Peach Jam Play In Standouts

Monday at Peach Jam featured two play in games at the 15 U, 16 U and 17 U level and I caught one game from each age group. In this article I'll break down my standouts from Monday's action.    Team Durant 15 U got a comfortable win to advance to Peach Jam pool play with four players scoring in double figures in the win. Brooks had 14 points as the 6'1 guard was making it rain from downtown, hitting multiple NBA range 3-pointers off the catch. With a green light and the confidence to fire away from way downtown, Brooks had some impressive buckets on Monday. I also saw a really nice live dribble pass by Brooks, finding an open cutter when helpside defense cut off his drive. One of the more talented guards in Maryland's 2028 class, winning this game gives Brooks and the rest of Team Durant 15 U the opportunity to shine on a big stage this week.     [program_tooltip program_id='2440235' first='Bates' last='Fundamentals'] has a handful of Kentucky prospects on their team and Garr has established a nice role on the EYCL division champions. A strong wing, Garr moves well without the ball and has the frame to finish through contact at the rim. Garr hit a tough shot in the corner that showed some 3-point shooting potential down the road. A name who could break out this winter for Louisville St Xavier, Garr is already a very productive player for his age.     While Vegas Elite has multiple top 20 prospects in the country on their 16 U roster, Spencer was as valuable as anybody in their play in victory over the EYCL champions. Spencer was 7/11 from the field, had 11 rebounds and 4 steals. Those 4 steals show how elite of a motor Spencer plays with, going all out for loose balls. Not the most talented guy on his team but when you play with the tenacity that Spencer does, you give yourself a chance to really impact winning.     Whenever a grassroots program takes a step up in competition the first thing you look for are players who can hold their own athletically with the opposition, Ivery did that and some on Monday with some really impressive athletic flashes to the rim. A quick twitch athlete, Ivery had some transition takes where he was a blur down the court and finished numerous times at the rim. Ivery finished second on his team in scoring with 15 points on good efficiency.     Every time I watch James I end up liking him more and more. James was able to consistently create space off the dribble and liked the mid-range pull-up as his main scoring method in the first three quarters. During the [program_tooltip program_id='2075761' first='Ohio' last='Buckets'] big fourth quarter push, James was relentlessly getting to the paint off the dribble and causing the defense to react to him. There aren't many players I'd take in the 2027 class to win a high school game over James right now and he continues to impress me against top competition with the [program_tooltip program_id='2075761' first='Ohio' last='Buckets'] this summer.     The new addition to the squad, Miller had some bright moments including a couple buckets on a five star center. When Miller can get downhill with his left hand and extend at the rim, he's very tough to stop. Miller made a couple players where it looked like he was one of the better athletes on the floor, showcasing his physical tools. Really glad Miller has found his stride as he will be a key contributor for Olentangy Orange this season and is one of the top stock risers in Ohio this summer.     The lone EYCL team to win on Monday, Mac Irvin Fire represented Chicago well with a win over Team Herro to qualify for Peach Jam. Montgomery had multiple transition layups and made timely buckets for his team. At the end of the game Mac Irvin forced a turnover and Montgomery was fouled with less than two seconds on the clock with the game tied. Montgomery confidently knocked down the free throws to win his team the game. Look for Mac Irvin to try and keep up this momentum against some of the top teams in the country.

Monday at Peach Jam featured two play in games at the 15 U, 16 U and 17 U level and I caught one game from each age group. In this article I'll break down my standouts from Monday's action.