Southern Stock Boosters: 2018
There was a lot of talk about the high level of talent at Hoop Group Southern Jam Fest, with the likes of top five senior Trevon Duval, the local powerhouses of Boo Williams and Team Loaded in attendance along with…
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Continue ReadingThere was a lot of talk about the high level of talent at Hoop Group Southern Jam Fest, with the likes of top five senior Trevon Duval, the local powerhouses of Boo Williams and Team Loaded in attendance along with other shoe company sponsored teams up and down the east coast. However, what makes this event so great for us is that we can see all of the Virginia teams as well as the top competition, which gives us the first chance to see a few kids who are under the radar.
In that spirit, we took a look at some of the best breakout performances we saw last weekend at Hoop Group Southern JamFest, and Jack Herron gives you five 2018 players that really put themselves on the map with clutch performances.
DeAndre Thomas; 2018; Team Richmond Garner Road 17U
Thomas, who is a 2018 playing up with TRGR, looked as confident and productive as ever in their win over Maryland’s Finest in the Round of 32. Thomas played both guard positions depending on the look they went with, and he handled the basketball well and was aggressive looking for his shot. He has obviously been in the gym because he’s filled out, and Thomas was a great finisher through contact when attacking the basket.
Joe Bryant; 2018; BWSL Chiz 16U
Sometimes it isn’t your star that shines down the stretch in big games, and while Boo Williams EYBL 16U team has been one of the best teams on the east coast, including winning the championship at the Pittsburgh JamFest, this was one of the first times Lake Taylor guard Joe Bryant really showed out the way he’s capable of. A 6’1” bully of a guard with a strong upper body, Bryant routinely found ways to get in the lane and convert in traffic, and finished with 20 points as he sealed the deal for BWSL Chiz over Uncommon Bulls to advance the quarterfinals.
Jonathan Norfleet; 6’2” PG; Team Loaded VA 16U
Norfleet has been trending upward this summer as a prospect, and he continued that trend by playing aggressive and taking care of the basketball so far this weekend. A lightning quick guard that thrives in transition and lives in the paint, Norfleet has shown improved decision making and the ability to play at a change of pace to keep defenses off guard. He finished with 16 points in Loaded’s win over BWSL WAWG in the round of 32.
Ayush Mayur; 6’5” WF; District Basketball Club
Ayush has been on our radar since the Nova Challenge underclassman event his freshman year where his touch and length on the wing caught our eyes. We’ve watch Mayur grown on the court, and you can see the confidence and development all meeting together. He’s shooting it with confidence, banging inside for rebounds and attacking the rim hard on drives. He’s also one of the smartest kids you’ll ever meet, with a 4.5 GPA and almost perfect SAT score.
Jalen Jordan; 6’2” WG; BWSL WAWG 16U
Jordan was an important part of Lake Taylor’s run to the state finals as just a sophomore, and he seems to be improving and thriving in the up and down system that coach Mike Williams wants to play this summer. The lefty has deep range off the catch, but he’s also athletic and runs the floor to make plays in transition. He was lights out at Southern last weekend against good competition, and showed that he may thrive against the best. He’ll be one to keep an eye on for sure.