Bill Hensley Memorial Run N’ Slam 17u Teams to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every spring, the <strong>Bill Hensley Memorial Run N' Slam</strong> brings together some of the most competitive grassroots programs in the region—and the 2026 edition looks no different. With high-level talent spread across multiple age groups, this year's event is loaded with matchups that feel like bracket-play games before the bracket even tips. From explosive guard play to bruising frontcourt battles, these contests won't just decide pool standings—they'll shape narratives heading into the heart of AAU season. What makes Run N' Slam special is the blend of proven programs and rising squads eager to make a statement. Here are some 17u teams to watch this weekend at the Bill Hensley Memorial Run N' Slam:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2399422' first='Darius' last='Garland Elite']</strong> <strong>NB P32: </strong>DGE 17u has a nice blend playmaking, physicality, and unique size that could potentially be difficult for teams to handle. 6'10” unsigned senior Metrell Harbin (Gary 21st Century) is a big paint presence that creates challenges on the both ends of the floor. The shooting ability of [player_tooltip player_id='2141030' first='Karter' last='Kobe'] (Portage) and Jackson Tabash (Webster Grove, MO) along with the playmaking and versatility of Jarvis Tolbert (South Bend Adams), Bryce Peters (Crown Point), and Qualin Lollis (Warren Central) make this team as dangerous as any team in the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Schedule: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday: Nova Village UAA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday: Michigan Playmakers; Breakaway Gold</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2337502' first='Indiana' last='Jammers UA Rise'] 17u: </strong>A versatile and experienced team that will be able to beat teams in a lot of different ways. Good size with 6'10” Center Reed Daugherty (West Vigo) controlling the paint alongside 6'6” Forward Preston Tolliver (Evansville Reitz) and 6'7” Forward Charlie Livers (Terre Haute South) being versatile front court pieces. The playmaking ability of the backcourt of [player_tooltip player_id='2622247' first='Trayven' last='Buis'] (Northview) and Tim Swope (Evansville Reitz makes the offense go with [player_tooltip player_id='3028141' first='Donavin' last='Newby'] (Cloverdale) and Christian Bryan (Sullivan) on the wing as big time shooters. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Schedule: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday: Breakaway 3SSB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday: Reach Legenda 2027; Midwest Elite Cincy-MHC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2076927' first='Indy' last='Heat'] 2027 EYBL: </strong>There can't be a list of teams to watch without mentioning the defending Nike EYBL Peach Jam Champions. “AAU [player_tooltip player_id='2194328' first='Jahari' last='Miller']” has been on full display after Session 1. The Pike guard averaged 20 points per game leading [program_tooltip program_id='2076927' first='Indy' last='Heat'] EYBL to a 2-1 record down in Atlanta. [player_tooltip player_id='2539851' first='Peyton' last='Kemp'] (La Lumiere) and [player_tooltip player_id='2267048' first='Harper' last='Baker-Lands'] (Plainfield) also on the backcourt alongside Miller being dynamic playmakers and scorers. Kam Mercer (Princeton, OH) is one of the top 2028 players in the country. The left handed wing showcases versatility on both sides of the ball. Five-Star 7'0” Center [player_tooltip player_id='2266896' first='Isaiah' last='Hill'] (Pike) returns as one of the best shot blockers in the country. One of the best AAU teams in the Country that has only lost two games since last April is the premier 17u team in Fort Wayne this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Schedule:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday: Ohio Champions BBall - UA Rise</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday: Gateway Knights - Colvin; The Work Foundation</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LVL Up 2027 P32: </strong>Big time roster out of Northeast Indiana led by the talented backcourt of [player_tooltip player_id='2140444' first='Tarvar' last='Baskerville II'] (New Haven) and [player_tooltip player_id='2622228' first='Austin' last='Schlabach'] (Westview). The high scoring duo have shown the ability to get buckets at a high clip from all over the floor. 6'8” Center [player_tooltip player_id='2140456' first='Uriah' last='Williams'] (Wayne) is a physical post presence that impacts the game on both ends of the floor in the paint with his length and athleticism. The versatility of [player_tooltip player_id='2882680' first='Marquaylon' last='Johnson'] (New Haven, and LaVell Ledbetter (New Haven) give this team playmaking and shooting on the wings that make this team a tough to defend on the offensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Schedule:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday: Storm 2027 UAA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday: Moss Elite Hustle; Team Wildcat HGSL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>UNRNKD 2027 EYCL: </strong>A balanced roster roster with star power at the guard spots, versatility and scoring in the wing, and physical post play. You won't find many backcourts better than [player_tooltip player_id='2140449' first='Trell' last='Hogue'] (Snider), [player_tooltip player_id='2140341' first='Cash' last='Daniels'] (Carmel), and [player_tooltip player_id='2140383' first='Jake' last='Grissom'] (Guerin Catholic). Each one of them provides something different. Hogue is an electric guard that thrives in getting downhill while [player_tooltip player_id='2140341' first='Cash' last='Daniels'], while capable of being a scorer, is best setting up teammates. Grissom is a combo guard that does a good job balancing the game of scoring and facilitating. 6'8” Wing [player_tooltip player_id='2137375' first='Carter' last='Murans'] (Guerin Catholic) has continued to get better and better over the past couple years. He's a long and athletic wing that can really shoot it. [player_tooltip player_id='2140417' first='Makale' last='Price'] (Penn) and [player_tooltip player_id='2140333' first='Braylon' last='Pippins'] (Cathedral) provide length and athleticism on the back line of the defense protecting the rim and rebounding.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Schedule: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday: BTOB NXTPRO</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday: OBC P32; Team SOIL UA Rise</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->