NC’s Elite Squads: Best 16U AAU Squads So Far

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>There's no better time to sign up for PrepHoopsNC! Get 30% OFF payment on your first billing cycle with offer code: VICTORTAYLOR30. Sign up&nbsp;TODAY!</em></strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While we try to spotlight the players first here at PrepHoops, it's worth giving some credit and props to the best teams so far this grassroots season. After highlighting the 17U, college-bound squads recently, it's time to give the younger guys some credit. Below are some of my favorite 16U squads I've seen so far, and the players that have led them to their success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1 Of 1 Elite Rare (Independent/Hoopseen)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1 Of 1 Elite Rare has been running on the Phenom and Hoopseen circuits this spring, and have shown they can hang with anyone thrown their way. One of their only losses so far has been a close defeat to Upward Stars Upstate at Bob Gibbons the past weekend, and they've got a lot of talent playing up that people should watch out for. It all starts with 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1226608' first='Yohance' last='Connor'], a high-flying guard who's athleticism and poise make him seem far beyond his years. Adding more of a perimeter game to his athleticism will make him a complete packages for colleges when that time approaches. <strong>Emmanuel James</strong> seems like he's got springs in his shoes whenever I watch, acting as a terror on the glass and above the rim in a deadly partnership with Connor. [player_tooltip player_id='1361269' first='LJ' last='Rush'] is the team's playmaker, as well as internal guide. I feel like when he controls the tempo and makes impact plays on and off the ball, his team is much better for it. [player_tooltip player_id='1226599' first='Tayeshaun' last='Smith'] and <strong>Gervonte Ware</strong> are the bigs who control the boards, rim, and the defensive end in general, and help get the rest of their team out and running.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team United (EYBL)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is an above average EYBL squad nationally, and I think the blend of talent that is on this team highlights North Carolina well. Their go-to guy has been [player_tooltip player_id='1225669' first='Sadiq' last='White Jr'], a really athletic forward/wing with guard chops that can bust it out on his own and run the floor really well. He's a threat in transition or when he's got an open lane to pick up a head of steam. He does it defensively too, guarding multiple spots on the floor and protecting the paint well. [player_tooltip player_id='1164550' first='Zymicah' last='Wilkins'] has been on our radar for a while due to his impressive physical talent, but has continued to refine his interior game and ability to affect the contest on the glass and inside the paint. [player_tooltip player_id='1487712' first='Trajan' last='Thompson'] is one of the bigger rising names of the spring, who's got a good mid-range/slashing game and an ability to showcase his high motor on defense. He's just been really rock solid every session. [player_tooltip player_id='1730932' first='Jaydon' last='Terrell'], <strong>Jalyn Connor</strong>, and [player_tooltip player_id='1591316' first='Kaden' last='Magwood'] are all outside perimeter threats that add a shooting touch to complement the forwards games. They should continue to win games and impress people all summer long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2078529' first='Strong' last='Center'] 2025 (Independent)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='2078529' first='Strong' last='Center'] was a really solid group of players when I saw them in Raleigh a few weeks ago, and they continue to prove their mettle, taking home the Phenom G3 Championship this weekend. [player_tooltip player_id='1698954' first='Will' last='James Jr']. is a great downhill scorer and finisher that has an impressive physical frame and presence, and is usually the leading offensive player for this squad. He can get hot in a hurry and become almost impossible to slow down once he gets going. <strong>David Major</strong> would be the leading creator, an on ball presence that is comfortable running the show. Scoring wise, he is best from beyond the arc, knocking down shots off the catch and dribble. [player_tooltip player_id='1794170' first='Jake' last='Cackovic'] is an emerging big for them that has a good, physical frame and his hands and touch seem to be improving. He'll be a big to watch the rest of the summer and in the fall with Holly Springs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2426935' first='Greyson' last='Land'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2023923' first='Grant' last='Overman']</strong> are two others that play good supporting roles for this group, with both attending new Willow Spring High School. This is a consistent Phenom Hoops team that just always seems to be playing solid basketball, and now have guys that college coaches should be all over.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->