MADE Hoops East Mania: New Jersey 16U Eye Catchers

AAU season is officially underway, with teams shifting their focus to the upcoming tournament circuit. Many programs have already competed in early tune-up events as they gear up for a demanding stretch ahead. Last weekend, MADE Hoops hosted its East Mania event in Manheim, Pennsylvania at Spooky Nook, featuring a strong group of talented New Jersey teams along with some of the state's most compelling prospects. With that in mind, here's a look at some 16U players who made an impression over the course of last weekend's action.    A strong combo guard capable of being effective at either guard spot and one who offers more than just playmaking and initiating the offense, [player_tooltip player_id='2631499' first='Julian' last='Hall'] showed he can influence the game in multiple ways. He operates as a versatile floor general with the ability to score at different levels—slashing into the lane with some creativity off the bounce for crafty finishes at the basket and soft touch finishes in the between area while also displaying confidence and range as a dangerous perimeter shooter.     A crafty point guard part of a strong and dynamic [program_tooltip program_id='2078569' first='Jersey' last='Force'] backcourt who's capable of impacting the game beyond just orchestrating offense and setting the table as a ball handler, [player_tooltip player_id='2967445' first='Sean' last='Bilodeau'] proved an ability to be a versatile floor general that can score from different areas on the floor— getting in the paint for crafty finishes off dribble penetration while also being an extremely confident and dynamic outside shot maker.     Walking into this 16U year coming off a sophomore season that saw noticeable growth in his overall floor game and a national reputation to live up to, [player_tooltip player_id='2504886' first='Malik' last='Moore'] got off to a solid start to the spring. The left handed combo guard has a natural instinct for putting the ball in the basket and was effective at different levels—getting downhill and capitalizing on driving lanes off the dribble and knocking down open catch and shoot threes while playing off the ball. All while also providing relief as a ball handler and flashes of running the offense as a primary ball handler and getting his teammates the ball in the right spots to be successful.     With a strong command of the offense, [player_tooltip player_id='2763609' first='Jake' last='Ellis'] proved to be an impactful facilitator— consistently applying pressure with the ball in his hands, showing poise against defensive intensity while controlling tempo and making smart decisions highlighted by a strong and confident handle and sound feel for the game. Remaining a threat to score, Ellis provided timely scoring by getting to his spots and converting smooth mid range pull ups with soft touch and solid footwork, while also using a quick change of pace to get downhill and finish with craftiness around the basket.     Coming off a strong finish to his sophomore season that saw him carve out a role as a legitimate front court depth piece, [player_tooltip player_id='2833843' first='Owen' last='Wucherpfennig'] seems to have carried some of that momentum into his 16U season this spring particularly where his activity stood out on the interior— leveraging his ideal positional size, excellent length, and a high motor to effectively contest shots around the rim and secure rebounds on the glass. All while also showing reliable finishing ability, particularly on dump off passes from driving guards, making the most of second chance opportunities onthe offensive glass for impactful putbacks, and even showing flashes of his back to the basket game.

AAU season is officially underway, with teams shifting their focus to the upcoming tournament circuit. Many programs have already competed in early tune-up events as they gear up for a demanding stretch ahead. Last weekend, MADE Hoops hosted its East Mania event in Manheim, Pennsylvania at Spooky Nook, featuring a strong group of talented New Jersey teams along with some of the state's most compelling prospects. With that in mind, here's a look at some 16U players who made an impression over the course of last weekend's action.