Summer Recap – Program Profile: Team GRIII Elite
When trying to figure out how to best recap the summer basketball scene there was, at first, some paralysis by analysis. With so many great programs featuring talented prospects it is quite the daunting task to try and give everyone…
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Continue ReadingWhen trying to figure out how to best recap the summer basketball scene there was, at first, some paralysis by analysis. With so many great programs featuring talented prospects it is quite the daunting task to try and give everyone the coverage they deserve. Especially with teams spread out across different circuits it can be hard to find a natural way to efficiently break down everything. I’ve decided that the easiest way to do this, and provided the most individual coverage, will be to simply go team-by-team across the state. This exercise will run through the end of August so be patient as we work through all of the teams. With a rankings update coming at the beginning of the month we will have a lot of other content being pushed out as well.
In these program spotlights we will feature a top prospect, a top stock-riser, and an under-the-radar name. Then, I will simply empty out the notebook with some other thoughts and takeaways that have been compiled over the last few months as it pertains to that team. Let’s dive on in.
Top Prospect: Mason Jones Mason Jones 6'7" | PF Valparaiso | 2023 State IN (Valparaiso H.S. 2023/Team GRIII Elite 2023)
After playing the first live period of April with Meanstreets on the EYBL circuit, Jones made the switch over to Team GRIII Elite to run on the Prep Hoops Circuit. After a week of getting acclimated to his new team at the Chi-Town Tip-Off, it didn’t take long for Jones to be one of the best players on the circuit. His versatility at 6’7″ is what really makes him standout as a prospect. Jones has continued to improve as a shooter and has a much quicker release now than he did just a couple of months ago. Additionally, he has always been an excellent driver from the wings. He is very athletic, long, and possesses a lot of offensive tools. The Ball State commit was a big part of Team GRIII Elite’s success throughout the spring and summer.
Top Stock-Riser: Tyler Parrish Tyler Parrish 6'3" | SG Chesterton | 2024 State IN (Chesterton H.S. 2024/Team GRIII Elite 2024)
Parrish had a very successful high school season at Chesterton as a sophomore. He averaged 9.5 points per game, which was second on the team, and the Trojans were state runner-ups finishing with a 29-1 record. However, Indiana All-Star and Mr. Basketball Finalist Travis Grayson captured most of the headlines and Parrish went into the summer looking to make a name for himself. The sharp-shooter did just that earning himself a spot on several All-Tournament teams throughout the Prep Hoops Circuit. Known for his elite catch-and-shoot abilities, Parrish also showcased some improved playmaking which will be necessary as he takes on a larger role this high school season. The future appears to be bright for this prospect.
Under-the-Radar Name: Thomas Collins Thomas Collins 6'1" | SG Culver Academy | 2023 State IN (Culver Academy 2023/Team GRIII Black 2023)
Collins was a consistent force for Team GRIII Black all spring and summer long. He has proven himself as a scoring threat when playing both on and off of the ball. The 6’1″ guard can really catch-and-shoot with a quick release and good mechanics. However, he also is dangerous with the ball in his hands driving it either way and finishing at the rim or the intermediate range. Overall skilled guard that has attracted small college attention.
Other Program Notes
- Cooper Farrall Cooper Farrall 6'5" | SF Culver Academy | 2023 State IN (Culver Academy 2023/Team GRIII Elite 2023) played his way into a Division I offer this summer from Purdue Fort Wayne. The 6’6″ athletic, physical wing has plenty of other interest at that level with several visits planned for the coming month. He shot the ball very well throughout the Prep Hoops Circuit.
- Kelvion Brown (Merrillville H.S. 2025/Team GRIII Elite 2025) had a great finish to the summer. Especially down in Atlanta I was impressed with his ability to attack the rim off of the dribble. Very strong for his age and showed the ability to play through contact on the perimeter. Definitely a name to remember.
- Sticking with the rising sophomore class, Brandon Williams (South Bend Riley H.S. 2025/Team GRIII Elite 2025) is another guard to keep an eye on. The athletic scorer has proven the ability to get it from all three levels.
- 6’5″ forward Andy Spoelman Andy Spoelman 6'6" | PF Illiana Christian | 2024 State IN (Illiana Christian 2024/Team GRIII Elite 2024) has really come into his own as a prospect this summer. He is a mobile, long athlete with the ability to drive to the basket in a straight line and finish above the rim. Has shown flashes of an outside shot, but appears to be as his best as a slasher/driver right now. Intriguing tools.
- Another prospect that played his way into some offers this summer was 6’5″ forward Brandon Trilli Brandon Trilli 6'5" | SF Munster | 2023 State IN (Munster H.S. 2023/Team GRIII Elite 2023). The versatile scorer recently earned his first Division II offer from Northern Michigan. He also holds a few at the NAIA level. It was a great spring and summer for Trilli.