Premier Youth Basketball League Finale Standouts (2/2)
A full day of PYBL action was too stacked with talent to fit into one article, we’ll continue to look at some standouts from the next wave of DMV talent at the Premier Youth Basketball League. Standout performers: ‘26 Saxton…
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Continue ReadingA full day of PYBL action was too stacked with talent to fit into one article, we’ll continue to look at some standouts from the next wave of DMV talent at the Premier Youth Basketball League.
Standout performers:
‘26 Saxton Simley- Baltimore
Simley uses his athleticism and length to rebound and finish over defenders at a high clip in the paint. Simley’s floor game also impressed, regularly blowing by his matchup to the rim and finding guys off the dribble with an ease that belies his size. Uses his long arms and quick feet to bother a lot of shots, gets into passing lanes; solid all-around defender. An improving jumper will be a swing skill for him- but his length, size, and athleticism make him a safe bet to excel at the next level.
’26 CG Ashton “Ace” Meeks– City
Meeks plays incredibly hard at both ends and pressures his opponents into making mistakes. A hyper-aggressive on-ball defender that anticipates where the offense is going and moves quickly to cut off their path to the rim. Uses his length and gets into the body of shooters to ensure that they don’t get a clean look at the rim. Offensively he impresses as a primary ball-handler and creator, communicating well with teammates to get them in the right spot while also showing the creativity to attack defenses even when the play breaks down. Meeks will stuff the stat sheet with at least 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in each game that he plays, showcasing a versatility that will reflect well at the next level. High basketball IQ, great teammate, effective leader.
’27 PG Jadah Washington– Southern Maryland
Washington is impossible to stay in front of offensively, utilizing sharp ball-handling skills to attack even the slightest gap in a defense to score at the rim. Great burst, will attack every opponent regardless of size and finishes well in the paint. Finds weak spots in the defense on the wing to draw multiple defenders before finding the open teammate on the perimeter or in the paint. Washington projects to be among the best point guards in his class.
’27 F Chase Hogg– PG County
The son of a well-respected high school and grassroots coach, Hogg just understands where to be on the floor at all time- showing an understanding of nuances like moving from the short corner to the front of the rim when a teammate drives to the basket from the opposite side. This knowledge of positioning puts him in the right spot for both long rebounds and misses around the rim. Hogg can play every position on the floor and consistently makes the right decision, clearing the ball to an open teammate when doubled or bulldozing his way to the rim after a rebound.
29 Marcus Puffy Walker– Arlington
The youngest player I spoke to at the PYBL is playing two years up and still doesn’t miss a beat. Walker provides steady ball-handling without turning it over, patiently distributing the ball in both the halfcourt and transition. Feel for the game and IQ are impressive, doesn’t force anything and plays with great pace. Can handle, shoot, and defend.
Other prospects that impressed:
’26 Dominic Nguyen– Fairfax
Efficient lead ball-handler, utilizes jump stops and step-throughs in the paint to get to the right spot for a pass or shot, routinely probes the defense for openings, good finisher through contact, high IQ
‘26 Khaliq Carson– Charles
Overcame some early turnover issues to pace a short-handed Charles team that needed his scoring and distributing punch, great spin move finishes in the paint, can hit threes off the bounce or off of screens, good pick n roll passer, fills it up offensively
’27 Jayden Spence– Loudon
Creates well off the bounce, finishes well around the rim, clever up-n-under moves, handles well for his size, sneaky good defender