UAA Session II: DMV 17U Friday Standouts

Under Armour's Session II tipped off today in Rock Hill, SC. As usual, we focused on the MD/DC/VA prospects throughout the event and throughout our viewing, we compiled this list of standouts for the 17U bracket.   Derik Queen | [program_tooltip program_id='2077005' first='Team' last='Thrill']   In the first game of the day, two undefeated teams faced off as Thrill took on Texas Impact 4:13. Queen made it a point from the tip that his fingerprints would be all over this game. The five-star forward was a dominant force at both ends. Whether it was bullying his way to the rim on block touches, finishing with improved athleticism over the rim in transition or operating in pick-and-rolls as the ball-handler (yes, you read that correctly), he was an offensive show. Queen also put forth the effort defensively as he sent away multiple shots and took great pride in manning the glass with regularity. Maryland head coach Kevin Willard was front and center for the performance.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/rodgerbohn/status/1652139337104998409?s=20 </div></figure>   Brant Byers | [program_tooltip program_id='2077005' first='Team' last='Thrill']   Byers had multiple programs checking their roster books to make notations next to his name. He comes with intriguing size at 6'7-6'8 and one of the smoothest shooting strokes you'll find on the UAA Circuit. Furthermore, Byers is a guy who is constantly relocating around the perimeter and making himself available for skip passes (particularly from Queen) where he can make his impact felt most. Byers scored 12 points on three triples in the win over Impact.   Byers also had bright spots in their win over Atlanta Xpress. He continued to knock down three's at an efficient rate. His play resulted in earning an offer from American.   [player_tooltip player_id='1259619' first='Emmanuel' last='Okitondo'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2078456' first='DC' last='Premier']   IT had been some time since I last seen Okitondo and since it looks as if he's put on some size. The 6'7 four man was active around the basket at both ends and always seemed to be in the mix for 50/50s. He was the paint presence that Premier needed in order to pull out a close win over the Mountain Stars. Still undecided on where he'll attend high school for his senior season, Okitondo finished the win with 14 points.   Teyvien Barber | [program_tooltip program_id='2078456' first='DC' last='Premier']   Barber is a constant producer no matter if it's in a high school or AAU setting. Today was no different as the 6'4 guard made winning plays and led the team in scoring with 17 points in the noon victory. The Stars resorted to a zone defense for much of the contest and Barber was one finding his success from beyond the arc. He cashed in on three triples and as defenders closed out wildly, would put the ball on the deck and draw contact on his trips to the basket.   [player_tooltip player_id='1489063' first='Brandon' last='Jennings'] | Global Squad   Adam Ayalew made me aware of Jennings prior to the event and the 6'4 southpaw guard lived up to the bill. He was the catalyst in Global Squad earning their first win in circuit play over B-Maze Elite. He's a combo guard that knows how to get to this spots in the mid-range where he can stop on a dime and pull up or finish floaters with touch. He had a few baseline drives that were capped off with crafty layups. Jennings also showed off his shooting capabilities from deep as he buried back-to-back three's in transition off the dribble.   [player_tooltip player_id='1259624' first='Chance' last='Mallory'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2077005' first='Team' last='Thrill']   After a loud Session I that generated high major offers from Maryland and Virginia Tech, Mallory was quiet in Thrill's win over Impact. That wouldn't last for long though, as the 5-foot-9 lead guard got back to his sniping ways in the late game. When he wasn't connecting from deep, Mallory was making things happen defensively where his active hands caused multiple deflections that resulted in fast break opportunities for his team. He's a savvy, sneaky defender who waits for the best opportunity to poke the ball loose when others least expect it. Seton Hall extended an offer to Mallory last night.   Martin Somerville | [program_tooltip program_id='2078456' first='DC' last='Premier']   Premier earned a huge win over Team Curry Saturday afternoon and it was sparked by the second half play of Somerville. The 6'1 lefty guard struggled to find his groove in the game earlier against the Mountain Stars, but got going in the final 16 minutes and never looked back. The Bishop McNamara standout would go onto score 18 points after converting three triples and visiting the free-throw line with regularity.   [player_tooltip player_id='1403918' first='Callum' last='Crossman'] | Global Squad   Crossman is an available senior who attempting to spark some late interest from a division one program. The 6'9 big's activity in the win over B-Maze may have been enough to give coaches incentive to check him out again as the weekend progresses. He was active on the glass at both ends, used his springy bounce to finish over the rim and converted on short hooks in the paint. He contributed 10 points in the contest while being a familiar face when it came to hauling in boards.

Under Armour's Session II tipped off today in Rock Hill, SC. As usual, we focused on the MD/DC/VA prospects throughout the event and throughout our viewing, we compiled this list of standouts for the 17U bracket.