Made Hoops East Mania: Sunday Standouts
In this article:
Though there weren’t as many showcase games, the final day of East Mania was littered with great match ups and hidden gems. Here are 6 of the players who caught my eye: Aven Diamond Aven Diamond 6'1" | CG Polytech…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThough there weren’t as many showcase games, the final day of East Mania was littered with great match ups and hidden gems. Here are 6 of the players who caught my eye:
Aven Diamond Aven Diamond 6'1" | CG Polytech | 2027 State DE | 6’1 G 2027 Team Delaware 15U
With no wings or bigs, Diamond anchored his team on defense all game long. He came up with 3 steals and countless other defensive plays that don’t go in the stat sheet. With his improving handle, Diamond beat his man off-the-dribble late in the second half, including the and-one lay up to force overtime.
Larry Duncan Larry Duncan 6'5" | SF Caravel | 2026 State DE | 6’5 W 2026 Cecil Strive 16U
Duncan was everything to his team on defense. His deflections, steals, and blocks solidified Strive 16s on that end, while his all-around activity on offense had a parallel impact. In addition to his ability to quickly catch-and-finish inside, Duncan played off of closeouts and drilled a jumper from deep.
Wayne Fletcher II Wayne Fletcher II 6'2" | SG Central Dauphin | 2025 State PA | 6’3 G 2025 York Ballers MHC 17U
With a reputation for hitting shots, Fletcher II did that and then some. With his technical approach to the game, he scored in bunches from all over on Saturday and Sunday. But he was able to show the understated part of his game too — the playmaking. Fletcher II connected with his bigs on lobs and backdoor cuts to the basket.
Alassan N’Diaye Alassan N’Diaye 6'5" | PF St. Mark’s | 2026 State DE | 6’6 F 2026 Delaware Certified Hoopers 16U
The 19 points and 9 boards from N’Diaye don’t quite capture how dominant he was against Team Shooters. He rewarded his team by converting the dumblp downs to him in the post into easy buckets. And anything that didn’t go in he cleaned up or converted at the free throw line.
Grant Polk | 6’6 W 2025 New World 3SSB 17U
The big wing shooter found a myriad of ways to get his jumpers off without ever having to dribble. Polk cashed one three after another on DHOs and by running off of screens. He also just kept moving, reacting to drives by relocating to open space then shooting over out-stretched arms.
AJ Starr | 6’1 G 2027 All Ball 15U
In the 10:30 am thriller versus Team Delaware, Starr shot the lights out. With all but three of his points coming from behind the arc, he splashed four catch-and-shoot threes in regulation, each taking some air out of the game. Then in overtime, someone kicked the ball out to Starr and cashed in a long-distance jumper, giving them 3 of the 4 points they needed to win.