Southern Jam Fest 17U Standouts (Part 1)
Every year Hoop Group puts on one of the best events in the country at the Boo Williams Sportsplex called the Southern Jam Fest, but this year it was a little bit different. Some of the best shoe company and…
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Continue ReadingEvery year Hoop Group puts on one of the best events in the country at the Boo Williams Sportsplex called the Southern Jam Fest, but this year it was a little bit different. Some of the best shoe company and independent programs from up and down the east coast came to Southern, including the number one team in the country Team Final featuring the top two players in the country.
There were double digit shoe company teams from all three major circuits, and plenty of other talented teams making it one of the most talented events I’ve ever been to. We will have tons of content from it, starting with part one of the many 17 U standouts, focusing on the DMV area.
Cam Whitmore | 6’7” F | Team Melo
Whitmore wasted absolutely no time showing his incredible athleticism and ability to dominate games in a number of ways on both ends of the floor. In the opening minutes of the very first game, he caught a very impressive lob and continued throughout the game with a number of highlight reel finishes and blocks. At his size he’s extremely powerful and explosive, he moves his feet well and he can put it on the deck and get to the rim. He’s set to make a big jump in the national rankings and on the recruitment trail.
Deon Perry Deon Perry 5'8" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2022 State MD | 5’10” PG | Team Melo
Perry is one of my favorite guys that I hadn’t seen before the event, as the 5’10” lead guard showed a lot of savvy and poise and made plays for others relatively easy. He stays low and has a quick first step, he can get in the lane where he makes good reads and is also able to finish with the floater and he has great leadership qualities as well. He’s a guy that high academic schools and low major schools should absolutely take a look at.
Trey Thomas Trey Thomas 6'3" | PG Wise | 2022 MD | 6’3” CG | Team Melo
Thomas is one of the most talented guys in the DMV, as the 6’3” combo guard has a lot of tools that would translate to the next level. He has a very strong frame and is able to get downhill and finish through contact, he is shifty off the bounce and able to get to spots to make shots and he has shown improvement in his ability to make shots from deep. He’s an ultra competitor that brings it every time he’s on the floor and will come at you time and time again as well.
Devin Ceaser | 6’1” PG | New World
Ceaser continues to show he’s one of the most underrated guards in the DMV area, as the athletic guard played extremely well against some very good competition throughout the event. One of the fastest guys every time he steps on the court, Ceaser thrives in the open floor where he can get end-to-end and has explosive finishing ability with good hang time as well. He shot the ball very well, he’s a lock down defender that can guard 94 feet and he has a competitive streak to him as well.
Tyrell Ward Tyrell Ward 6'7" | SF DeMatha | 2022 State #56 Nation MD | 6’6” WF | New World
Ward’s ascension in the national rankings should continue after another good showing against elite competition, as the 6’6” wing has improved so much over the past few years and is still putting it all together. He’s long and athletic and runs like a gazelle, he has good ball skills and can put it on the deck and make plays in the pick-and-roll and he’s a versatile defender with good switch ability on pretty much anyone. He recently cut his list to 8 schools, and he’s going to make one very happy here soon.
Favour Aire Favour Aire 6'10" | C Bishop McNamara | 2022 State #86 Nation MD | 6’9” C | New World
There were a lot of very talented big men in attendance at the Southern Jam Fest, and Aire should be right up there among the names of the best. The 6’9” center is a natural rim protector with good timing and the ability to challenge shots without fouling, he can score over either shoulder and he’s an elite rebounder both in and out of his area and on both ends of the floor. He’s a lot more skilled than people give him credit for on the offensive end, and when he’s engaged and playing hard he’s a very tough guy to deal with in the paint on both ends.
Justyn Fernandez | 6’5” G | DC Premier
Fernandez made a big time statement on Saturday with two fantastic games and a couple of huge dunks that went viral, and he’s on the verge of seeing his recruitment take off when coaches can come and see him in July. The 6’5” guard is wired to go as he has good burst and a tight handle to get him to spots, he’s an explosive finisher at the rim and he shot the ball with good consistency from deep. When he’s locked in and aggressive he has the ability to be the top scorer on any given night no matter who’s on the floor.
Christian Watson Christian Watson 6'6" | SF St. John's | 2022 State #121 Nation MD | 6’7” WF | DC Premier
Watson is a guy whose stock is trending up after receiving a recent offer from South Carolina, and the 6’7” wing out of St. John’s was in his bag the entire weekend. He has great physical and athletic tools for the position, he thrives in an uptempo game where he can get out and run and play above the rim and he can fill it up in bunches when he gets it going. He has a lot of tools but still has room to improve, meaning he could play his best basketball at the next level.
Dominic Strother Dominic Strother 6'10" | PF Woodstock Academy | 2022 VA | 6’8” PF | DC Premier
Strother isn’t one of the most known names on this Premier team, but the big man who’s a VA native but plays for Woodstock Academy in Connecticut is one of the more underrated guys on the east coast. The 6’8” forward is mobile and runs the floor well, he can step out and make shots from deep and can handle it in transition and he has good touch in the paint. His mobility and length make for big time potential defensively, and when he gets to college and puts on more weight he’ll be tough to matchup with as an inside-out guy.