EYBL: Friday 16U Standouts
EYBL: Friday 16U Standouts
Friday night kicked off the Nike Midwest Takeover EYBL 16U Challenge in Indianapolis, IN and Prep Hoops Illinois was there to cover some of the action. I scouted two games which were Brad Beal Elite vs UPLAY Canada and Mac Irvin Fire vs Arkansas Wings. Here is a look at EYBL: Friday 16U Standouts!
Scores:
Brad Beal Elite (74) – UPLAY Canada (68)
Mac Irvin Fire (71) – Arkansas Wings (60)
Standout Performances:
PF – EJ Liddell 6’7’’ (2019) Brad Beal Elite
EJ Liddell out of Belleville West had a great opening night in Indy. The game versus UPLAY started out somewhat sluggish and Brad Beal Elite struggled to score early on. Then about midway through the 1st half Liddell started to take over on both ends of the court. Starting on defense, he was a force in the paint blocking shots including one that he threw about four rows back into the stands. He rebounded well on both ends getting some key offensive boards to keep possessions alive for BBE. In the second half Liddell turned it up on offense, He was dominant in the paint with his back to the basket. He was able to get in good position on the block and used his strength, and some nice moves to get easy baskets around the rim. Within 15 feet was his bread and butter but he did show he could step out and hit from the perimeter hitting a big 3 and showed much improvement on his shot from deep, he also lived at the line and showed good consistency there and kept UPLAY’s post in foul trouble. Liddell had 20 points in the win.
PF – Joshua Wallace 6’7’’ (2019) Brad Beal Elite
Wallace out of CBC High School in St. Louis, MO was the other half of the dynamic frontcourt for the Brad Beal Elite squad. Wallace is another post that brings strength and toughness on the block. He plays with a lot of energy and a high motor. Wallace displayed good hands and touch around the basket adding a scoring punch for the BBE team. He really attacked the offensive glass well and was good at filling the lanes out on the fast break. He didn’t force many bad shots and was a good passing out of the paint, often finding cutters or spot up shooters. Really like the upside of Wallace as he continues his strong spring.
PG – Kejuan Clements 6’0’’ (2019) Mac Irvin Fire
The point guard out of Chicago Powerhouse Simeon had a major game scoring the ball totaling 22 points for the Mac Irvin Fire in a win over the Arkansas Wings. Kejuan Clements is a strong lead guard with good handles who made a lot of plays out in transition for the fire. He was at his best off of the dribble and getting into the lane. He shows the ability to finish through contact at the rim and make some really tough baskets. He hit a couple threes’ and showed improvement from deep. He played the passing lanes well getting several steals late to secure the victory. If he plays like this consistently this summer could be a big one for him.
PG – Markese Jacobs 5’11’’ (2019) Mac Irvin Fire
The Kansas commit chipped in 16 points for the Fire in the win, and showed a really nice jumper from three where he tallied three triples in the game. Jacobs is a superb athlete and can excel in a fast paced up and down game, but he also showed he could impact the game in a half court setting as well. When he is hitting from out on the perimeter he is extremely difficult to guard because he can score so many ways. He continues to improve and can play either on the ball or off and have an impact either way.
PG – Yuri Collins 5’10’’ (2019) Brad Beal Elite
Collins is a floor general out of St. Louis, Mo St. Marys HS He was an instrumental part in the comeback victory for Brad Beal Elite. He controlled the pace of the game setting up buckets for both EJ Liddell and Joshua Wallace in the post. He also made some clutch baskets himself down the stretch slashing through the lane and attacking the rim. Really like his toughness and way he can set up his teammates.
SG – Tre Edwards 6’7’’ (2019) UPLAY Canada
Canada has produced a lot of high major talent in the last couple of years and has been hot bed for talent and UPLAY’s Tre Edwards showed skill from the 2-Guard spot. A long rangy guard Edwards has a smooth shot from deep and can also put in on the floor and knock down mid-range shoots. Had a big game scoring for UPLAY in the lost.
SF – Emanuel Miller 6’6’’ (2019) UPLAY Canada
UPLAY has a really talented 2019 group with elite prospects RJ Barrett and Andrew Nembhard playing up on the 17U EYBL team. However, Emanuel Miller is another 2019 prospect out of Canada he a long slasher from out on the wing that can score from all three levels. Similar build as Barrett (6’6’’ long arms) and teammate Tre Edwards and the length helps him make plays on both ends and he can guard multiple positions. A prospect to keep an eye out for as I feel you willing be hearing the name on a bigger stage at some point.