Passion Region KickOff: GameChangers (16U)

This content series is sponsored by GameChanger - The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Hoops.

The Passion Region Kickoff brought out a lot of talent to Daytona Beach. Take a look at some of the Gamechangers from the 16U division from this past weekend as the grassroots season heats up.

Reginald Reinhardt Reginald Reinhardt 6'0" | PG Wellington | 2024 State FL - 6’1 Guard/Forward - Stampede 2024

Reinhardt was a big presence in the Stampede 2024 rotation as their primary scorer and defender on both ends of the floor. He came up big in their comeback victory against Team Strive Elite with his ability to knock down shots and cause problems with his ability to get downhill and get to the paint. He’s a young name to know after earning Gamechanger honors this past weekend.

Emanuel Befekadu - 6’0 Guard - No Excuses Elite 2024

Befekadu is quite the sharpshooter for No Excuses Elite 2024 in the 16U division. He was one of the top shooters in the state of Georgia this past season at Parkview High and his ability to knock down shots was on full display as a Gamechanger for his squad at the Passion Region Kickoff. He knocked four with ease in their early romp of NineStrong to show off his ability as a threat off the ball. He can knock down shots on all three levels off the bounce and off the catch.

Adonai Mussie - 6’9 Forward - No Excuses Elite 2024

Mussie stood out right away with his length at 6-foot-9 and he utilized it well as a huge Gamechanger in the paint area for No Excuses Elite. He had a number of games where he had multiple block efforts, including six blocks in their opening game of the event at the Passion Region Kickoff. He also showed off an ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots on the perimeter. He’s certainly due to see his stock grow on the PH Circuit this season.

Ryan Blount Ryan Blount 6'6" | CG Rockledge | 2024 State FL - 6’6 Forward/Wing - Athletes of Influence 2024

Blount was another sharpshooter that was dialed in and utilized his size whenever he could with Athletes of Influence. He showed off an ability a total of eight 3-pointers across the first TWO games for his squad to show off his ability to be dialed in from deep. He certainly was a big reason their squad went 3-1 on the weekend. He’s a prospect to get to know with good size as well.

Tyson Wilson Tyson Wilson 5'10" | PG Treasure Coast | 2024 State FL - 6’0 Guard - Athletes of Influence 2024

Wilson took some of the pressure off his counterpart in Ryan Blount Ryan Blount 6'6" | CG Rockledge | 2024 State FL with his ability to attack the paint and finish at the rim. He’s got some budding athleticism to work with that he used well to get to his spots and finish as a mid-range threat and a threat on the perimeter as well. He’s another young potential stock riser to watch after earning Gamechanger honors at the Passion Region Kickoff.

Tyrese Mayo - 5’9 Guard - Filling the Lane (FTL) 2024 

Mayo is an impressive lead guard in the Filling the Lane 2024 backcourt to keep eyes on in the early going as a Gamechanger in the 16U division. He’s a quick guard that likes to get downhill and put constant pressure on the defense with his ability to make plays for himself and others. He went for 29 points in a back-and-forth battle with a strong Stampede 2024 group.

Calvin Charles - 6’4 Forward - Florida Elite SW 2024

Charles was quite the active presence in the Florida Elite SW rotation to earn Gamechanger honors in the Passion Region Kickoff. They were another squad that went 3-1 on the weekend as he showed off his ability to be an active presence on the glass on both ends and showed he can handle the ball and push the pace as well. He’s a wiry, athletic name to keep an eye on in the 2024 class in Florida.

Jaheem Smith - 5’9 Guard - Team Strive Elite 2024

Smith was an exciting guard prospect to watch in the Team Strive Elite 2024 backcourt at the Passion Region Kickoff. He earned Gamechanger honors after showing off an ability to get to his spots and blow by defenders with his handle and finish-ability in the paint, despite his small stature. In his best outing, he went off for 26 points, scoring in a variety of ways. 

Maxwell Porter Maxwell Porter 6'3" | CG Cardinal Gibbons | 2024 FL - 5’11 Point Guard - Team Strive Elite 2024

Porter was another prospect with Team Strive Elite to keep an eye on with his ability to make plays for himself and others. He had a knack for scoring the ball off the bounce and made plays for others that turned heads on numerous occasions as the final Gamechanger selection of the event. He’s an electric name to know in Florida’s 2024 class.