EYBL & Chicago Classic: 17U Standouts

<p>These 17U players had big moments over weekend for their teams at either Nike EYBL or Chicago Classic. Here is a look back at some of the performances from this weekend’s games.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Adam Miller (Mac Irvin Fire)</strong></p> <p>Adam Miller had to be the most impressive Illinois prospect this weekend as he put up some really big numbers during this past weekend’s EYBL stop in Dallas. Miller showed how he can turn on his killer instincts at any moment. At times breaking players down with his crossover to the James Harden step back shot. If he wasn’t shooting threes he broke guys down and made some nice athletic finishes around the rim. His game was at its peak against the #1 ranked EYBL team Texas Titans when he scored 39 points in a loss. Adam’s scoring performances should land him on one of the Nike All-Session teams.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Keshawn Williams (Young &amp; Reckless/Kevon Looney)</strong></p> <p>The Bloom standout had to get into his bag again for Kevon Looney this weekend. In the game we caught him they were down big to Wisconsin Dynasty when he decided to turn his game up. Williams game is just smooth and at times it calms his teammates down because his style of attacking often seems effortless. Down double digits he made several keys three pointers with defenders draped all over him. When Dynasty tried to take that away he used his next level athleticism to drive and glide right around the opposing team for some amazing finishes. This performance helped change the game for his team as they came back to win off a game winning shot from his Bloom teammate Dante Maddox to get the win.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Dominic Martinelli (All-In)</strong></p> <p>Dominic was very active in his game against MBA Select. He’s a crafty scoring guard that was able to show his skill in a lopsided victory. Martinelli took advantage of his team’s defense by getting out in transition and earning easy buckets through most of this game. He even took a couple trips to the free throw line using an up and under shot fake that never failed. Playing on this very talented squad Dominic is starting to find ways to shine.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Devon House  (Iowa Barnstormers)</strong></p> <p>House was effective in a different way this weekend. In his game against Big 3 House worked the high post really well making great touch passes to his teammates. As one of the top posts in the state Devon can score with the best of them. He opened my eyes with how much he has a feel for the game. He was able to make plays in and outside of the post almost like a point center.  Devon filled up the stat sheets with rebounds and assists and helped his team to a blowout victory.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Ahron Ulis  (Meanstreets)</strong></p> <p>Ulis was in his bag as the kids say. He did a little bit of everything in Meanstreets matchup against the host Drive Nation. Ahron is usually the set up guy but he took a different role this weekend by being one of the primary scoring threats for his team. After the last session there was no doubt that DJ Steward would receive defensive attention and Ulis didn’t mind. He was able to get in the lane and make pull up shots and dish a couple of assist. When they cut the lane off and sagged off of him he stepped back and made a few three pointers as well. Showing that he is more than capable of being a scorer when needed. He finished with 22 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds in a good opening game for him.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Marcus Watson (Mac Irvin Fire)</strong></p> <p>Marcus did what he always does in his matchup against #3 Woodz Elite. He was an absolute pest on defense challenging the ball handlers to make mistakes because his pressure was too intense. Watson changed the game completely by just playing with energy and grit. The Fire being down at half looked to Watson to get things going once they picked up full court and Marcus turned his steals into easy transition points either by assist or just keeping it himself.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Christian Shumate (Young &amp; Reckless/Kevon Looney)</strong></p> <p>Christian made some huge energy plays in his teams come back effort. On one trip he was able to block a shot while covering for a missed assignment from his teammate then sprint to the opposite end of the play to finish the play with a dunk. This is a consistent when watching Shumate play. Will be fun to watch him in the summer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Seryee Lewis (Mac Irvin Fire)</strong></p> <p>Lewis had to step up big with star Mike Foster experiencing a minor injury this weekend.  Seryee was able to battle on the boards to help his team stay afloat. Lewis is a big who gets out and does a great job at rim running and staying behind the defense. Expect more of the same in the summer. He will expand on his duties as he continues to gain confidence. Will be a prospect to watch as he is one of the top big men in the state.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Rowland McCoy  (Big 3 Basketball)</strong></p> <p>In what was a blowout loss to Iowa Barnstormers I was able to catch a Rowland still playing with positive energy. Even down double digits McCoy played great on ball defense was in the passing lanes disrupting the defense. Rowland made some strong plays at the rim due to the fact his shot wasn’t falling. He uses solid body control when attacking the bucket. Still needs to tighten up his handles some. Was happy to see him playing with energy despite the loss.</p>