Grit Region Kickoff: Scotty B’s Friday Notebook
The Prep Hoops Circuit began on Friday night in Louisville with the first night of the Grit Region Kickoff! It was a fun set of games with a couple of big performances! I dive into it here in Grit Region…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Circuit began on Friday night in Louisville with the first night of the Grit Region Kickoff! It was a fun set of games with a couple of big performances! I dive into it here in Grit Region Kickoff: Scotty B’s Friday Notebook!
Quality Sports Academy Tops Ballers Elite in Opener Behind Balanced Effort
It was a dominant performance by Quality Sports Academy 17U in their opening 62-46 victory over Ballers Elite. The top scorer on the evening for the squad from Ohio was Groveport Madison (OH) wing Josh Moore. The 6’4” wing has a long and lanky body with a smooth game. He hit from mid-range, three, and was slick off the bounce racking up 16 points in the win. His high school teammate Jaquan Ingram was effective especially in the first half as an undersized big that was effective with his toughness, skill, and efficiency around the hoop. In the backcourt Elida (OH) point guard Zori Island is a 5’10” floor general that zipped the ball all around the floor distributing the rock getting in the lane with his shifty handle. Reynoldsburg (OH) 5’9” point guard Damon Griffin took control in the second half with his ability to get downhill racking up the buckets.
For Ballers Elite out of Michigan they got a wow moment early on from Rico McFadden throwing down a massive dunk. Bouncy athlete that got on the glass. Also had some production early from 2026 point guard Mehki Radford. The strong and stocky guard is crafty off the bounce and can finish with touch. Garrett James was their top performer with 13 points. Plus shot maker hitting several threes and mid-range shots along with mixing in a few slashes.
615 Basketball Puts on Show in Victory Against Kentucky Future Elite
We came away very impressed with 615 Basketball 17U out of Tennessee in their opening 70-44 win against Kentucky Future Elite. Big man Jack Morris came off the bench for 615 and was an absolute monster! He is a thick bodied post that gets on the offensive glass and is crafty around the hoop finishing. Very efficient 21 points. They got really good production out of their backcourt as well. Dawsyn Miller is a plus shooter that is a slick ball handler working well around ball screens. Jacob Duryea also hit a couple threes and displayed acrobatics around the hoop.
For Kentucky Future Elite White their top prospect is 6’4” face up four man Riley Mollette of Model (KY). The big man has broad shoulders and a nice skill set. Can stretch with his shooting and deck it a little. Also got solid contributions in the backcourt from Braden Fugate and Chase Pace who brought toughness and shooting.
All In Sports Academy 16U Flips Script in Second Half on Mavericks Basketball Elite
This was a game of two halves. In the first Mavericks Basketball had it all working as the Missouri squad was hitting shots and spreading the wealth. That all changed in the second half as All In Sports Academy ramped it up defensively and their star Mar Nicholson took over to win 75-62.
Nicholson is a 6’4” 2026 wing from Shelbyville (IN). He has good strength and plus athleticism. Showed it off on both ends. Defensively he blocked an array of shots. On offense it was all downhill. He attacked over and over again using his creative handles and size to get to the rim and foul line racking up 25 points. Big time future for this kid! He got help in the first half from Paire Loving as the power combo guard made plays for himself and others. George Washington (IN) 6’1” guard Roosevelt Franklin really got it going in the second half with his quickness off the dribble getting to the rim. Also major contributions from Caden Claxton, Fletcher Depaima, and Brody Runnebohm in the win.
Mavericks Basketball Elite got a really good first half out of Will Wolf. The Orchard Farm product is a 5’10” guard that brings plus shot making from three and slick ball handling as he had 16 points. CJ Large out of St. Charles West has some projectability on the wing at 6’4” with his shooting and fluidity. Drew Heishmidt is a scrappy all-around player. Charlie Ries of Duchesne is an upside play to watch down the line. The 6’5” post is a bit raw, but moves very well. Athletic, had a nice hook shot, and looks like he could grow more.