Wednesday, April 29, 2015

NYBL Teams Well represented in National Team Rankings

Coast2CoastPreps.com 2021 National Team Rankings
The National Youth Basketball League (NYBL) is built on the promise of “Elite Competition and Maximum Exposure.” In order to deliver on its promise, the NYBL must continue to attract the top teams in the country and Canada.  To this end, for the 2015 season, the elite middle school league has attracted some of the most elite 2021 teams in the nation.  As evidence, according to the most recent Coast2CoastPrep.com national team rankings, 6 of the 10 teams listed in their rankings all participate in the NYBL. New World Unlimited (2nd), Team Izod/Sports U (3rd), Team Takeover (5th), West Coast All-Stars (7th), Oakland Soldiers (8th) and Bmores Finest (9th) all have cracked the top 10. As session III approaches, Coast2CoastPreps.com’s power rankings will be heavily influenced by the results of the NYBL-created match-ups.  Congrats to all of the teams represented in the rankings!

Team Florida Constructed to Win the NYBL

Balsa Koprovicia, Bryan Saunders, Vernon Carey & Marquise Walker
They were good last year, but this season, Team Florida has enough pieces and is constructed well enough to win the NYBL National Championship trophy. Halfway though the 2015 NYBL season, Team Florida stands 9-1 with a single loss to DC premier (47-42) in the opening session in Washington DC. In session II, despite being taken to the wire by a scrappy SWO Elite squad, Team Florida finished a perfect 5-0.

Team Florida is led by super prospect Balsa Koprovica (6’9/C/2019/FL) who dominated the competition at the NYBL’s session II in Richmond, VA.  Over the course of the weekend Koprovica displayed an excellent skill set and the ability to score around the basket with a soft touch.  Not only can he ring up the scoreboard, Koprovica is a rim protector as well as a high volume rebounder.  If that wasn’t enough, Koprovica is an excellent passer who will make teams pay for double-teaming him. High major college ball is a no brainer, and a professional career is highly likely for the Florida big man.

Sharing to post duties with Koprovica is Vernon Carey (6’7/PF/2019/Ft. Lauderdale, FL), who represents another high major D-I prospect.  This past weekend was the first time we really had an opportunity to watch and appreciate Carey, who already has great size for his position, is athletic and offensively skilled. He also runs the floor well and finishes at a high rate. According Coach Adrain Sosa, Carey is still very young and is not a grade exception. He was a NYBL All-Star last year and Byran Saunders’ (6’1/WF/2019/Fellsmere, FL) performance in session II has him on pace to get another all-star game nod. Saunders mans the wing for Team Florida and uses his football-equipped frame and elite handle to bully his way to the cup. Saunders is strong with the ball and can put up good numbers if required to do so.

Already one of the elite programs in the class of 2019, Jeremy Alters went out and upgraded the roster with Marquise Walker (5’10/PG/2019/Bowling Green, KY), arguably one of the top 5 floor generals in the class.  His NYBL debut was as expected, productive.  Walker is a problem in the backcourt and is near unstoppable from getting into the paint. His game is equipped with a jump shot and the 3 ball, but he makes his money beating defenders off the dribble and either driving for the score or the kick out pass to a teammate.  Walker’s game is D-I caliber and should land him a high major gig in a few years. Until then, Walker was impressive and will quickly establish himself as one of the top 2 guards in the NYBL. Not only is team Florida loaded with D-I prospects, the team is well coached, disciplined, and they play the game the way it’s supposed to be played. If this team is not in the NYBL Championship Game in Columbus in June, we will be very surprised!

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

NYBL Session I All-Session Teams Released

Bryan Antoine, Kyree Walker & Trey Patterson-MVPs
With session II of the National Youth Basketball League (NYBL) set to tip off this Saturday in Richmond, VA, the NYBL has released their official list of the session I All-Session Teams.  In each of the 3 divisions, 4 teams and an Honorable Mention list were developed.  In addition to the All-Session Teams, MVPs were chosen in each division. Not only are the lists designed to provide added exposure to the standout performers from each session, these lists will also be used in NYBL All-Star Game selection process.  The league will be holding the NYBL All-Star Weekend in Columbus, OH in September.  Congratulations to all of the players selected to this prestigious lists!


King James Takes The League Tourney Crown

King James Shooting Stars-Tournament Champions
Coming off a 3-2 finish at session I of the NYBL in Washington DC a couple of weeks ago, the 2020 King James Shooting Stars captured the title at The League Youth Basketball National Tournament last weekend in Indianapolis, IN. On their 3-1 trek to the championship game, King James had to bounce back from a 20 point loss to George Hill in the opening game of super pool play to defeat Indiana MVP 59-43, followed by a 53-43 win over the St. Louis Wildcats.  The championship game featured a rematch between King James and George Hill, but this time around Malcolm Walters’ King James squad would get the win 46-44 to claim the title. “We had a great team effort and were very defensive oriented,” said Coach Malcolm Walters when describing his team’s performance throughout the tournament.

Although formal MVPs were not handed out, Darion Henry’s 2 double-double performances garnered him unofficial MVP honors. King James also received considerable contributions from a trio of players including: DeVonte Blanton; Isaiah Kennedy; and Marvie Davies. George Hill was paced in the championship game by the dynamic backcourt duo of Mike Saunders Jr. and Hunter Jackson.  Congratulations to Coach Malcolm Walters and his team for representing the great state of Ohio and the NYBL!

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

2015 Buckeye Prep Invitational Final Day Recap

6th Grade Mid-Ohio Pumas-Champions
The final day of the 2015 Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament featured plenty of drama as teams battled out for championships.  All of the championship games were held at Central Crossing High School so we had the opportunity to catch a few of the games. One of the best championship games of the day pitted the 2018 Ohio Hoopsters against Buckeye Prep Goodwin.  In the end, Buckeye Prep would squeak out a 38-40 victory.  Another close one featured the 2019 Ohio Bulldogs against the Mid-Ohio Pumas. Both teams are loaded with individual talent, but the Pumas had a little more in the tank on Sunday, taking the championship 48-45. 

The 4th grade championship involved another dog fight as All-Oho Red would go on to claim the 52-56 victory over MWA Elite. The 3rd grade championship featured a battle of Michigan teams as R.E.A.C.H. Detroit faced off against R.E.A.C.H. Legends Red.  It really wasn’t a contest, as R.E.A.C.H. Detroit cruised to a lopsided win.  Below are the complete tournament results, including MVPs and All-Tournament Teams.  Congratulations to all the champions and runner-ups for making a great run to the final game.

K. Smith, G. Smith, B. Norris, Z. Hummel, J. Pugh, L. Styles, C. Walker & K. Bufkin

Final Results

11th Grade:
Champions: Ohio Hoopsters     Runner-Up: Hidden Gems Orange 2021  Final 4: NW Wildcats & NW Hidden Gems.  MVP: Kevin Smith   All-Tournament Team: Nick Meyer, Andy Breckingridge, Cameron Logwood & Makr Millholland.

10th Grade:
Champions:  Hidden Gems Black     Runner-Up:  Cincinnati Bulldogs.  Final 4: Hidden Gems Orange & Hidden Gems Grey  MVP:  Grant Smith   All-Tournament Team: JJ. Cooper, Kyle Burrier, Craig McGee Jr. & Malcolm Moffett.

9th Grade:
Champions: Buckeye Prep Goodwin   Runner-Up: Ohio Hoopsters  Final 4: Nova Village & NE Ohio Dynasty MVP: Braden Norris   All-Tournament Team:  Ross Ryan, Jake McLoughlin, Juan Elmore & Kaleb Phillips.

8th Grade:
Champions:  Mid-Ohio Pumas   Runner-Up: Ohio Bulldogs Final 4: KY Magic & All-Ohio Takeover  MVP: Zach Hummel    All-Tournament Team: Joey Pickering, Will Hunter, Zach Wilson & Ne’ell Simmons.

7th Grade:
Champions: Mid-Ohio Pumas   Runner-Up: TNBA Elite  Final 4: MVP Dynasty & Team Toledo
MVP: Jack Pugh   All-Tournament Team: Matt Allocco, Chris Mayfield, Dakota Cochren & Marson Robison.

6th Grade:
Champions: Mid-Ohio Pumas    Runner-Up: Buckeye Prep  Final 4: R.E.A.C.H. Detroit & Ohio Hoopsters  MVP: Lorenzo Styles   All-Tournament Team: Casey George, Garner Wallace, Malaki Branham & Patrick Daniels Jr.

5th Grade:
Champions: MBA    Runner-Up: All-Ohio Red   Final 4: King James & Ohio Varsity King James
MVP: Kobe Bufkin   All-Tournament Team: TJ Barnes, Kyler Vanderjagt, Dior Conners & Isiah Wilkins.

4th Grade:
Champions: All-Ohio Red     Runner-Up: MWA Elite   MVP: Dynasty & JSBA MVP: Chase Walker   All-Tournament Team: Carter Reece, Davion Bridges, Trevon Jeffery & Anthony Bernard.

3rd Grade:
Champions: REACH Detroit Doughboys    Runner-Up: R.E.A.C.H. Detroit Legends Red  Final 4: Detroit Elite Express & MVP Dynasty  MVP: Team Award    All-Tournament Team: Darius Acuff Jr. & Xavier.


Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Buckeye Prep Invitational Day II Recap


Because we were responsible with so many administrative matters on Saturday and had to travel to 7 different facilities around central Ohio, it was extremely difficult to do much scouting.  With that said, a few players still managed to catch our eye.  Blow is a small list of players who deserve mention as top performers on day II.

Top Performers

2017: Craig McGee Jr.-Cincinnati Bulldogs, Trey Crigler-Cincinnati Bulldogs, Grant Smith-Hidden Gems, JJ Cooper-Hidden Gems. 2018: Jerome Hunter-Nova Village, Ross Ryan-Buckeye Prep, Stanley Williams-Nova Village, Garrett Tipton-Buckeye Prep, Cameron Carlisle-Buckeye Prep, Dane Goodwin-Buckeye Prep, Isaiah Speelman-Buckeye Prep & Seth Goodson-Buckeye Prep. 2019: Jaidon Lipscomb-All-Ohio Takeover, Juan Elmore-Ohio Hoopsters, 2020: Sammy Anderson Jr.-MVP Dynasty, Zirion Exon-MVP Dynasty. 2021: Kobe Buford-Ohio Legacy Elite, Kobe Bufkin-MBA, TJ Barnes-MBA, Darryl Peterson-Another Level, Jahdae Walker-Another Level, Dres’ean Roberts-MVP Dynasty, Will Sizer-All-Ohio Red-Reuben Talley Jr.-All-Ohio Red, Jaidon Miller-Ohio Hoopsters, Isaiah May-All-Ohio Red, Trey James-All-Ohio Red, Jaiden Guice, Jalen Sullenger-All-Ohio Finta, Keon Henderson-R.E.A.C.H. Detroit. 2022: Sonny Johnson-Hardwork Basketball, Dior Conners-All-Ohio, Josiah Harris-All-Ohio, Isaiah Wikins-All-Ohio Red, Kyler Vanderjagt-MBA, Nate Houston-Toledo Wildcats & Nareon Grier-Toledo Wildcats. 2023: John Mobley-All-Ohio Red.

Photo Gallery

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament Day I Recap

D. Goodwin, G. Tipton, K. Johnson, I. Speelman, S. Tyson, C. Mott, K. Smith, J. Pugh & A. Nelson
The 16th Annual Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament tipped off in Columbus Ohio on Friday night and the talent level in the gyms was significant.  This year’s event attracted approximately 110 teams and is being held at 7 different facilities across central Ohio.  Day I featured mostly blowout situations but the individual talent was on full display. Buckeye Prep Goodwin (2018) had no problem getting by All-Ohio Black 56-35.  Ohio State commitment Dane Goodwin (6’4/WF/2018/Upper Arlington) was at it again as evidenced by the 20 spot he dropped on Black.  Hilliard’s Isaiah Speelman contributed with 11 points. Ed Lyshe’s 2018 Buckeye Prep squad also had an easy go of it on opening day, beating Nova Village Black 53-31. Garrett Tipton (6’4/WF/2018/Bishop Hartley) was a man among boys and continues to display deceptive athleticism and the ability to finish at the rim. We had our first real look at KJ Johnson (6’1/SG/2018/Westerville North), who displayed a healthy dose of athleticism and the ability to drive to the bucket and finish with contact.

Adrian Nelson (6’3/WF/2018/Pick Central), with his length, speed and athleticism, may be the best prospect on the Nova Village Black squad, but Sean Tyson (5’1/PG/2018/Gahanna) was the best player in the game we saw.  Quick as lighting, crafty, with the ball on the string, Tyson is fun to watch. As an organization, the Mid-Ohio Pumas produce quality teams and players.  On Friday night, both the 2021 and 2020 teams cruised to easy victories. The 7th graders were up 35-0 at the 4:20 mark in the first half before an out-manned Dayton Nets/Buckeye Prep team could get on the board. Stifling man-to-man defense resulted in easy layups for the Pumas. Chance Mott (6’4/C/2020/Mansfield) and Jack Pugh (6’1/PF/2020/Plain City) inflicted most of the damage with layups and put backs. Matt Allocco (5’5/PG/2021/Hilliard) carved his way through the Dayton Nets’ defense and is clearly the catalyst on that team.  The 2022 team was equally as successful as they took down Hidden Gems going away. Lorenzo Styles (5’3/SG.2021/Pickerington) was a defensive hawk and accounted for numerous steals. He also got it done on the offense side, finishing with a game-high 16 points.  Garner Wallace (5’7/PF/2021/Pickerington) caught our eye and was the second leading scorer for the Pumas in the game we watched. We were moving around pretty quickly last night, but saw snippets of talent from guys like Christopher Anthony Jr. (5’7/SG/2020/Columbus) and Kevin Smith (6’0/PG/2016/Gahanna).  Saturday’s action should be more intense as the top seeds start to collide. Below is a complete list of standout performers.

Day I Top Performers

2016: Kevin Smith-Ohio Hoopsters. 2018: Dane Goodwin-Buckeye Prep Goodwin, Isaiah Speelman-Buckeye Prep Goodwin, Garrett Tipton-Buckeye Prep Lyshe, Cameron Carlisle-Buckeye Prep Lyshe, KJ Johnson-Buckeye Prep Lyshe, Chase Rankin-Buckeye Prep Lyshe, Sean Tyson-Nova Village Black, Adrian Nelson-Nova Village Black, Juan Elmore-Ohio Hoopsters. 2020: Christopher Anthony Jr.-Ohio Bulldogs, Jack Pugh-Mid-Ohio Pumas (2020), Chance Mott-Mid-Ohio Pumas, Matt Allocco-Mid-Ohio Pumas. 2021: Lorenzo Styles-Mid-Ohio Pumas, Garner Wallace-Mid-Ohio Pumas & Elijah English-Buckeye Prep. 2022: Dior Connors-All-Ohio Red, John Mobley Jr.-All-Ohio Red, Jaylen Gilbert-Hidden Gems, Jaivon Miller-Ohio Hoopsters, Isaiah May-All-Ohio Red, Trey James-All-Ohio Red & Jaiden Guice-Ohio Hoopsters.




Wednesday, April 8, 2015

National Elite Showcase Results


The All Star Showcase loaded with 7th & 8th grade talent, just down the hall was dazzling fans in gym 2. Lets Start with the lowest age Division combined grades 4 and 5. Though we don’t rank kids this young we will step out on a limb and say Khalil Luster, Lima stole the show. Pound for pound there was no better talent at the showcase period. He walked away with the divisions Most Outstanding Player award. Luster has the basketball on a string, he never gets flustered and at such a young age is able to throw amazing passes on the money. He not only finds the open man, he puts it where he can score. Other top players from the division were Wilson Suggs, from Eaton. Wilson is lightning quick, he has a competitive swagger, that makes him want that shot, and the ability to back it up. He has a high basketball IQ, Wilson obviously has spent a lot of time in the gym, as this kid matures and he understands how to use his quickness, with his confidence, combined with his skills, he will be a tough kid to shut down. Kainin Turner, Richmond, Indiana, it seemed as though every time I walked in the gym, Kainin was “drainin” a Jumper. He can shoot in a game situation as good as you can imagine for a fourth grader. The three-point line is not too far for him. He as well has great IQ and is able to use his length on defense to get a lot of picks.

Ky Cool, Franklin Monroe, Ky is diffidently cool. He is a physically strong athletic kid that is capable of playing any position on the court. Ky had a great weekend and his potential is off the charts. He can score, lead the break, and go battle inside as well. Justin Triplett, aka “judge“, Northridge, Justin has great ball handling skills. He will attack you going downhill, putting the defense on their heels. He is able to score on the run hit numerous floaters a tough angle layups all weekend long. He spends a lot of time with a basketball and it shows. Lastly, but certainly not least Gabe Goins, Little Miami, Big and Mobile go hand in hand. Gabe has a nose for the ball and the IQ when he gets it to attack. He put the defense on their heels all weekend. He for a big kid will get out and go on a rebound. He plays a lot like Charles Barkley, coast-to-coast player. Gabe at times was by far the best player on the floor in a room full of kids that can flat play. Those kids round out the first team, but the names Gunner Kovach, Preston Hunter, Mason Shrout, Gregory Johnson III, Dalton Delong, Gavin Welch all come to mind when I think about up and coming fourth graders. These kids battled all weekend playing up with fifth graders and played well. Congratulations on a great weekend to all the players.

Most Outstanding Player Khalil Luster, Lima

First Team:

Justin Triplett, Northridge
Wilson Suggs, Eaton
Gabe Goins, Little Miami
Ky Cool, Franklin Monroe
Kainin Turner, Richmond Indiana


Players making the top performers game were:Khalil Luster, Wilson Suggs, Dalton DeLong, Kainin Turner, Ky Cool, Gabe Goins, Elijah Falcone, Gavin Welch, Gunner Kovach, Jake Goubeaux, Justin Triplett, Preston Hunter, Mason Shrout, Gregory Johnson III, Conner Thompson, Luke Eby, Trey Kreitzer


Upper Classmen Shine at Showcase!!! Gameplay begins with 2 Dunks!!!

Wow, the All Star Showcase starts with a bang. Or, should I say thunder? Amari Davis, in the opening game for the junior high division, opens it up with a break away lay up. Amari Davis closes that game with two THUNDEROUS Dunks. In the 8th grade division, he scored really well and was able to elevate on jumpshots above all defenders, and was always the threat to take over at anytime. With a loaded 8th grade showing up to play at the event Amari was the Showcases Most Outstanding player. Games over 40 points this weekend and rebounding proportionately as well. He was a notch above the rest. It is no wonder why Amari’s team at Trotwood, went undefeated this year.

Other 8th grade players of note, Wade Meeks, comes to mind. Wade is a 5’10” left handed guarded with a deceptively quick first step. We have watched Wade play for over a year, and watched very close… He is one of the most under appreciated guards in the state. Wade averaged 31.5 points a game in a summer league last July in the a Dayton/Cincinnati area, we saw him dazzle night after night. This weekend at the showcase, … Wade continued his march. He elevates as good as anyone his size and is maybe the best offensive rebounding guard we have watched in last decade. His jumpshot is nice, but getting to the hole and managing a game is definently Wade’s game. Patient with a high IQ, and a competitive spirit all coaches want.. He is definently a double double threat for Marcus Bixler’s Arcanum squad the next few years.. I did say double double but his upside is triple double potential in his later years of high school.

Payton Jutte, Fort Recovery, one of the latest registrants for the event. He came ready to play. He finishes well around the bucket and has a nice jumper. With numerous 30 point perfomances last season, and a double digit scorer in every game this weekend he is definently on our watch list over next couple years.

Jalen Thomas, Toledo St Johns, wow, this is one big eight grader. At 6’5″ I look up to the young man. We estimate him at 6’7″ maybe 6’8″… Jalen gained momentum all weekend long, closing out as a first team trophy winner. Jalen has huge upside potential and isn’t bad now. In fact, he is a solid finisher around the cup and nice footwork. His highlight of the weekend was a reverse spin away from the defense finishing with the left hand at a hi rate of speed. He had many great plays, but this was one of the best of the weekend by anyone…keep an eye on this kid…

Mason Whiteman, Middletown Madison, we didn’t know a lot about Mason when he arrived but we do now. Mason is a smart player with ability to score and facilitate an offense at any level. He played well, pushing the ball and sneaking through the defense and just being that floor general every coach loves.

Jason Sneed, Eaton, prototype 3 man, with some work has the ability to play any position. Jason is long armed long legged and a very athletic frame. He makes shots, he rebounds well and has off the chart potential with hardwork. We have not seen Jason before this weekend. But, …. we will be watching. Huge potential… He’s a nice player now, but…huge potential with some serious work…

Those kids round out the first team from this weekends event. But it was a loaded 8th grade group.

Class of 2019

1. Amari Davis, Trotwood Madison
2. Wade Meeks, Arcanum
3. Jalen Thomas, Toledo St Johns
4. Payton Jutte, Ft. Recovery
5. Mason Whiteman, Middletown Madison
6. Jason Sneed, Eaton
7. Devynn Sink, Ansonia
8. Jacob Gudorf, Brookville
9. Ian Thomason, Valley View
10. Dante Torres, Centerville Indiana

Other all stars in no particular order: Isaiah Hootman, Arcanum, Brian Stinson, Tri County North, Kendal James, Tipp City Bethel, Noah Walker, Greenville, Cameron Morgan, Preble Shawnee, Jayden Bassler, Twin Valley South, Chandler Napier, Twin Valley South, Sherrod Brooks, Toledo, Brandon Ballard Jr, Toledo.


2020 Class Posts some Big Numbers against 2019 class at the showcase!!

Posted on March 23, 2015

The 7th Graders went head to head with the 8th grade listed above. These first few first teamers along with a couple more held their own and at times were outplaying the upperclassmen.

Co MVP Sammy Anderson, Trotwood Madison,

coming into this showcase he was regarded by many as a premier guard out of the prestigious guard filled history of the Dayton area… Sammy continued to represent that reputation, no disappointments here. Sammy, had several 30 plus point with double digit assist performances. He almost single handedly led his team to the all star game victory. One of the best plays of the whole weekend was when he hit 2 free throws in game two with 30 seconds on the clock to take a 1 point lead. Then Jayden Bassler scores2 free throws to retake the lead. With Four seconds left off a time out Sammy hits a 35 footer in front of scorers table with time expiring to win the game… WOW!!!!. He was one of the best guards at the showcase including 8th graders he played against. Sammy had the best court vision at the event. He has a high value upside to his potential. He is taking this aau season off to train, and we expect to see big things out of him next winter.

Co MVP Victor Young, Muncie Indiana, until this weekend at 9am in an exhibition game between two aau teams Victor had never played the point. Victor at 6’1″ has been a recent addition to the National Elite All Star aau team. His coach has put the ball in his hands and said “you are going to be the floor leader”… All weekend long Victor got more comfortable running the PG position. Battling against Sammy Anderson, Amari Davis, Brian Stinson, Wade Meeks, and the others listed above. By the final 7th grade All star game with just 7th graders, Victor had reached a place of comfortablity…. It is amazing that no one has ever had him in either guard position. But we will be watching this kid. His athleticism has him dunking a volleyball at this point.

Carter Gray, Arcanum, at 6’2″ playing the sg/sf, all we know to say is, PURE SCORER. If MVP was based on scoring only… Carter walks away with it against all grades all players this weekend. With one game of almost 50 points (49) this is unheard of for a 7th grader. He has range to 24-25 feet, and a pure stroke. Was there better athletes at the event? Yes, but he is a good athlete. Was there better player at the event? yes, but his a very good player. Was there a better scorer at the event than Carter Gray? No. Just No. These first 5 kids, but for certain these 3.. The sky is the limit.

Grant Delk, Arcanum, yes another Arcanum kid…. Marcus Bixler and his varsity squad has to be foaming at the mouth with this Jr high squad. Grant at 6’3″ is a rebounding machine. He can and does finish everything around the basket. Defensive rebounds, this guy gets one you better get back on defense. Grant will out let the ball like Kevin Love 65 feet up the floor for a wide open layup. With a 6’7″ former state champion Grandfather, and a mans size frame as a 7th grader… I am not sure, but the genetics and the other kids above from Arcanum,…these guys, barring injury will be a favorite in a few years for multiple trips to Columbus.

Ryan DeLong, Twin Valley South, Don’t step in front of him. This kid gets to the rack. At 6’1″, 195 lbs and great speed and mobility for his size. He gets to the hole well. Ryan has a great understanding of what to do. He passes around the hole out of double teams well. He finishes going to the hole at a hi rate of speed. His ball handling skills and jump shot is coming along and for a kid his size and athleticism with some work, he will be a load in high school and possibly the next level.

Zac Petry, National Trail, 6’0″ great mobility nice touch around the hole, decent ball handling skills, and several 3 point bombs this weekend. Zac Rounds out the first team from the 7th grade. He needs to play faster and that just comes from experience. This kid is a player and has the ability to put his team on his back and take them home.

first team 7th grade 2020

1. Sammy Anderson, Trotwood Madison
2. Victor Young, Muncie Indiana
3. Carter Gray, Arcanum
4. Grant Delk, Arcanum
5. Ryan DeLong, Twin Valley South
6. Zac Petry, National Trail

Other All Stars from 2020

Gabe Crowe, Seton Catholic, Jackson Haynes, Seton Catholic, Cole Petersen, Twin Valley South, Branden Perry, Twin Valley South, Kobe Brown, Richmond, Indiana, Alex Scholl, Mississinawa Valley, Cody Dirksen, Mississinawa Valley.

6th Grade Class Showcases Talent at National Elite Youth Basketball Showcase Guard Play is OFF the CHARTS

When we talk about the class of 2021 around the conversation tables with coaches in the Dayton/Richmond area, guard play is always one of the strong points of this class. Last weekends National Elite Youth Basketball showcase continued to affirm those strong points on guard play. The 6th grade group was led a Janson Kincer, Dixie, Janson has been playing up at least one grade, and sometimes 2 grades for years. His internal motor is big, his foot is always on the throttle. His ball handling skills when going down hill combined with his physical strength makes him a force against anyone his age. Though his half court crossover, behind the back, between the legs moves are all solid in his arsenal of attack. What makes him so physically imposing is his speed and intensity and his attacking, downhill approach to the game. We have watched Janson for years, and he continues to improve yearly. Expect big things from this kid.

Dylan Stinson, Tri County North, there is never any mountain too big or shot too large for him, he want to take it. Dylan has exceptional finishing skills, a very quick first step, and a nice shot. He has played with older brother, Brian mentioned in other notes about 8th grade, that Dylan is becoming a faster more clutch player every year. All that time battling each other in their driveway is paying off.

Wayde Sickels, Winchester, Indiana, I would never have imagined 20 plus years ago setting in the Tiernan Center watching Randolph Southern (lynn, IN) upset State Title Contender Richmond in the sectionals, led by Gabe Sickels who single handedly put his team on his back and upset them, that I would be writing about his son Wayde. Wayde is well on his way to following in his fathers footsteps. He is a true point guard. He handles the ball, doesn’t turn it over. Makes the easy pass, but will fit it thru the tight spots for buckets, and he able to make shots. He has a great skillset for his age. In a room with bigger, stronger, more experienced guards all weekend, he played an amazing tournament. This kid is destined for great things on the basketball floor. From a load of no look passes that constantly kept the defense on their heels, he is able to create space to knockdown the tough shots. We will be anxious to see him at the fall showcase and the rate of improvement he adds to his game this spring.

Royal Sibley, Columbus, Though not a true point guard, and probably used as a forward more often than not, we are going to use the word, Prototype. Royal has the ability to take over a game. He doesn’t realize that all the time, when he figures that out and is able to apply it,…. look out. He is long, he elevates quick and high. His shot is nice, he is able to finish, and can go coast to coast. Potential wise he probably has as much if not more than any of the kids in this 2021 class at the showcase. If we had to compare his style of play coupled with his build it would be a Durant, or may a Scottie Pippen type player/swingman. As this kid hones his skills, and ball handling continues to develop.. Wow.. he will be interesting to watch over the next few years. He is tied in with the King James AAU with his buddy KeShawn Harris, who also had a great weekend. He is a nice guard, he is able to make the tough shots. He can lead a break splitting all 5 defenders going up the floor and get to the rim. Experience will bring his decision making along nicely and these two boys together is going to be a tough duo for any coach. Cant wait to see them this fall at the fall Showcase.

Jamal Alexander, Richmond Indiana, Jamal missed day one due to family death, and for that we are sorry for loss. When he arrived on day 2 he came in ready to play. He is a nice all around player. He plays against solid completion on a regular basis and with his rebounding capability as well as good touch around the bucket he is always a scoring threat. He is certainly athletic enough to lockdown any opponent and his length will create a lot of deflections. A very solid player this weekend. We hope to see him in the fall Showcase both days.

Payton Sparks, Winchester, Indiana, Big, Rebounding Machine. Every time I walked in the gym he was pulling down board after board. I would guess him to be 30 % more on total number of rebounds this past weekend than second place. Yes he is big with a nice touch for his age around the basket, as he continues to play he will be a FORCE. We definently don’t want to overshadow the fact he can put the ball in the hole and likes the contact in the post. He and Wayde together in High School is going to be an amazing one two punch.

Most Outstanding Player: Janson Kincer, Dixie

1st Team:

Wayde Sickels, Winchester, Indiana
Payton Sparks, Winchester, Indiana
Royal Sibley, Columbus
Dylan Stinson, Tri County North
Jamaal Alexander, Richmond Indiana

Other All Star game selections: KeShawn Harris, Neil Williams Jr., Sam Case, Brady Marker, Isaiah McCallop, Kyle Hollingsworth, Caleb Smith, Cameron Harrison, Joey Chimenti, Sam Casper, Jonah Falcone, Xavier Alderton, Andrew Whittaker.