Jr. EYBL Chicago: Pool G Superlatives

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hampton, VA — The grassroots basketball world began a new and historic chapter as the Nike Jr. Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) made its highly anticipated debut with the introduction of a “Super Regional” event held in the Tidewater region of Virginia this past weekend. This gathering at the esteemed Boo Williams Sportsplex signified a new era in youth hoops and provided a platform to showcase much of North America's future basketball stars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Identical to my eight-part, Jr. EYBL Chicago feature, in these articles I'll spotlight standout performers from each pool match-up at the respective event through a series of superlatives. Once again, it's important to note that the first year of the Nike Jr. EYBL encompasses only eighth-grade teams, thus the included prospects are exclusively from the Class of 2028. Beginning with Pool A and culminating with the final group in Pool H, this sequence of exclusive recaps is intended to capture the essence of talent participating in this inaugural circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Event Superlative Award: BEST ATHLETE</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2415602,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Chandon Gilbert","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Indy Heat","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eChandon Gilbert emerged as a dynamic force on the basketball court, showcasing a promising blend of skills that hint at his potential at the Nike Jr. EYBL Chicago Super Regional. His defensive prowess is undeniable, marked by relentless energy and a keen ability to disrupt opponents. On offense, Gilbert's game is equally compelling; he fearlessly attacks the rim with explosive drives, keeping defenders on their toes. However, his jumper still needs refinement, hinting at room for growth in his shooting game. Gilbert's performance signals his rise as one of the most captivating perimeter players hailing from the Midwest region.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649b9f541be59"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Event Superlative Award: BEST BALL-HANDLER</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2415609,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Elijah Mason","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Indy Heat","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDespite being a less-heralded prospect on the Indy Heat roster, Elijah Mason proved to be a crucial component of his team's success at the Nike Jr. EYBL Chicago Super Regional. As a floor general, Mason exhibited remarkable composure, effectively navigating pressure situations and making sound decisions in the halfcourt sets. His versatility was evident as he confidently sank shots when called upon and demonstrated a tenacious defensive presence, containing opposing backcourt players with adeptness.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649b9f541be59"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Event Superlative Award: BEST DEFENDER</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2415613,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Maximus Jones","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Bradley Beal Elite","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eMax Jones, a wiry post prospect, showcased glimpses of emerging face-up skills at the Nike Jr. EYBL Chicago Super Regional. However, where he truly shone was as an interior defender. Despite his slender frame, Jones displayed remarkable agility, swiftly covering ground in the lane. His length proved invaluable in disrupting opponents' offense, effectively occupying space and contesting shots with his impressive leaping ability. Moving forward, Jones's focus will be on enhancing his consistency and overall contribution across the court, aiming to further elevate his impact in future competitions.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649b9f541be59"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Event Superlative Award: BEST REBOUNDER</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2415619,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2750235' first='Kyle' last='Sanders']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Team Why Not","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='2750235' first='Kyle' last='Sanders'] showed that he is a raw yet immensely talented frontcourt prospect during his play in Chicago at the Nike Jr. EYBL Super Regional, as he commanded attention with his imposing size and athleticism. Blessed with a physical profile tailor-made for dominating the paint, Sanders already exerts a significant presence on the court. While he is still in the process of maturing into his frame, his innate coordination and burgeoning confidence are evident. Sanders's recent standout performance in Chicago solidifies his status as a rising star to watch, particularly on the competitive landscape of the West Coast basketball scene.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649b9f541be59"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Event Superlative Award: BEST SCORER</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2415634,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2750226' first='Austin' last='Kirksey']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Team Why Not","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='2750226' first='Austin' last='Kirksey'] was one of the standout performers at the Nike Jr. EYBL Chicago Super Regional, earning recognition for his consistent scoring ability. Hailing from California, Kirksey showcased a formidable skill set, including a deft handle and a rapid release on his jump shot. His offensive prowess played a pivotal role in leading his team to the championship game of the Platinum Bracket. As a skilled combo guard, Kirksey exudes confidence on the court and appears poised for further development and growth, suggesting even greater potential ahead.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649b9f541be59"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->