17U Standouts: CBG Championships in Richmond

The CBG Championships in Richmond once again brought together some of the top travel programs and prospects in the state, and the 17U division didn't disappoint. The event featured high-level guard play, physical wings, and several under-the-radar prospects who continued building momentum heading into the live period stretch. Team Loaded programs were heavily represented throughout the weekend and several players elevated their stock with impactful performances in big moments. Richmond has become a proving ground for players looking to separate themselves, and a handful of names did exactly that.    MJ Montague continues to prove why he belongs in conversations with some of the more productive guards in Virginia's 2027 class. During the CBG Championships, he was a major catalyst in Team Loaded 804 Gold's run and repeatedly stepped up in high-pressure situations.   Montague was described as “lights out” during the event, and that showed throughout the weekend. He knocked down shots from multiple levels, played with confidence, and impacted the game beyond scoring. What continues to stand out is his versatility. He can create with the ball in his hands, but he's equally effective playing off movement and finding open spaces.   His athleticism allows him to defend multiple positions, and he competes with a toughness that coaches appreciate. When his jump shot gets rolling, he becomes difficult to contain because defenders are forced to respect both his perimeter game and ability to attack downhill.       Chris Lamm continues doing what true point guards are supposed to do: control the game.   While his stat line may not always jump off the page first, his impact certainly does. Lamm kept Team Loaded organized, dictated pace, and made winning plays throughout the weekend. His ability to create for teammates while staying aggressive offensively makes him one of the more dependable lead guards in the region.   He plays with poise and never seems sped up. Lamm consistently got into the paint, made smart reads, and set the tone defensively. As Team Loaded continued stacking wins, his leadership remained one of the biggest reasons why.     Trenton Smalling continues trending upward and had another strong showing at CBG Championships.   Athletic wings that can score and defend are always valuable, and Smalling checks a lot of boxes. He played with energy on both ends of the floor and showed his ability to impact games in multiple ways.   His explosiveness immediately stands out, especially in transition and attacking the basket. He consistently made athletic plays around the rim and created extra possessions through effort. Defensively, he was active and disruptive while using his length and quickness to pressure opposing guards.   Smalling's stock has continued climbing this spring, and performances like this are a reminder why.     At 6-foot-6, Abram Schrinel creates matchup problems.   His versatility allows him to comfortably operate both inside and out, and he showed that throughout the event. Schrinel can score with his back to the basket, step out and make perimeter shots, and attack slower defenders off the dribble.   What makes him intriguing is his overall feel for the game. He rebounds well, moves the ball, and doesn't force action. He simply makes winning plays.   Long-term, players with his size and skill combination become difficult to ignore, especially when they continue improving as perimeter threats.     Tabren Hawkins helped lead Team Loaded 757 on a strong run and consistently played with maturity and control throughout the weekend.   Hawkins looked comfortable handling lead guard responsibilities while also showing the ability to score efficiently. He played with good pace, made smart decisions, and seemed to understand exactly when to attack and when to facilitate.   His combination of strength and skill stood out. He consistently got to spots on the floor and impacted the game on both ends. Players who can bring production while keeping their teams organized are always valuable, and Hawkins did exactly that.       Sam Naidyhorski put together one of the more impressive weekends in the 17U division and consistently showed why versatile point-forwards are becoming so valuable. At 6-foot-6, he creates immediate matchup problems because of his ability to handle the ball and initiate offense while playing with size.   Throughout the event, Sam stood out with his playmaking ability and three-level scoring. He showed comfort creating for others, reading the floor, and making plays with the ball in his hands, but also proved he could get his own offense when needed. Whether it was knocking down perimeter shots, attacking the lane, or finishing around the basket, he consistently found ways to impact the game.   His feel for the game also stood out. Bigger players who can facilitate, make smart decisions, and play multiple roles always attract attention. Sam's ability to operate as a point-forward while maintaining scoring production makes him a prospect that coaches will continue monitoring moving forward.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h2>   The CBG Championships once again delivered high-level competition and gave several players opportunities to continue building momentum before entering major live periods. Team Loaded 804 Gold continued proving why they've been one of the hottest teams this spring, while Team Loaded 757 showcased plenty of talent of its own.   As the calendar moves forward and more college coaches begin evaluating heavily, expect several of these names to continue drawing attention. Richmond had plenty of talent in the building this weekend, and the 17U division made sure people noticed.

The CBG Championships in Richmond once again brought together some of the top travel programs and prospects in the state, and the 17U division didn't disappoint. The event featured high-level guard play, physical wings, and several under-the-radar prospects who continued building momentum heading into the live period stretch. Team Loaded programs were heavily represented throughout the weekend and several players elevated their stock with impactful performances in big moments. Richmond has become a proving ground for players looking to separate themselves, and a handful of names did exactly that.