to get the higher hand to prove I’m one of the best PG’s in the country. I would like to see every point guard that is ranked ahead of me!

What do you think you do best on the floorright now?

I lead and I’m a winner, whether if they need me to score, floor general, rebound, and so on, I know how to win and I’m a leader on the court at all times.

Is there any specific area in which you’reworking hard to improve?

My jump shot and my speed.

Overall, how do you think the ‘Top 100Camp,’ go for you? Did you gain some moreinsight into potential competition?

Definitely. I played great. Down there and definitely made some noise.

What was the biggest lesson you learnedin a personal and team wise level?

You have to bring it every game and there was never a time where we wanted to throw in the towel.

Myles Powell PLAYAZ CLUB


AQ&

How did the last session go for you?

Great, we made Peach Jam! We knew coming in that we had to go at least 3-2 to be on the bubble depending on CIA Bounce and Alabama Challenge and 4-0 to clinch. We were 2-2 going into the last game vs Takeover and we had to win to make Peach Jam. I had probably my best game that day and finished with my season-high of 28.

That performance vaulted you into the Top10 in the league in scoring. What has beenthe most important for you as far as yourconsistency and confidence level withyour shot this season?

Every time I get on the court my mindset is that I’m the best player on the court and I will do whatever it takes for my team to win. Whether it’s shoot, pass or rebound, as long as we win my confidence is always good.

What drives you to be the best, and lightsthat fire under you with the game on theline?

I know how hard I work every day and I know my abilities so when the team needs me to score I know I have the ability to do it. I won’t let anyone stop us from winning if I can help it.

What’s the aspect of your game that isunderrated and that you want to proveyou can do?

I’m really known as a shooter but I know I can do much more. I’m a rebounder, distributor and great leader.

Which team do you most hope to face atPeach Jam?

I would like to get another crack at the Georgia Stars. They beat us pretty bad first time around and I need some revenge.

What will the biggest difference bebetween the regular season and PeachJam?

It’s a new season…everyone is 0-0. Anyone can beat anyone! We are trying to repeat and I think everyone else is going to be at their best. This is especially true for juniors, because it’s one of the last time coaches can watch us play.

What will it take for you guys to repeat?

We just have to play as a team, trust each other, and remember that everyone we play against is going after the same thing we are.

ALBANY CITY ROCKS

ARKANSAS WINGS

96 @D1CIRCUIT

No. Name: Pos. Ht. Wt. Year: Hometown: School:

0 Payton Willis G 6'4" 175 2016 Fayetteville, AR Fayetteville

2 Javion Hamlet G 6'2" 175 2016 Memphis, TN Ridgeway

4 Tyrik Dixon G 6'1" 175 2016 Bentonville, AR Southwest Christian

5 Malik Monk G 6'4" 185 2016 Bentonville, AR Bentonville

10 Lawson Korita G 6'4" 179 2016 Little Rock, AR Pulaski Academy

12 Lonell Lenox G 6'3" 210 2016 Hot Springs, AR Hot Springs

15 Jake Scoggins F 6'9" 212 2016 Benton, AR Benton

22 Ryan Pippins G 6'0" 200 2016 Little Rock, AR Parkview

23 Jalen Johnson F 6'7" 190 2016 Baton Rouge, LA University Lab

24 Eric Curry F 6'8" 210 2016 Little Rock, AR Southwest Christian

32 Mitchell Smith C 6'10" 202 2016 Van Buren, AR Van Buren


1 Kevin Huerter G 6'5" 170 2016 Clifton Park, NY Shenendehowa

2 Anthony Lamb F 6'8" 225 2016 Rochester, NY Athena

3 Quinton Rose G 6'5" 170 2017 Rochester, NY Bishop Kearney

4 Bryce Allen G 5'11" 160 2016 Cobelskill, NY The Hill School

5 Anthony Gaines G 6'4" 185 2017 Kingston, NY New Hampton Prep

10 Howard Washington G 6'3" 174 2016 Buffalo, NY Montverde Academy

11 Dyaire Holt G 6'2" 180 2016 Troy, NY Troy

15 Nick Fruscio G 5'11" 160 2016 Albany, NY Albany Academy for Boys

21 Andrew Platek G 6'4" 185 2017 Schenectady, NY Northfield Mount Hermon

23 Troy Temara F 6'8" 220 2016 Syracuse, NY West Genesee

24 Stafford Trueheart F 6'7" 185 2016 Buffalo, NY Canisius

32 Clifton Tracey F Plymouth, NH Holderness

34 Arnaldo Toro F 6'9" 230 2016 Hormiguero, Puerto Rico St. Benedict's Prep

ATHLETES FIRST

BABC



1 Ikenna Ndugba G 6'0" 185 2016 Boston, MA Brooks School

4 Patrick Fisher G 6'3" 195 2016 San Diego, CA Vermont Academy

5 Thomas Mobley G 6'3" 190 2016 Newton, MA Newton North

11 Bruce Brown G 6'3" 200 2016 Boston, MA Vermont Academy

12 Brett Hanson G 6'2" 170 2016 Manchester, NH Tilton School

13 Bob Martin Jr. F 6'6" 210 2016 Waltham, MA Tilton School

14 Ryan Layman G 6'5" 180 2016 Wrentham, MA King Philip

41 Fru Che G 6'5" 190 2016 Somerville, MA Somerville

42 Terrell Brown F 6'8' 215 2016 Providence, RI St. Andrew's

43 Arkel Ager-Lamar G 6'6" 210 2016 Bridgeport, CT St. Thomas More

45 Kevin Marfo F 6'8" 235 2016 Bergenfield, NJ Worcester Academy


1 Micah Speight G 5'9" 145 2016 Oklahoma City, OK Putnam North

10 Travis Glover G 5'10" 150 2016 Edmond, OK Edmond Memorial

21 Marcus Dickinson G 6'0" 176 2016 Norman, OK Norman North

22 Curtis Haywood II G 6'4" 187 2016 Mustang, OK Mustang

23 Adokiye Iyaye G 6'2" 165 2018 Oklahoma City, OK Piedmont

24 JaKolby Long G 6'4" 200 2016 Mustang, OK Mustang

31 York Benjamin F 6'7" 210 2016 Tulsa, OK Tulsa Edison

32 Ethan Chargois F 6'7" 220 2017 Broken Arrow, OK Tulsa Union

33 Kristian Doolittle F 6'7" 223 2016 Edmond, OK Edmond Memorial

CALIFORNIA SUPREME

EACH 1 TEACH 1



0 Jordan Harris G 6'4" 175 2016 Donalsonville, GA Seminole County

1 Jonathan Isaac F 6'9" 185 2016 Bronx, NY IMG Academy

2 Blake Morrow G 6'3" 185 2016 Sarasota, FL Sarasota Christian

3 Davonta Jordan G 6'2" 185 2016 Huntsville, AL IMG Academy

4 Tony Bradley C 6'10" 230 2016 Bartow, FL Bartow

5 Kevin Knox F 6'8 195 2017 Tampa, FL Tampa Catholic

10 Bruno Fernando F 6'10" 225 2016 Luanda, Angola Montverde

11 Alberto Moreno G 6'2" 175 2016 Las Palmas, Spain Liberty Christian

12 Kouat Noi F 6'8 208 2016 Adelaide, Australia Montverde Academy

21 Austin Williams F 6'8" 220 2016 Jacksonville, FL Bolles

24 Maverick Rowan G 6'6" 200 2016 Pompano Beach, FL Cardinal Gibbons


0 Devearl Ramsey G 5'11" 170 2016 Chatsworth, CA Sierra Canyon

1 Joshua Hall F 6'7" 180 2016 Los Angeles, CA Genesis Academy

2 Ian Carter F 6'6" 175 2016 Gardena, CA Junipero Serra

3 Devin Greene G 5'10" 162 2016 Sacramento, CA Sheldon

4 Jonah Mathews G 6'3" 175 2016 San Francisco, CA Santa Monica

10 Milan Acquaah G 6'2" 180 2016 Bakersfield, CA Cathedral

13 De'Anthony Melton G 6'4" 180 2016 Encino, CA Crespi Carmelite

20 Jordan Schakel G 6'5" 180 2017 Torrance, CA Bishop Montgomery

21 Brandon McCoy C 7'0" 225 2017 San Diego, CA Morse

22 Mubashar Ahmed Ali C 7'0" 195 2016 Helsinki, Finland Orangewood Academy

ELFRID PAYTON ELITE

GEORGIA STARS

99 @D1CIRCUIT


1 Jared Harper F 6'0" 150 2016 Pebblebrook, GA Pebblebrook

2 Darryle Pitts G 5'0" 120 2016 Atlanta, GA Hamilton Heights

3 Nick Hopkins G 5'10" 130 2016 Fayetteville, GA Fayetteville

4 Brandon Robinson F 6'6" 150 2016 Douglass County, GA Douglas County

5 O'Showen Williams G 5'10" 135 2016 Macon, GA Stratford Academy

10 Caleb Hollander F 6'7" 160 2016 Nashville, TN Nashville Christian

11 Trent Forrest G 6'4" 190 2016 Chipley, FL Chipley

12 Raquan Wilkins G 6'5" 175 2016 Westlake, GA Westlake

22 Udoka Azubuike C 7'0" 280 2016 Potter's House, FL Potter's House

23 Quintez Cephus G 6'1" 180 2016 Macon, GA Stratford Academy

32 Abdulhakim Ado C 6'10" 250 2016 Chattanooga, TN Hamilton Heights

34 Wendell Carter F 6'10" 250 2017 Atlanta, GA Pace


1 Javonte Smart G 6'4" 175 2018 Baton Rouge, LA Scotlanville

2 Tyree Thompson G 6'3" 180 2016 New Orleans, LA Edna Karr

3 De'Jon Jarreau G 6'5" 180 2016 New Orleans, LA McDonough 35

4 Brandon Rachal F 6'6" 210 2017 Natchitoches, LA Natchitoches Central

5 Roydell Brown F 6'5" 180 2016 Baton Rouge, LA Helen Cox

11 Devante Jones G 6'1" 185 2016 New Orleans, LA St. Augustine

15 Jordan Adebutu G 6'3" 180 2016 Scotlandville, LA Scotland Magnet

41 Brison Gresham F 6'8" 205 2016 New Orleans, LA McDonough 35

42 Cameron Burkett F 6'7" 230 2016 Houston, TX Woodlands

45 Khalea Turner C 6'9" 245 2016 Ridge City, LA Findlay Prep

HOUSTON HOOPS

KING JAMES



1 Derrick Daniels Jr. F 6'7" 215 2016 Dayton, OH Thurgood Marshall

3 Xavier Simpson G 6'1" 175 2016 Lima, OH Lima

4 Derek Funderburk Jr. F 6'9" 215 2016 Cleveland, OH St. Edward

5 Darnell Hoskins Jr. G 5'11" 170 2016 Dayton, OH Thurgood Marshall

10 Henry Baddley G 6'5" 205 2016 Akron, OH St. Vincent-St Mary's

11 LePear Toles Jr. G 6'5" 190 2016 Canton, OH Timkin

13 Dantez Walton F 6'6" 215 2016 Lima, OH Lima Central Catholic

15 Malik Harrison G 6'4" 204 2016 Columbus, OH Walnut Ridge

20 Jarron Cumberland G 6'4" 180 2016 Wilmington, OH Wilmington

21 Willie Jackson F 6'6" 215 2016 Garfield Heights, OH Garfield Heights


0 De'Aaron Fox G 6'4" 160 2016 Katy, TX Cypress Lakes

1 AJ Lawson G 6'5" 191 2016 Bryan, TX Bryan

2 Jarred Vanderbilt F 6'8" 195 2017 Houston, TX Victory Prep

3 Carsen Edwards G 6'1" 175 2016 Humble, TX Atascocita

4 Robert Williams F 6'8" 220 2016 Vivian, LA North Caddo

5 Hunter Janacek G 6'4" 180 2016 Houston, TX Scarborough

10 Royce Hamm F 6'8" 160 2017 Houston, TX Aldine Davis

11 JT Chandler G 6'3" 175 2017 Katy, TX Cinco Ranch

14 Isaiah Jasey F 6'9" 220 2017 Killeen, TX Ellison

35 Jordy Tshimanga C 6'11" 260 2016 Richardson, TX MacDuffie

LAS VEGAS PROSPECTS


1 Jarrin Randall G 6'0" 165 2016 Chicago, IL Morgan Park

2 Charlie Moore G 5'11" 160 2016 Chicago, IL Morgan Park

3 Bryce Barnes G 5'11" 160 2016 Chicago, IL Bogan

4 Jamal Burton G 6'3" 175 2016 Chicago, IL Morgan Park

5 Nick Rakocevic F 6'11" 210 2016 Chicago, IL St. Joseph

11 Zach Norvell G 6'5" 175 2016 Chicago, IL Simeon

12 Nick Robinson G 6'5" 190 2016 Chicago, IL Kenwood Academy

15 Alonzo Chapman F 6'7" 200 2016 Chicago, IL Morgan Park

23 Justin Smith F 6'5" 200 2017 Buffalo Grove, IL Stevenson

31 Brandon Johnson F 6'8" 210 2016 Lynwood, IL TF South

32 KJ Santos G 6'8" 210 2016 Geneva, IL South Kent

MAC IRVIN FIRE

101 @D1CIRCUIT


0 Troy Brown Jr. G 6'6" 190 2017 Las Vegas, NV Centennial

1 Michael Diggins F 6'7" 180 2016 Las Vegas, NV Durango

2 Jamal Bey G 6'6" 175 2018 Las Vegas, NV Bishop Gorman

4 Capri Uzan G 5'11" 165 2017 North Las Vegas, NV Desert Pines

11 Markus Howard G 5'11" 175 2017 Chandler, AZ Perry

23 O'Shae Brissett F 6'8" 190 2017 Las Vegas, NV Findlay Prep

25 Charles O'Bannon Jr. G 6'5" 195 2017 Las Vegas, NV Bishop Gorman

40 Ed O'Bannon III F 6'7" 213 2016 Las Vegas, NV Liberty

50 Jacob Hughes C 6'11" 225 2017 Yorba Linda, CA Servite

55 Felix White F 6'9" 230 2016 Lagos, Nigeria Besant Hill

MOKAN ELITE

NEW YORK LIGHTNING



1 Asante Gist G 5'11" 180 2016 West Orange, NJ Marist

3 Shamorie Ponds G 6'1" 160 2016 Brooklyn, NY Thomas Jefferson

5 Rasheen Dunn G 6'2" 170 2016 New York, NY Thomas Jefferson

10 Elijah Pemberton G 6'4" 195 2016 Yonkers, NY Mater's School

11 Matt Turner G 6'3" 180 2016 Trumbull, CT Blair Academy

15 Jordan Tucker G 6'8" 200 2017 White Plains, NY Stepinac

21 Andrew Garcia G 6'4" 212 2016 Harlem, NY The Master's School

23 Dimencio Vaughn G 6'5" 220 2016 New York, NY The Master's School

40 Bryan Assie F 6'7" 225 2016 New York, NY Thurgood Marshall

44 Sam Ibiezugbe C 6'11" 250 2016 Danbury, CT The Master's School

50 Rodney Miller C 70" 245 2016 Laurelton, NY Oak Hill


1 Michael Porter Jr. F 6'9" 190 2017 Columbia, MO Father Tolton

3 Aaron Cook G 6'1" 170 2016 St. Louis, MO Westminster Christian

4 Radshad Davis G 6'3" 215 2016 Bel Aire, KS Sunrise Christian

10 Justin Criddle C 6'1" 180 2016 Paola, KS Paola

11 Trae Young G 6'1" 170 2017 Norman, OK Norman North

12 Bryan Trimble G 6'3" 185 2016 Raytown, MO Raytown South

13 Dainan Swoope G 6'0" 180 2016 Overland Park, KS Sunrise Christian

15 Derrick Walker Jr. F 6'8" 210 2016 Kansas City, MO Raytown

21 Pat Muldoon F 6'7" 200 2016 Tonganoxie, KS Sunrise Christian

23 Austin Meyer F 6'9" 205 2016 Mustang, OK Mustang

35 Chase Allen F 6'7" 220 2016 Nixa, MO Nixa

OAKLAND SOLDIERS

PLAYAZ BASKETBALL CLUB

103 @D1CIRCUIT


0 Damari Milstead G 6'2" 155 2017 Hayward, CA Moreau Catholic

1 Jordan Ford G 6'1" 155 2016 Folsom, CA Folsom

3 Remy Martin G 5'10" 165 2017 Chatsworth, CA Sierra Canyon

15 Ira Lee F 6'8" 195 2017 Chatsworth, CA Sierra Canyon

21 Christian Terrell G 6'4" 175 2016 Sacramento, CA Sacramento

22 Ben Kone C 6'8" 220 2016 San Jose, CA Archbishop Mitty

23 Carlos Johnson G 6'4" 220 2016 Oakland, CA El Cerrito

24 Oscar Frayer F 6'6" 170 2016 Hayward, CA Moreau Catholic

35 Solomon Young F 6'6" 215 2016 Sacramento, CA Sacramento

40 Robinson Idehen F 6'9" 220 2016 Modesto, CA Modesto Christian


2 Myles Powell G 6'2" 200 2016 Trenton, NJ Trenton Catholic

3 Nassir Barrino G 6'0" 175 2015 Newark, NJ Hudson Catholic

4 Jagan Mosely G 6'3" 180 2016 Jersey City, NJ St. Anthony

5 Kaleb Bishop F 6'7" 205 2016 Paterson, NJ St. Anthony

11 Leondre Washington G 6'0" 170 2017 Teaneck, NJ Teaneck

12 Temple Gibbs Jr. G 6'2" 180 2016 Scotch Plains, NJ Seton Hall Prep

15 James Scott G 6'3" 200 2016 Union, NJ Pope John Sparta

22 Taurean Thompson F 6'10" 230 2016 New York, NY St. Anthony

35 Cyril Langevine F 6'8" 225 2016 East Orange, NJ The Patrick School

31 Brandon Johnson F 6'8" 210 2016 Lynwood, IL TF South

PRO SKILLS

PSA CARDINALS



0 Curtis Hollis F 6'6" 185 2016 Mansfield, TX Mansfield Summit

1 Marques Bolden C 6'11" 215 2016 Desoto, TX Desoto

2 Jalen Harris G 6'4" 185 2016 Duncanville, TX Duncanville

3 Leon Sneed G 6'0" 145 2016 Desoto, TX Desoto

4 Kelvin Robinson G 6'2" 185 2016 Little Rock, AR Episcopal Collegiate

5 Elijah Elliott G 6'3" 170 2017 South Lake, TX Liberty Christian

10 Andrew Jones G 6'4" 175 2016 Irving, TX Irving MacArthur

11 JaColby Pemberton F 6'6" 185 2016 Dallas, TX Lancaster

13 Eric Clark Jr. G 6'0" 170 2017 McKinney, TX McKinney

24 Schnider Herard F 6'10" 265 2016 McKinney, TX Prestonwood Christian

25 Tristan Clark F 6'9" 210 2017 San Antonio, TX Judson


1 Bryce Aiken G 6'0" 165 2016 Randolph, NJ The Patrick School

2 Ty Jerome G 6'4" 190 2016 New Rochelle, NY Iona Prep

3 Christian Vital G 6'3" 175 2016 Queens Village St. Thomas More

4 Unique McLean G 6'2" 175 2016 Brooklyn, NY MacDuffie

11 Travis Atson G 6'5" 200 2016 Brooklyn, NY South Kent

12 Kassoum Yakwe F 6'7" 205 2016 Coram, NY Our Savior New American

13 Omari Spellman F 6'9" 255 2016 Middletown, OH MacDuffie

22 Samuel Japhet-Mathias C 6'11" 290 2017 London, England Vermont Academy

25 Kashaun Hicks G 6'6" 195 2016 New York, NY MacDuffie

31 Mamadou Doucoure F 6'9" 265 2018 Centereach, NY Our Savior New American

ST. LOUIS EAGLES

TEAM CP3

105 @D1CIRCUIT


1 Christian Willis G 6'2" 220 2016 O'Fallon, IL Christian Brothers College

3 Jordan Barnes G 5'11" 160 2016 St. Louis, MO Christian Brothers College

10 Reggie Crawford G 6'2" 190 2017 St. Louis, MO Chaminade

11 David Sloan G 5'9" 150 2017 Campbellsville, KY Taylor County

12 Alonzo Verge G 6'3" 160 2017 Villa Park, IL Willowbrook

21 Xavier Sneed F 6'6" 190 2016 St. Louis, MO Hazelwood Central

22 Jayson Tatum G 6'8" 190 2016 St. Louis, MO Chaminade

23 Jordan Goodwin G 6'3" 210 2017 Belleville, IL Althoff

31 Will Gladson C 6'8" 225 2016 St. Louis, MO Chaminade

32 Tyler Cook F 6'8" 240 2016 O'Fallon, MO Chaminade

33 Jeremiah Tilmon C 6'10" 235 2017 East St. Louis, IL East St. Louis


0 Alterique Gilbert G 6'1" 170 2016 Atlanta, GA Miller Grove

1 Harry Giles F 6'11" 230 2016 Winston-Salem, NC Wesleyan Christian

2 Darnell Rogers G 5'2" 145 2016 Fort Mill, SC Indian Land

4 Zach Cottrell G 6'5" 195 2016 Hayesville, NC Hayesville

5 Joshua Okogie G 6'4" 195 2016 Lagos, Nigeria Shiloh

11 Quate' McKinzie F 6'7" 210 2016 Burgaw, NC Harrells Christian

23 Grant Williams F 6'8" 250 2016 Charlotte, NC Providence Day

24 Ian Boyd G 6'4" 205 2016 Cary, NC Apex

33 Trevor Willis G 6'3" 170 2016 Beaufort, NC East Carteret

44 Karim Sameh C 6'11" 255 2016 Charlotte, NC Bull City Prep

TEAM FINAL

TEAM PENNY



3 Josh Sharkey G 5'10 165 2016 Philadelphia, PA Archbishop Carroll

5 Vaughn Covington G 6'0 160 2016 Sicklerville, NJ Neumann-Goretti

10 Tony Carr G 6'4 175 2016 Philadelphia, PA Roman Catholic

15 Lonnie Walker G 6'5 180 2017 Reading, PA Reading

20 Tucker Lescoe G 6'1 180 2016 Denver, PA Cocalico

21 Nazeer Bostick G 6'4 185 2016 Philadelphia, PA Roman Catholic

22 Lamar Stevens G 6'7 215 2016 Wales, PA Haverford

25 Tyus Battle G 6'6 215 2016 Eidson, NJ Gill St. Bernard's

32 Dylan Painter C 6'9 215 2016 Hershey, PA Hershey

35 Paul Newman F 6'8 225 2016 Philadelphia, PA Roman Catholic


1 Jayden Hardaway G 6'0" 170 2017 Memphis, TN Palmetto

2 Dillon Mitchell G 6'3" 185 2016 Memphis, TN White Station

3 Kevin Cheatham G 6'0" 150 2016 Memphis, TN Southwind

5 Darrell Brown Jr, G 6'0" 159 2016 Memphis, TN Germantown

10 Dennis Smith G 6'3" 180 2016 Fayetteville, NC Trinity Christian

11 Braxton Blackwell F 6'8" 240 2016 Nashville, TN Christ Presbyterian Academy

12 Courtney Carter G 6'2" 175 2016 Memphis, TN Memphis East

23 Darius Hall F 6'6" 190 2017 Mabelville, AR Mills

24 Jalen Dupree F 6'8" 200 2016 Cordova, TN Cordova

25 P.J. Washington F 6'8" 220 2017 Frisco, TX Findlay Prep

32 Robert Washington F 6'6" 190 2016 Memphis, TN Memphis East

TEAM TAKEOVER

THE FAMILY

107 @D1CIRCUIT


1 DJ Harvey F 6'6" 210 2017 Bowie, MD DeMatha

3 Chris Lykes G 5'7 150 2017 Bowie, MD Gonzaga

4 Nehemiah Mack G 5'11" 185 2016 Harrisburg, PA Susquehanna Township

5 Aaron Thompson G 6'2" 170 2017 Glendale, VA Paul VI

10 DeMonte Buckingham G 6'3" 210 2016 Richmond, VA Henrico

11 Corey Manigault F 6'9" 235 2016 Suitland, MD Paul VI

12 Tyler Scanlon F 6'7" 210 2016 Centreville, VA Westfield

13 VJ King F 6'7" 190 2016 Fairfax, VA Paul VI

15 Christian Matthews F 6'6" 200 2016 Clinton, MD National Christian

32 LeAndre Thomas C 6'9" 235 2016 Rockville, MD Montrose Christian


0 Amauri Hardy G 6'2" 170 2017 Southfield, MI Southfield

1 Miles Bridges G 6'7" 225 2016 Flint, MI Huntington Prep

2 Corey Allen G 6'2" 185 2016 Ypsilanti, MI Ypsilanti

3 Terry Armstrong G 6'3" 2019 Flint, MI Flint Northwestern

5 Cassius Winston G 6'0" 165 2016 Detroit, MI Detroit Jesuit

10 Brailen Neely G 6'0" 155 2016 Detroit, MI Western

13 Gregory Eboigbodin F 6'8" 200 2017 Birmingham, MI Detroit Jesuit

23 Ikechukwu Eke F 6'9" 200 2017 Bloomfield Hills, MI Detroit Jesuit

24 Jaron Faulds F 6'9" 208 2017 Holt, MI Holt

32 Kelvon Fuller F 6'8" 220 2016 Detroit, MI Mumford

Documents

D1 Circuit's 2015 Peach Jam Special