Passion Region Kick Off: 7 Day 1 Standouts

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The Prep Hoops Circuit kicked off with an exciting day of games. I reserve day 1 for 17U and 16U standouts. Below are 7 of the top performers from a promising start to the summer.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8205-rotated.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-1419165 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8205-rotated-e1648963960704-150x150.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id=" width="150" height="150" /></a>‘24 [player_tooltip player_id="1306134" first="Ryan" last="Blount"] - Athletes Of Influence 16U</strong></p> <p>Blount was on fire at 8 am this morning. He scored a game high 28 points shooting 4 of 5 from beyond the three point line. The wing has a stout 6’4 frame that allowed him to power through defenders on drives. Blount has the potential to be a huge stock riser on this circuit.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8206-rotated.jpg"><img class="alignright wp-image-1419166 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8206-150x150.jpg" alt="Trey Mitchell | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a>‘24 Trey Mitchell - Heart and Hustle Elite 16U</strong></p> <p>Murray was one of the more versatile scorers on the 16U stage. He’s an athletic guard that can hit catch and shoot threes while having the athletic burst to get by his man. The 6’1 guard still has some developing to do, but between his shot and shifty handle he can consistently produce against his class.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8228-e1648964159848.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-1419167 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8228-e1648964159848-150x150.jpg" alt="Adonai Mussie | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a>‘24 Adonai Mussie - No Excuses Elite 16U</strong></p> <p>Mussie made an impact without needing to put up a shot until the second half. At 6’9 the big man rebounds with force, can hit threes off the catch, and block shots. The Georgia native finishes above the rim with ease.</p> <p><strong>‘22 [player_tooltip player_id="1164182" first="Kevin" last="Odom"] - OTOD 17U</strong></p> <p>Odom is a tenacious point of attack defender. He’s quick and strong enough to pressure ball handlers. The 2022 prospect closes passing lanes without gambling on defense. He’s not afraid to use his body against bigger defenders and has an athletic burst that negates his lack of size.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8224-rotated.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1419162 size-thumbnail alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8224-150x150.jpg" alt="Dwight Carter | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a>‘25 Dwight Carter - Team Stride Elite 16U</strong></p> <p>Carter racked up the most points of any 2025 product playing 16U. The 5’10 guard is a crafty downhill scorer that draws contact. He got in the paint at will against older competition going 6 of 7 from the charity stripe. The future is bright for a young guard that’s already developed a knack for getting to the line and finishing against size.</p> <p><strong>‘23 Anniel Pichardo <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8262-e1648964446200.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1419168 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8262-e1648964446200-150x150.jpg" alt="Anniel Pichardo | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a> - Sunshine Elite 17U</strong></p> <p>This fiery competitor fought for his team. He’s vocal on both sides of the court, has a high energy level, and is a solid defender. Pichardo can turn steals into transition points and knock down threes off the catch. He’s an SIAA product that’s played high level basketball.</p> <p><strong>‘24 Emanuel Befekadu - No Excuses Elite 16U</strong></p> <p>Befekadu is one of the best shooters out of Georgia’s 2024 class. He connected on 4 threes going 3 for 3 in the first half. The 6 foot guard brings his consistent stroke to the mid range with his pull up jumper. The minute you close out harder, Befekadu will blow by you showcasing his finishing skills.</p>