Scouts’ Take: Day 2 Stars From Blue Chip City Mayhem
Cincinnati, Ohio — Champions were crowned on Sunday at Blue City Chip Mayhem as only three teams concluded the weekend without a loss. In the eighth-grade division, Bates Fundamentals (MI) was dominant, winning all five of their games by at…
Access all of Prep Hoops Next and Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingCincinnati, Ohio — Champions were crowned on Sunday at Blue City Chip Mayhem as only three teams concluded the weekend without a loss. In the eighth-grade division, Bates Fundamentals (MI) was dominant, winning all five of their games by at least fifteen points. Meanwhile, seventh-grade champions, Team Teague – Jordan (IN), finished their unbeaten weekend with an average margin of victory of more than 20 points per game. In the sixth-grade division Team Teague – Evans (IN) earned their title by completing a 5-0 weekend with each win coming by double-digits. Let’s take a look at which players caught our attention on Sunday…
Sharod Barnes | Ypsilanti, MI | Class of 2025
Houston Wilson’s take: Barnes continued to make a name for himself on the national level at the Blue City Chip Mayhem this past weekend in Cincinnati by helping lead Bates Fundamentals squad to a first-place finish in the 14U Platinum Bracket. It was my first time seeing Barnes live and he lived up to everything I had heard about him. I walked away extremely impressed with his approach to the game and how he handles the ball. Barnes should remain a highly-touted prospect entering high school.
Spencer Pulliam’s take: Barnes was a key contributor in Bates Fundamentals (MI) march to the Blue City Chip Mayhem 8th grade platinum championship. Confident with the ball in his hands, the 6-foot-2 combo guard demonstrated the ability to create offense off the bounce, and was steady under pressure for the duration of the tournament. His 14-point showing in the title game was another example of the consistency that Barnes brings to the court for a talented and balanced Michigan-based team.
Antonio Baymon | Highland, IN | Class of 2027
Houston Wilson’s take: Baymon might have not been the best long-term prospect from the 12U age group this weekend but he was the most dominant. He lived in the low post all weekend and was extremely efficient around the rim. He was bullying his way down low all weekend long and got many second-chance points on offensive rebounds. Baymon simply could not be stopped and finished with multiple 20-plus point performances at the Blue Chip City Mayhem.
Spencer Pulliam’s take: Although my evaluations of the sixth-grade division were brief, Baymon immediately comes to mind as one of the weekend’s top performers at Blue Chip City Mayhem. An aggressive presence for his club, Baymon played all over the court, but managed to have the greatest impact in the lane while leading his Team Teague (IN) squad to a first-place finish. His physical advantages are obvious at this stage, and while he’ll need to continue polishing his perimeter skills, he punishes opponents his finishing abilities around the rim at the sixth-grade level. Baymon was credited with a game-high 23 points in the championship game on Sunday.
Larry Harris | Chicago, IL | Class of 2026
Houston Wilson’s take: Harris is the anchor down low for the Chicago Demons 2026 bunch and displayed a good physical presence in the low post. Harris has a good advantage against his peers due to his size and that was noticeable throughout the weekend. The Chicago Demons are a fiery bunch and Harris brought energy to the low post where he held his own against the opposition.
Spencer Pulliam’s take: The athletic post prospect gave everything he had to his Chicago Demons (IL) team on Sunday, collecting a double-double in the championship loss to Team Teague (IN) in the seventh-grade division at Blue Chip City Mayhem, while also serving as a defensive presence on the interior. Harris’s motor allowed him to do a lot of damage on the paint, as he consistently capitalized on the offensive glass, taking advantage of second-chance opportunities throughout the event.
Jaylan Mitchell | Robinson, IL | Class of 2027
Houston Wilson’s take: Mitchell has some of the better upside out of any prospect that I saw at the Blue Chip Mayhem. Mitchell is currently in the 2027 class but has been playing for the 2026 Team Teague team and played a major part in their championship run. Mitchell already stands at 6’4 and has an advanced skill set for his age. Mitchell is very close to being able to play above the rim and has already proven to be a solid rim protector. Look for Mitchell to be one of the top prospects in the current sixth-grade group from the state of Illinois.
Spencer Pulliam’s take: One of the more impressive talents that I’ve seen to date from the Class of 2027, Mitchell is capable of pulling double-duty for Team Teague (IN) when called upon, as the 6-foot-4 sixth-grader had a major impact at the seventh-grade level during Blue Chip City Mayhem. His size advantage allows him to be a constant rebounding and shot-blocking threat but there’s more to the athletic forward’s game. Mitchell is a fairly versatile talent, capable of working from the low block, or catching and facing the basket from the perimeter. He’s fluid in transition and is already showing some aptitude on the offensive end of the floor. It was an excellent first impression for this young prospect and I’m excited to see more moving forward.
Austin Slone | Oil Springs, KY | Class of 2027
Houston Wilson’s take: Slone stood out immediately in the 12U age group because of his height and he backed it up with his performances on the court. Slone stayed in constant attack-mode and was a versatile scorer the entire weekend for Team BNU. Slone was one of the main reasons Team BNU finished the Blue Chip City Mayhem with a record of 4-1.
Spencer Pulliam’s take: A talented sixth-grade forward from the state of Kentucky, Slone was clearly one of the leaders for Team BNU (OH) in their runner-up finish at Blue Chip Mayhem. The skilled, 5-foot-10 prospect filled a variety of roles for his club, scoring in double-figures in nearly every game and flashing an assortment of offensive skills. Slone exhibited shooting touch from the perimeter, the ability to finish with either hand when attacking the basket, and the versatility and toughness necessary to defend multiple positions.
Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!