LV Big Time: Top CA 17u Performers (Pt. 1)
LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Big Time tournament was one of the more widely attended Live Period events on the West Coast, drawing more than 100 teams across four age brackets and from multiple locations throughout the United States.…
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Continue ReadingLAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Big Time tournament was one of the more widely attended Live Period events on the West Coast, drawing more than 100 teams across four age brackets and from multiple locations throughout the United States. Here is the first set of California-based standouts we saw at this event.
Amari Gray, Bay City Warriors 17s – Gray had some eye-opening performances throughout the weekend and impressed with his combination of scoring ability and game-management. The 6-foot-1 point guard controlled pace, made high IQ decisions out of ball screen action and was able to open up driving lanes with his consistent three-point shot.
Angelo Gil, San Diego All-Stars 17s – Gil is one of those prospects you can count on to never give in. The 6-foot-1 point guard out of San Diego willed an impressive comeback attempt as SDA fell behind BTI Wolfpack by 20-plus in a lackluster first half. Gil picked up the intensity on both ends of the floor in the second 16 minutes as he knocked down three-point and mid-range jumpers and got to the rim at-will where he used his strong frame to finish through contact.
Brandon Benjamin, Juice County Players 17s – Benjamins is one of the more unknown prospects in Southern California. The 6-foot-5 forward out of Anaheim Canyon was playing well-above his 2025 class and flashed an impressive package of low-post moves. Benjamin has a sort of throwback feel to his game as a four-man whose best basketball is played with his back to the basket. The rising sophomore has a variety of post moves, utilizes as an effective shot fake and can finish around the basket with either hand.
George Gale, Bay City Warriors 17s – Gale stepped up big for his team in the absence of Division 1 recruit John Squire. The 6-foot-4 wing was a lethal floor-spreading threat off the catch from three-point range and, when defenders over-pursued on close-outs, he showed the ball skills and aggressive attacking mentality to get downhill and to the rim.
Jermaine Haliburton, Play Hard Play Smart 17s – The best way to describe Haliburton’s game is simply “playmaker.” The 6-foot-1 rising senior is a shifty ball handler with quick twitch athleticism and a first step that allows him to get by defenders and into the paint where he can hit a consistent floater or kick to an open teammate. One of Haliburton’s best qualities is how hard he plays on the defensive end. The Inderkum high school product applies great ball pressure and forces opposing ball handlers to make quick and rushed decisions.