DC JamFest Preview

<p>This events of this weekend will serve as a gauge for local grassroots programs, as several teams from DC, Maryland, and Virginia will be competing at The St. James in Springfield where Hoop Group's DC Jam Fest is set to take place. Below is a preview of the tournament, including a rundown of some teams and players to watch from the top 17U, 16U, and 15U divisions respectively.</p> <h2>17U ELITE</h2> <p><strong>DC Premier 16U UAA </strong>is coming off a championship berth at UA Finals in Atlanta. <strong>Kino Lilly Jr.</strong> and <strong>Devin Ceaser</strong> are a dynamic duo in the backcourt, but they also have some productive wings in <strong>Wes Peterson Jr.</strong> and <strong>James Gross Jr.</strong> who are good athletes. </p> <p><strong>Higher Level Premier </strong>is led by talented point guard prospect <strong>Ethan Wilson</strong>, one of the biggest sleepers in Northern Virginia. </p> <p><strong>Maryland 3D Red </strong>is a blue-collar squad that will play the right way and defend. <strong>Jordan Oates</strong> is an under-the-radar wing prospect who will likely guard the opposing team's best perimeter player.</p> <p><strong>New World Gold </strong>big man <strong>Jason Edokpayi</strong> is a workhorse in the front court. Expect him to bring energy throughout this tournament.</p> <p><strong>Nova Cavs Lin </strong>is a balanced team that features good depth at every position. Look for <strong>Daniel Peterson</strong> and <strong>Lance Johnson</strong> to anchor the paint while guys like <strong>Drew Rowson</strong> splash in threes from long range.</p> <p><strong>Pure Game Elite </strong>wing <strong>Quentin Southall</strong> is improving at a rapid rate, and he should produce consistently throughout the weekend.</p> <p><strong>South River Shooters </strong>feature <strong>Kendrick Frink</strong>, an intriguing guard prospect who can do it all while showcasing a high IQ.</p> <p><strong>Team BBC Gold </strong>forward <strong>David N'Guessan</strong> is beginning to turn some heads after a nice AAU campaign. Can he keep it going this weekend?</p> <p><strong>Team Durant 16U EYBL </strong>guard <strong>Rodney Rice</strong> is a top-tier prospect in the local 2022 class. Can he propel Durant to glory at their home facility?</p> <p><strong>TR-GR HGSL </strong>big man <strong>Burke Smith</strong> is a known commodity for this team, but <strong>Mac McDonald</strong> has recently stirred up some interest with his steady play at the guard spot.</p> <p><strong>VA Premier </strong>forward <strong>Parker Huffman</strong> is on the short list of the best stretch bigs you'll see at this event. </p> <h2>16U ELITE</h2> <p><strong>6th Man Warriors DC</strong> guard <strong>Afamdi Achufusi </strong>is one of the best perimeter defenders in this tournament regardless of age group. Expect him to guard whoever gives his team the most trouble in a given contest.</p> <p><strong>Cecil Kirk</strong> wing<strong> Barry Evans </strong>has a promising physical profile, and it will be interesting to see how much he's improved since the DMVElite Live Period Warm Up.</p> <p><strong>District Basketball </strong><strong>Club</strong> forward <strong>Mohamed Toure</strong> is an athletic wing with plenty of untapped potential. Will this be his breakout weekend?</p> <p><strong>Team Durant 15U EYBL </strong>forward <strong>David Solomon</strong> is tracking as one of the top 2022 prospects in Virginia, and he should be in for some big performances in a gym near his hometown. </p> <p><strong>Team Melo 15U EYBL </strong>guard <strong>Deon Perry</strong> is the floor general that gets this team going. Expect him to set the tone on both ends of the court.</p> <p><strong>Team Stat Premier </strong>guard <strong>Jao Ituka</strong> will garner plenty of attention from opposing defenses, but this team is loaded at every position. Look for guys like <strong>Phil Stubin</strong>, <strong>Daouda Dembele</strong>, <strong>Bobby Hill</strong>, and <strong>Jalen Curtis</strong> to chip in respectively.</p> <p><strong>Team Takeover 15U EYBL </strong>guards <strong>Devin Dinkins</strong> and <strong>Judah Mintz</strong> are an exciting duo in the backcourt. Look for their classmate at Gonzaga <strong>Jared Turner</strong> to come in and light it up from long range. </p> <h2>15U ELITE</h2> <p><strong>6th Man Warriors DC </strong>guard<strong> Chris Gamble</strong> is the most seasoned player on this hard-playing squad. Look for him to do whatever it takes to win games.</p> <p><strong>DC Premier UAA </strong>guard <strong>Mike Henderson</strong> is not the flashiest or biggest guard you will see, but he is skilled, very quick and has a chance to be a very good player down the road. Can he assert himself this weekend?</p> <p><strong>Team Durant 14U EYBL </strong>forward <strong>Amani Hansberry</strong> has established a strong reputation locally with his high level of productivity as a scorer and rebounder. Look for sharpshooting guard <strong>Mason So</strong> to pair well with him in some possible two-man actions.</p> <p><strong>Team Takeover Grant 14U EYBL </strong>guard <b>Terrell Webster </b>is an exciting prospect who will be fun to watch this weekend. <strong>Thomas Batties</strong> is another standout from this team who should make an impact.</p>