AAU Roster Spotlight: Marathon Elite

Debuting on the Made Hoops Circuit for their inaugural season, [program_tooltip program_id='2808422' first='Marathon' last='Elite'] is newly Bergen County based AAU program that is looking to make their mark on the grassroots scene as one of New Jersey's up and coming programs. After the first month or so of tournaments, let's take a look at some guys playing for [program_tooltip program_id='2808422' first='Marathon' last='Elite'] this spring and summer that everyone should have their eye on just before the May live period.    The engine behind this 17U group's offense, [player_tooltip player_id='2421359' first='Isaac' last='Shrager'] has been on a tear putting up strong scoring performances so far this spring. Shrager has been creating offense off the bounce in bunches— whether that be breaking his defender down off the dribble and finishing in different ways around the basket or hitting shots from the perimeter both off the catch and off the bounce, with range too. The left hander is smooth off the dribble and will look to continue his strong offensive play heading into the month of May for [program_tooltip program_id='2808422' first='Marathon' last='Elite'].     [player_tooltip player_id='2505095' first='Sam' last='Fasola'] has provided strong floor spacing and perimeter shot making ability at the guard position for [program_tooltip program_id='2808422' first='Marathon' last='Elite'] so far this spring. Fasola can shoot it with range and that has been on full display through the first month or so of AAU. Fasola has a quick and smooth release that he can get up no matter who closes out on him. Fasola is also capable of attacking the basket and getting in the paint, with efficiency too. Look for Fasola to continue to provide steady and efficient offense heading into the May live period.     Through the first month of tournaments, [player_tooltip player_id='2384280' first='RJ' last='Blake'] has shown an ability to be a versatile two way wing for [program_tooltip program_id='2808422' first='Marathon' last='Elite']. Blake has been seen being aggressive in attacking the basket while also being able to knock down open shots from three point range. Defensively, Blake has used his length to be a disruptive on ball defender and play the passing lanes effectively. Still young but possessing intriguing upside, look for Blake to continue his strong play heading into the thick of things this spring.     [player_tooltip player_id='2857844' first='Aiden' last='Griffiths'] has been seen providing a strong interior presence in the paint on both the offensive and defensive side of the floor. Defensively, Griffiths has displayed his ability to be a rim protector— altering and blocking shot attempts, with good timing, and rebounding the basketball at a high level. Offensively, Griffiths has shown an ability to provide offense out of the low post— scoring on either block and showing a nice touch around the basket, passing out of double teams to cutters, and even catching dump offs out the dunker spot. Look for Griffiths to continue anchoring the paint for [program_tooltip program_id='2808422' first='Marathon' last='Elite'] heading into the May live period.     Possessing an interesting blend of size and versatility, [player_tooltip player_id='2857847' first='Sean' last='Lustig'] has displayed his ability to do the little things at a high level to impact winning. Lustig has shown his ability to defend multiple positions, crash the glass and come down with rebounds, and play the passing lanes with great anticipation. Offensively, Lustig has been seen knocking down open shots from three point range and attacking closeouts. Heading into the May live period, look for [player_tooltip player_id='2857847' first='Sean' last='Lustig'] to continue to show what makes him an intriguing 3 and D prospect.     A lead guard with really good feel for the game and incredible pace with the ball in his hands, Josh Aliyazhikath has provided a strong punch in the backcourt. Aliyazhikath is capable of creating offense off the dribble and has shown an ability to get buckets in rhythm. Defensively, Aliyazhikath has also shown an ability to be active and play the passing lanes with great anticipation. Look for Aliyazhikath to continue his strong play at the guard position heading into the May live period.     Operating as a ball handler for this 17U group's offense, [player_tooltip player_id='2857851' first='Liam' last='Higgins'] is a confident ball handler that's taken strong command of the offense and has displayed outstanding court vision. Through the first few tournaments this spring, Higgins has also showcased his ability to knock down open shots from the perimeter, with range too. Heading into the May live period, look for Higgins to continue to set the table for [program_tooltip program_id='2808422' first='Marathon' last='Elite']'s offense and provide steady shot making from the point guard position.

Debuting on the Made Hoops Circuit for their inaugural season, Marathon Elite is newly Bergen County based AAU program that is looking to make their mark on the grassroots scene as one of New Jersey's up and coming programs. After the first month or so of tournaments, let's take a look at some guys playing for Marathon Elite this spring and summer that everyone should have their eye on just before the May live period.