Prep Hoops Route 66 Kickoff: Stock Risers
The AAU season started with a bang as the Prep Hoops Route 66 Kickoff showcased incredible talent from all over the country.
Stock risers are about players who took their game to another level and put themselves on the map.
Here are some of the players who rose their stock this weekend.
Marko Rajonovic 2018 Kansas Pray N’ Play
Rajonovic caught fire early and it didn’t stop. The 2018 Sunrise Christian forward lit up every team that walked in his path. He also showed the ability to put the ball on the floor and finish through traffic.
Rajonovic is an excellent rebounder and showed the ability to get physical down low which is rare out of shooters. Rajonovic was a consistent star for Kansas Pray N Play.
Ben Pyle 2018 Kansas Select
Pyle is one of many long forwards in the tournament who can stretch the floor. However, Pyle is more than just a shooter, he is a scorer. The 2018 forward used his three point ability to blow by defenders who applied pressure.
Pyle may lack foot speed but he makes up for with elite level skill which is why is in talks with numerous Division 1 programs. At 6’6, he is a mid-major prospect and it showed consistently this weekend.
Ben Smith 2019 Team Griffin
Smith was an active as any player in the field. Smith is a bouncy athlete who is ever improving his skillset with every game. Smith’s motor was amazing to watch as he began to rebound out of his area and create more opportunities for his team.
Tre Edwards 2017 OKC Wolfpack Elite
Edwards is a champion and he brought that experience and will to win to his OKC Wolfpack teammates. The Wolfpack went 3-1 on the weekend and made a name for themselves. Edwards ran the show efficiently got everybody going. He was one of the best on ball defenders in the field as well.
Jordan Ford 2020 Norman Elite 15U
The Norman Elite squad was loaded with talent but Jordan Ford really improved his stock by hitting shots and dominating by slashing to the basket.
Ford has a mature body and at the 15U level he threw kids around with ease. Norman Elite fell short in the championship game but they wouldn’t be there without the contributions of Jordan Ford.
Kavon Key 2020 BTR
Key is one of those guys who jumps out to you on the floor. He just looks that part at a very young age.
Key had an outstanding weekend showing off his versatile offensive game. He hit shots from the perimeter and he also converted in the paint.
Tulsa Memorial will be in good hands when Keys time comes.
Cecil Lee 2018 KC Pacers
Lee is extremely long to the point where he barely has to jump to dunk. Lee put that attribute to use as he was an excellent defender and showed offensive skill as well.
The Pacers are well coached and Lee had great defensive fundamentals that was tough to get around. The Pacers ended taking runner up in the 17U bracket but they showed that Lee nor the Pacers are to be taken lightly.