Peach Jam 17 U Standouts

The Nike Peach Jam got underway during the first July live period and college coaches flooded to North Augusta, SC to check out some of the top prospects in the country. In this article we'll break down some of the 17 U standouts I caught at the event.    Arguably the top prospect in the entire country from the 2026 class, Stokes announced this week a move to Notre Dame high school. That move didn't overshadow the stellar performance he showed on the court on Thursday evening in a blowout win Vs Indy Heat. Stokes was efficient from the floor which was aided by some impressive perimeter shot making. Combine that with elite athleticism and a motor that grabbed a handful of contested rebounds and Stokes had a complete performance on the court. Few teams score on the fast break as well as the Oakland Soldiers do and Stokes does an excellent job throwing the ball ahead after rebounds and steals to start the fast break. When the Soldiers went on their big run, it was highlighted by a sweet reverse layup and alley oop slam to push the game out of reach. Finally, Stokes had a nasty hesi move to freeze a defender in mid transition before rising up for a monster jam. The Louisville native continues to perform under the bright lights and has Oakland Soldiers in position to compete for a Peach Jam title this upcoming weekend.     The newest Division I commit from Kentucky's 2025 class, Boone stood out with his future head coach and assistant watching this weekend. A tough kid who does what it takes on both ends, Boone isn't afraid of anybody on the court. A wing who will get after it defensively with pressure and fight for loose balls, Boone gets his team extra possessions consistently. Combine that with smart movement off the ball and a strong base, Boone can finish at the rim through rim protectors. Knocking down a corner jumper was the icing on the cake as Boone did a little bit of everything in Team Thad's win over Alabama Fusion on Friday morning.     Recently announcing his commitment to new Ohio State Head Coach Jake Diebler, Jones had a strong performance on Saturday as he went 6/8 from downtown. I was only able to catch his game on Sunday where Jones continued to knock down perimeter shots (11 made 3-pointers in four games) and maybe the most encouraging thing I saw was Jones getting to the foul line, attempting five free throws the game I was at and seven free throws on Monday Vs Team Final. The shot-making and athletic upside give Jones some intriguing potential as an in-state recruit that has been prioritized by the Ohio State staff.     I was impressed with Brad Beal Elite as their 17 U program doesn't have as much talent as some other Peach Jam qualified 17 U teams but they play some of the best defense you'll see all weekend. Garrett is a key piece of that puzzle as the bigger wing can knock down shots from the perimeter and play above the rim. With his frame, athleticism and explosiveness, Garrett is tough to stop in transition as his teammates do a nice job finding him out on the fast break or on cuts. Also able to knock down a spot-up jumper, Garrett is 3/7 on 3-pointers in two games at Peach Jam. While he's limited with the basketball off the dribble and developing as a passer, it's surprising to me that Garrett's only posted Division I offer came in March of 2023 from SEMO. Hoping he can find some new interest during the second July live period because I think Garrett is a sleeper prospect for low to mid major programs.     Maybe my favorite new prospect I discovered this weekend, Simpson was doing a bit of everything for Alabama Fusion against Team Thad on Sunday in front of a ton of Division I schools from the south. A big time athlete, Simpson had a sequence where he blocked multiple shots and ended it with a huge transition slam dunk. The lefty also a 3-pointer and a baseline jumper, he knocked down three triples Vs Team Final on Friday to qualify for Peach Jam. I thought Simpson showed the ability to defend multiple areas of the court with his foot speed and rim protection ability and really shined as a rebounder with a double double. Also, not afraid of contact, EYBL stats say he's shot 26 free throws in four games. Recently offered by Western Kentucky, USF and Kennesaw State, Simpson's stock is only going up.

The Nike Peach Jam got underway during the first July live period and college coaches flooded to North Augusta, SC to check out some of the top prospects in the country. In this article we'll break down some of the 17 U standouts I caught at the event.