UAA Finals Recap: 2023 NJ & PA Standouts
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This past weekend, Under Armor hosted some of the nation’s best 17U grassroots programs in Chicago. Below are 7 prospects from Pennsylvania and New Jersey-based programs who stood out. Kenny Jackson HEIGHT 6'3" POS PG CLASS 2023 View Profile Kenny…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend, Under Armor hosted some of the nation’s best 17U grassroots programs in Chicago. Below are 7 prospects from Pennsylvania and New Jersey-based programs who stood out.
6’3 G We-R1 17U (@ElmarkoJ)Making it all the way to the Final 4, Elmarko did his thing in Chicago, averaging 15.2 points. His three balls weren’t falling like he wanted but he still showed the confidence to take over four of them per game. And the shooting didn’t stop him from contributing in other ways. Jackson attacked the glass (5.5 rebounds) and used the advantages he created to get teammates involved (5.7 assists). Elmarko’s upward climb nationally should continue once he gets to South Kent.
W 6’5 We-R1 17U (@brosenberger) We-R1 wouldn’t have gotten as far as they did without the effort from Bobby. Rosenberger ran the floor hard in transition and in the halfcourt as a cutter, getting the majority of his 9.3 points in the paint (70% on 2FG) or from deep (35.7% 3FG). His biggest contribution was as an impact defender, racking up 3.3 stocks 2 steals + 1.3 blocks) per contest. St. Francis (PA) offered just before the UAA Finals and more should come soon.
F 6’8 Team Rio 17U (@SultanAdewale12)That trip to the UK must have been restorative because Adewale was on fire for Team Rio . His dominance in the paint resulted in 17.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in their 6 contests. Sultan is getting more comfortable in his jumper, going 4-14 from the arc. In one of the better individual performances versus the eventual champs (Team Thrill), Adewale put up 15 points, 8 rebounds, a steal, and a block. He’s got a ton of momentum heading into his senior season.
G 6’2 Team Rio 17UWhite’s skills from the perimeter complimented Hester and what Adewale did in the post. Facilitating their offense and making connecting plays, he averaged 3.2 assists. He spaced the floor as well, shooting 30.4% from 3 on 4 attempts per game to go along with his 8.8 points. Joe’s defense was a catalyst for Rio too. He took tough assignments on the perimeter and averaged 1.5 steals.
G 6’3 Team Rio 17U (@IsaacHester12)
Hester’s perimeter scoring was a vital part of Team Rio ‘s offense. Over their 6 games, he made 36.3% of his treys, on 44 total attempts. Issac played off of his shooting to get to the cup (12.0 total points/g) and make the right reads (3.5 assists/g). Equally as impressive as the shooting was the glass. Isaac’s 8.3 boards extended possessions on offense and closed out possessions on D.
Highlights
F 6’9 Philly Pride 17U @d1_sann)Al puts it together more and more every outing. His ability to disrupt offenses showed up in his 2.3 stocks per game and that doesn’t count his deflections. He tried to contest everything, knowing he has the tools to alter shots and believing in his ability to do it. On the other end, the game continues to slow down for him. Amadou’s 8.8 points came off the catch and 5.2 rebounds created 2nd chance opportunities.
W 6’6 Philly Pride 17U @horacesimmons23)Simmons pulled to the UAA Finals and did what you expect a “3&D” wing to do. He led Pride in scoring with a barrage of deep shots. In their 6 games, he had 50 attempts from three, cashing 30% of them. The 3-point volume paired nicely with what he contributed on defense. The 1.2 steals and 1 block (2.2 stocks) bode well for what he should be able to do as an off-ball defender in college.
Honorable Mention
- Adam “Budd” Clark | G 5’9 Philly Pride
- Joe White Joe White 6'2" | SG CBA | 2023 State NJ | 6’3 G Team Rio
- Thomas Haugh Thomas Haugh 6'9" | SF Perkiomen School | 2023 State #117 Nation PA | F 6’9 We-R1
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