Standouts from The Challenge CT (5/18-5/19)
This past weekend, AAU teams and programs gathered together to compete in The Challenge CT in Newington, CT. This event was hosted by Zero Gravity. All teams played hard on the court the entire weekend, and it was a great showing for all of…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend, AAU teams and programs gathered together to compete in The Challenge CT in Newington, CT. This event was hosted by Zero Gravity. All teams played hard on the court the entire weekend, and it was a great showing for all of the individual players, coaches, and programs that attended. I mainly focused on the varsity teams and some players stood out. Without further ado, here are some of the standouts from The Challenge CT!
2027 Mike Massey (Team Pettway Elite)
Mike Massey is only a freshman, but he was one of the best players I saw on the court this past weekend. With a strong and well-built frame, he was able to display a neat post-up and bully game. Massey has a strong touch around the rim and can score easily within 10 feet on the basket. He also wasn’t afraid to take a three-pointer or two and his form looks solid. Massey was very impressive and I can’t wait to see what he has in store for the future.
2024 Stephen Kaine (DTX Basketball)
Stephen Kaine had a lot of great offensive moments. He shot the ball exceptionally well, knocking down deep balls with ease and efficiency. Kaine’s muscular physique also helped him finish through contact in transition. He came up in big moments and showed confidence throughout the weekend.
2025 Nathaniel Green (Hudson Valley Panthers)
Nathaniel Green is a speedy ball handler who gets up the court in a flash. He made some nice passes and has a great feel for getting the ball moving in transition. Green also looked comfortable dribbling the ball through traffic and played under control even when pushing the pace.
2025 Raymond Jordan (Team Pettway Elite)
Raymond Jordan was the defensive glue for TPE this past weekend. He has some key blocks at the rim at opportune times. Jordan also showcases tenacious rebounding that affected his team and their performance in the win column.
2028 Adien MacDonald (DTX Basketball)
Adien MacDonald was the youngest player who competed at the varsity level this past weekend. Although still tiny and overmatched from a physical standpoint right now, he was able to hold his own because of his elite shooting. MacDonald was confident with a quick and easy form. Every time he shot the ball from three, it was a perfect swish. MacDonald was so impressive and poised playing against players 4-5 years older than him, and I can’t wait to see what his future holds.
2025 Alejandro Florentino (Hudson Valley Panthers)
Alejandro Florentino was poised throughout the weekend, which led to great results. He did the little things to help the Panthers secure victories and displayed some smart and interesting passing skills that stood out to me most.
2025 Antonio Brown (Team Pettway Elite)
Antonio Brown stood out this past weekend with his physical tools and skill. A strapping ball-handling guard, he was able to get wherever he wanted at the rim. Brown played very hard on defense and moved smoothly in transition for scoring buckets.
2024 Mekhi Seth (Team Pettway Elite)
Mekhi Seth impressed me this past weekend with his playmaking at point guard and scoring instincts. With the ball in his hands, he was able to find teammates quickly for easy scoring opportunities. Seth could shoot off the dribble and create his shot from deep with a compact dribble package. He showed great finishing ability at the cup for his size.
2026 Bleck Ngon (Hudson Valley Panthers)
Bleck Ngon played with a level of hustle and intensity that was admirable and effective. He was flying in the air for rebounds on the offensive end, giving his team second chances to score. Ngon was running to save balls out of bounds and just played with an edge on defense. His overall athleticism also popped in this setting and he took advantage of his gifts this past weekend.
2025 Ibrahim “Ibby” Davila (DTX Basketball)
Ibby Davila has a lot of upside. A projectable frame, he excelled at getting to the rim and finishing. Davila is an exciting athlete in transition who also stretched the floor this past weekend.
2025 Luciano Nieves (Team Pettway Elite)
Luciano Nieves is a confident shot-taker and shotmaker. He was shooting shots well beyond the arch and knocking them down with consistency. Nieves’ consistent floor spacing made it hard for opponents to stop TPE when they were going right. He made some good passes too and moved the ball effectively.
2025 Jaylen Scott (Hudson Valley Panthers)
Jaylen Scott showcased an impressive offensive approach that is functional for any winning team. Playing off the ball, he made swift cuts to the bucket for open layups. With the ball, Scott showed a beautiful float game and had some really good moments driving to the rim.
2025 Jakari Lamb (Hudson Valley Panthers)
Jakari Lamb was a menace on the defensive end this past weekend. He picked opponents’ pockets and guarded hard on the ball. Lamb also played with an infectious high energy with gave his team momentum in key spots.