Parham’s Perspective: EYBL and Chicago Classic Recaps
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<p>This Memorial Day Weekend capped the end to the spring period for AAU basketball in Illinois. In addition to our wall to wall coverage from Show Me Showdown in St. Louis PrepHoopsIllinois was able to catch some of the action from this weekend’s games at the Chicago Classic and Nike EYBL.</p>
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<p><strong>Nike EYBL</strong></p>
<p>Mac Irvin Fire had a strong weekend going 3 -2 with their biggest win knocking off #3 Woodz Elite on Saturday. The Fire was led by <strong>Adam Miller</strong> who had a strong weekend in Dallas as he put up some big numbers posting scores of 36, 39 and 35 in consecutive games. Miller wasn’t the only weapon as he had help from his Morgan Park teammates in the process. <strong>Marcus Watson</strong> added the grit on defense and dished out assist as <strong>Brandon Weston</strong> added extra scoring power with a slight injury to Mike Foster. With Foster out this provided more opportunity for big man <strong>Seryee Lewis</strong> who stepped up and battled on the boards for the Fire. Lewis had two games where he pulled down over 10 boards showing he can fill that void. Mac Irvin Fire finished out the spring with a 10-3 record finishing second in their pool and clinched a berth to Peach Jam.</p>
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<p>Meanstreets also went 3-2 this weekend in Dallas, but they didn’t rely on huge numbers from its scoring leader <strong>DJ Steward</strong>. They were scoring by committee this weekend. <strong>Isaiah Rivera</strong> and <strong>Ahron Ulis</strong> were instrumental in the first game. Ulis did a little bit of everything setting up guys as well as picking his own spots to score. Rivera was key in the first game slashing and finishing with around the rim. <strong>Destin Whitaker</strong> provided the long range scoring for the team making 4 threes in one of the contest. <strong>Jeremiah Williams</strong> provided a knack to score off the dribble and attack using good body control at the rim. Meanstreets finished the regular season with a record of 7-6 and are still waiting to see if they will get a bid to Peach Jam in July.</p>
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<p><strong>Chicago Classic 17U</strong></p>
<p>The Chicago Classic hosted Adidas regional teams and many of the top Illinois teams that were non-sponsored. On the Adidas side All-In and Team Rose both Gauntlet teams made it to the Platinum round of the event with only All-In making it to Sunday. For All In Gold <strong>Dom Martinelli</strong> led them in scoring with 29 points in the contest Saturday night against MBA Select. For Team Rose they ran into a tough Indiana Elite East in the first round. Team Rose had strong contributions from <strong>Darius Buford</strong>,<strong> Jimarius Sneed</strong>, and <strong>Justin Cross</strong>. It just wasn’t enough as they lost by double figures. Both teams finished first in their division to make it to the Platinum bracket. All-In Gold finished 3-1 while Team Rose went 2-1 both having momentum they hope to carry over into the July month for Adidas Nationals.</p>
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<p>Other top teams in the Adidas event that didn’t make it out of the division were All-In Figueroa, Big 3 Basketball 17U Black , H.I.T Basketball, and Kevon Looney Gold/ Y&R Stan. All teams had players who made some type of impact this weekend.</p>
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<p><strong>Chicago Classic 16U</strong></p>
<p>The Chicago Classic was better for Illinois 16U teams as All-In Gold 16u, Y&R Brim, Illinois Jaguars and Meanstreets participated.</p>
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<p>We caught the All-In Gold vs Young & Reckless Brim matchup. It was the second time the teams faced each other this spring. All-In jumped out early on Y&R with speeding up the tempo and <strong>Amar Augillard</strong> being a force inside. <strong>Isaiah Holden</strong> pushed the pace and <strong>James Dent</strong> kept the court spaced out with his shooting. All In was up to double digit lead until Y&R made a run behind <strong>Kimahri Wilson’s</strong> scoring and <strong>Julius Rollins</strong> energy and passion to play D. Y&R chipped at the lead and even was able to tie the game before some unforced turnovers cost them the game. All In Gold would win and advanced to the final 4 of the event where they would eventually fall to the champions Indiana Elite.</p>
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<p>Meanstreets had a solid run this weekend lasting all the way to the championship game. Saw some pretty good action from <strong>Grant Newell</strong> and <strong>Troy D’Amico</strong> in the brief stint of catching the game. Newell uses his size well and makes it tough on defenders to switch on him. Troy did a good job at running the floor well and using his versatility to play around the rim and make shots from deep. This team has had some ups and down this spring but finished on a really good note this weekend.</p>
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