EYBL Session I: Sunday 17 U Standouts
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The first session of EYBL had one game a day for each 17 U program on the circuit. These games were intense and in this article I’ll break down the 17 U standouts I caught on Sunday from Memphis. Antione…
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Continue ReadingThe first session of EYBL had one game a day for each 17 U program on the circuit. These games were intense and in this article I’ll break down the 17 U standouts I caught on Sunday from Memphis.
All Ohio Red 17 U struggled this weekend, going 0-3 against tough competition. Without DeErick Barber all weekend and Arness Lawson Arness Lawson 6’1″ | PG Pickerington North | 2025 State #306 Nation OH for Sunday, it fell on West’s shoulders to carry the burden of running point guard and creating for his teammates. West started the game hot with a corner 3, top of the key 3 and a deep pull-up 3 in the first half. West also had a couple crafty finishes in the paint. As a passer, West had very mixed results on Sunday. Playing against an ultra-athletic Georgia Stars group, West sometimes got in trouble as their length and athleticism forced turnovers. When West didn’t get caught up with two defenders attached to him, he found skip passes to shooters across the court. A solid weekend for West who is establishing himself as a known national name slowly but surely.
Highlights
I’ve been more impressed with Nwokolo with All Ohio than during the high school season both at the 16 and 17 U level. I thought Nwokolo’s effort levels were very high on Sunday, just being active on both ends of the court. Whether it was crashing for rebounds, going after loose balls, being in help-side defensively, Nwokolo found the ball consistently on Sunday. Combine that with some sweet finishes at the rim and second chance points, Nwokolo was productive against the Georgia Stars. Hoping to continue to see this level of activity from Nwokolo throughout the rest of the summer with All Ohio.
Highlights
On Sunday, Land played with a lot more aggressiveness and toughness than I saw on Saturday for Indy Heat. Going up against a top 60 ranked center in Jaden Toombs, Land had his hands full in the paint. After giving up a couple easy buckets to start, Land got into the flow of the game and really bothered Toombs defensively. Land avoided fouls and got his hands on loose balls and rebounds. Combine that with defending the post long enough for his guards to double down and moving his feet on the perimeter, Land had a nice overall performance. Got capped off with a couple nice finishes at the rim including a back-scratcher dunk to seal the win, I left impressed with what Land did in a big time match-up for him.
Fears was getting busy on Sunday morning with some tough buckets off the dribble in a win over Drive Nation. Getting to his spots and rising up, Fears was a tough cover in isolation. One of the more skilled point guards in the country, Fears also scored in transition when the floor opened up for him to attack the rim. Also making a couple impact defensive plays, Fears rose up for some big time blocked shot as a help-side defender. After starting the weekend 0-2, Indy Heat needed a win desperately to close out the weekend, Fears helped individually carry his team to a win on Sunday with a huge scoring outburst.
There weren’t a ton of Kentucky prospects playing on the EYBL circuit this weekend, but one player I had to watch was Boone for Team Thad. Out of all the games I watched this weekend, I’m not sure if any kid competed harder on both ends of the floor than Boone. Giving the top ranked point guard in the country fits defensively, Boone made it difficult for opposing ball handlers to create any space with his pressure and ability to fight over screens. Combine this with a couple blocks and steals from help-side defense and Boone was everywhere on that end of the court. Offensively, Boone is limited at the EYBL level as a scorer but played off two feet and usually made smart decisions with the basketball. In transition, Boone had a couple breakaway dunks when he got behind the defense. I loved how hard Boone played this weekend and thought he did himself a ton of favors with his performance against The Family.
One of the more underrated kids in the country, Davis-Fleming finds himself ranked 149th or lower on every national rankings website. I am here to say that is too low. A center who was physical in the paint, Davis-Fleming was using his body to move defenders out of the way. Had a monster slam dunk from the dunker spot, getting fouled on post touches and showing soft touch on a baby hook, Davis-Fleming was getting active in the paint. He even stretched out and hit an 18 footer as the shot clock expired. Defensively, Davis-Fleming protected the rim well by going straight up and using his frame to force players to shy away from the rim. If he plays anywhere close to how he did on Sunday, I expect high major programs to get active in his recruitment starting in May/June.