AP’s Passion Region Final Day 1 Notebook
The Passion region’s road to the championship opened today with 40+ teams taking the court. With three scouts spread out around Bradenton, Florida, I’ll give you the lowdown on 17U storylines. The Young Guns I know I said we’re focusing…
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Continue ReadingThe Passion region’s road to the championship opened today with 40+ teams taking the court. With three scouts spread out around Bradenton, Florida, I’ll give you the lowdown on 17U storylines.
The Young Guns
I know I said we’re focusing on the senior class, but I caught a few 16U games before the older guys took the floor. No Guts No Glory had a backcourt that got to their spots all day. Tayshaun Whitner is a quick 5’10 guard that uses his handle to get him in the paint. He looks to score every time he gets the ball and can stop on the dime for pull ups or finish at the hole. Chris Crudup Chris Crudup 6'3" | PG Southern Wake Academy | 2024 State NC is a downhill attacker that flourished in 1 on 1 situations in the half court. He draws fouls and has the athletic burst to finish above the rim on the break.
Across from them was a frontcourt with two defense first prospects. Elijah Lusbey is a 6’6 big that runs the floor, blocks shots, makes smart passes, and dives to the rim out of pick and rolls. Javon Palavra is a long high energy 6’3 wing that can defend multiple positions, change shots, and hit threes.
High Seeds Struggle
Despite a night of blowouts, teams full of talent fell short. Florida Elite SW beat Pro Holmes at the buzzer. The duo of Jervens St. Louis and Kevins Meralus Kevins Meralus 6'0" | CG Immokalee | 2023 FL used their athleticism and physicality to push the talented team late into the game. St. Louis is 6’4 and built like a brick house. His ability to create mismatches and finish around the rim made him the team’s leading scorer. He made layups at different angles, runs the floor, and tanks through athleticism. Meralus is a hyper athletic 6 foot guard built like a running back. His explosive finishes and outside shot were a great combination.
The Duval Suns kept it tight with No Guts No Glory 17U until the later stages of the game. Nick Quick Nick Quick 6'5" | SF Quality Education Academy | 2023 NC and Jakel Powell Jakel Powell 6'5" | SF Raleigh Christian Academy | 2024 NC spearheaded the team’s win with a combined 38 points. Quick is a big time 6’4 athlete that can finish above the rim and put on a show in transition. Powell is a long 6’7 wing that scores off the bounce, has deep range, and can finish above the rim.
Stock Risers
Ermil Fleurinvil is a long 6’7 forward with a two way impact. He’s a good defender who can switch on to several positions and affect shots in the paint. Offensively, he can take bigs off the dribble, knock down perimeter shots, and finish against contact despite his slender frame.
Joviel Acevedo Joviel Acevedo 6'4" | PG Downey Christian | 2023 State FL and Trent Lincoln Trent Lincoln 6'3" | PG Huntington Prep | 2023 FL amazed me with their passing. Each traded off time as the lead ball handler, orchestrating pick and rolls and finding their diving bigs. Acevedo has great timing and IQ with his passes that place the ball where defenders can get to it while ending in his teammates’ pockets. Lincoln has mastered using his scoring to drag defenders to him to increase passing angles.
New Faces
Toni Bryant was another switchable 6’7 forward. His agility, length, and overall athleticism allowed him to score above the rim. He’s a rim runner that blocked shots and showed a lot of effort on the defensive end.
Bermhan Pyram is a 6’8 big man with an intriguing set of tools. He’s a good vertical athlete with a high activity level. Pyram affects the game without scoring.