MADE Hoops East Mania: New Jersey 17U Eye Catchers

AAU season is now in full swing, as teams turn their attention toward the upcoming tournament schedule. Many programs have already taken part in early tune up events to prepare for the challenging stretch ahead. Last weekend, MADE Hoops held its East Mania in Manheim, PA at Spooky Nook, bringing together a strong collection of talented New Jersey teams and some of the state's most intriguing prospects. With that in mind, here's a look at a group of 17U players who stood out during the weekend's action.    Four star guard [player_tooltip player_id='2202021' first='Aidan' last='Carter'] is a jumbo playmaking guard who has all the traits to be a legitimate lead guard— true positional size with advanced scoring feel from all three levels paired with the unselfishness and court vision to be a keen facilitator. Crafty off the bounce, Carter plays with an impressive pace and strong and balanced footwork that uses to get to his spots particularly in the mid range for soft touch mid range pull ups and tough turn around fadeaways all while showing increased range and efficiency in his three ball. Naturally unselfish, Carter continued to show the willingness he plays with to get his teammates involved, spraying out to perimeter shooters off paint touches and finding guys ahead of the defense in transition.      Ascending into one of the best playmaking point guards in the entire country, four star guard [player_tooltip player_id='2344521' first='Micah' last='Gordon'] carried so much of the steam he picked up during the high school into a smooth start playing 17U. Quick burst off the bounce paired with poise as a ball handler with advanced feel for the game, Gordon shined as an overall playmaker— taking what the defense gives him and balancing between scoring at all three levels, on and off the ball, and finding guys open in different spots on the floor.     Steering the ship for this 17U Geo Baker squad and playing up an age group, [player_tooltip player_id='2397968' first='Connor' last='Junker'] got off to a solid start this spring, looking comfortable handling legitimate PG responsibilities. A performance anchored by tough outside shot making, Junker reaffirmed his status as a dangerous and versatile perimeter shooter. Tasked with shouldering a little bit more playmaking duties than he's probably typically used to at Gill, Junker proved to be capable of doing so, handling the ball against pressure and showing good court vision to feed inside and find bigs on the interior for this GB Blue Devils offense.      A bigger point guard who blends positional size and natural playmaking instincts, [player_tooltip player_id='3243498' first='Nick' last='Tait'] is a rare case of a freshman playing up two age groups on 17U. Trusted with the keys for this [program_tooltip program_id='2808422' first='Marathon' last='Elite'] offense, Tait demonstrated a lot of strong intangibles out of a guard who will continue to see the usage rate he operates on— finishing at the basket and scoring in the in between area while mixing in unselfish playmaking to get others involved.      Expected to part of an aggressive and fiery NYC Honor attack, Anthony Mauro showcased what his scoring attack can look like once he finds a rhythm. The southpaw shot maker showcased the versatility in which he can knock down outside shots, creating separation off the bounce and as a spot up shooter. All while also having the court vision and passing feel to make plays for torches and find guys open.      Figured to be a consistent catalyst for this Geo Baker squad's offense due in large part to his scoring aggression, [player_tooltip player_id='2284385' first='Jordan' last='Moton'] offered consistent glimpses of what that projects to look this spring and summer. With a good burst off the bounce, Moton thrived at attacking driving angles and getting downhill to finish with strength and athleticism. Allowing that rim pressure to open up additional offense for himself, Moton countered that downhill aggression with his outside shot making to ultimately offer an overall versatile scoring attack.      A physically imposing big man who just carves out space with his stout frame and intimidating brute force, Kamsi Awkaa delivered yet another performance that highlighted his ability to leverage his physical tools into interior impact. A true difference maker down low, Awaka demonstrated his ability to produce overall offense in the paint highlighted by solid touch and solid footwork— winning battles on the boards to create second chance points, catch and finish deep seals inside, and even showcased his ability to make a move and finish over his defender.

AAU season is now in full swing, as teams turn their attention toward the upcoming tournament schedule. Many programs have already taken part in early tune up events to prepare for the challenging stretch ahead. Last weekend, MADE Hoops held its East Mania in Manheim, PA at Spooky Nook, bringing together a strong collection of talented New Jersey teams and some of the state's most intriguing prospects. With that in mind, here's a look at a group of 17U players who stood out during the weekend's action.