Zero Gravity Southern Classic: 17U Notebook
RICHMOND, VA — The Zero Gravity Southern Classic was a common destination for a number of Virginia-based travel programs. Vantage Hoops was on hand to take in the action, and the weekend didn’t disappoint. The games were competitive, players emerged, and known…
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Continue ReadingRICHMOND, VA — The Zero Gravity Southern Classic was a common destination for a number of Virginia-based travel programs. Vantage Hoops was on hand to take in the action, and the weekend didn’t disappoint. The games were competitive, players emerged, and known names showed improvement. Below are some thoughts from the 17U action.
Team Loaded holds off River City Reign; wins varsity bracket
Team Loaded 17U defeated River City Reign 17U 70-67 in a hard-fought championship contest at the Zero Gravity Southern Classic. 2018 Rasir Bolton, who has shot up to about 6-foot-2, led Team Loaded with a superb exhibition of skill to go along with a deadly shooting touch from the perimeter. Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, Hampton, East Carolina, and Richmond have already offered Rasir, but it given his recent growth and development, it seems clear his recruitment will expand in the near future.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/716779972397043712
Kiyon Boyd, the only other sophomore on the Team Loaded 17U roster, was an instrumental piece to their championship. The strong, 6’6″ wing displayed a smooth and confident touch from the perimeter, to go along with an aggressive downhill approach on his efficient drives. There’s no question he’s a high major talent, with recent offers from Louisville and Georgetown, look for more power conference schools to be watching him closely.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/716792192988278784
Aamir Simms was active and versatile on both ends at the Zero Gravity Southern Classic. Per usual, he was a forceful presence on the glass and as a rim protector, and showed a nice touch from 15 feet and beyond. Georgetown, Virginia Tech, Providence, Xavier, Penn State, and VCU are among the schools coming hardest at Aamir right now. Look for his recruitment to continue to be on the uptick as they head to Dallas and Atlanta for the Adidas Gauntlet Series.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/716357619162734594
2017 Mario Haskett Jr. was a dynamic tow-way addition to the back-court of Team Loaded 17U. The swingman, who’s being recruited hardest by Providence, Yale, Harvard, Creighton, Virginia Tech, and Minnesota among others, showed tremendous defensive potential as a result of his athleticism, anticipation, and relentless aggression. Mario is a high level athlete who has shown glimpses of the ability to perhaps be the most exciting overall player in the state.
Pinky Wiley runs the show
2017 Pinky Wiley needs more attention. The cerebral floor general makes up for his relative lack of height with a superb understanding of the game. He also adds an underrated scoring prowess at all three levels, and the ability to penetrate defenses at will. His vision is exceptional, and he’s very unselfish. With offers from Longwood and JMU, look for him to be among the biggest stock risers this spring and summer.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/716785376057278464
Josh Colon paces Spectrum
Spectrum 17U Miron took Team Loaded 17U down to the wire in the semifinals of the varsity bracket. 2017 Josh Colon displayed great intangilbes to go along with tremendous toughness despite his diminutive stature. He can really shoot it from three, and has great paint getting ability. Look for him to catch a few eyes down the road.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/716303369837670400
Extra Notes
- The size in River City Reign’s front-court is impressive. 6’11” John Salley, 6’8″ Zach Jacobs, 6’8″ Ameer Bennett, 6’7″ Jyles Webster, and 6’6″ Tahkey Williams were interchanged effectively and complimented each other well. They each add a different element, but their common denominator is their willingness to run the floor, crash the boards, and develop their skills.
2017 Caleb Snead of Heritage is emerging for Spectrum 17U Miron. He’s a 3-level scoring threat with a strong frame to go along with a great skill set. Look for the 6’3″ swing man to see a boost in recruitment in the near future.
2017 Cam Henry showed great versatility for River City Reign 17U. He did it all, rebounded, defended, assisted, and shot it from three and mid range. Look for him to thrive in a vital role in this spring and summer, where evidence of his feel and ability to fill in at multiple positions could result in an expansion of his recruitment.
2018 Dave McCormack is an absolute bull in a china shop. The 6’10” 270-plus pound big man is nimble, and can really get off the ground. He has a soft touch 6 feet and in with either hand to go along with great hands and a relentless motor. With recent offers from Xavier, Georgetown, and VCU and interest from North Carolina, Maryland, and Duke among others, look for more blue bloods to get in the mix for the nationally touted big man.
2017 Cam Bacote showed great decision-making skills at the lead guard spot for Team Loaded 17U. With offers from schools such as Old Dominon, Mount St. Mary’s, IUPUI, Hampton, and Howard, look for the smooth 6’2″ floor general to be a solid option at the mid-major level.