Non-Sneaker Live Standouts: 2029s/30s

The sneaker circuits get a lot of attention and deservedly so but there is so much talent beyond at independent events throughout the region. We're going to be taking a closer look at some of the top performers from those events through the first week of the live period.    This is a kid that is starting to really become a consistent high level producer and it's directly translating to team success. With Harvest Development 16u, West is comfortable operating in a variety of spots as he has legit athletic pop, outside touch, and the ability to create his own shot from different areas of the floor. He's got good positional size at this stage already and is starting to embrace contact more when attacking. He still has even more fine tuning to his game but on this trajectory, it feels like he knows what he's doing in terms of his development. He is a consistently improving high level young wing that also happens to be a lot of fun to watch.     Awosanya continues to prove his value at the 17u level with Elite 1 and his production at Phenom Hoops Live in Raleigh this past weekend was very impressive. He does an incredible job using his athleticism to impose himself on the opposition at the rim. He's able to exploit mismatches at a high rate and finish around or over defenders at the rim. He also provides a ton of versatility on the defensive end of the floor. Elite 1 finished with a 6-1 record in the live period with Awosanya's play being a major reason behind their success. It'll be interesting to see where he stacks up near the top in this 2029 class, but there aren't many guys I'd have over him to go win a game right now.     Nelson is a 2030 PG who is playing up two age groups with Harvest Development alongside the aforementioned [player_tooltip player_id='3675165' first='Gradyn' last='West'] where they went to the Phenom Hoops Live in their backyard in Raleigh and he helped guide them to a 7-0 record on the weekend. Nelson controls the game with his ability to play at his pace and get where he wants on the floor. He initiates the offense and is also always making the right play when given the chance to run in transition. Nelson also shoots it with deep range off the catch or bounce, helping the spacing of the offense in a major way. He's been such a consistent producer every time we see him and that doesn't appear to change anytime soon.     Medford helped this Apex Spurs 15u team to a 6-1 weekend at Phenom Hoops Live in Raleigh with his ability to make shots and attack closeouts for baskets at the rim. There are a lot of really good pieces on this team and Medford finds a way to stand out amongst them a lot of the time. Medford's consistency as a shooter and regular contributions on the glass make him an easy fit in almost any lineup. He's got a solid off the bounce game as well with the ability to create space for himself to get his jumper off or get to the rim. Keep an eye on Medford to crack the rankings at the next 2029 update.     Tracy is a very solid young guard who already has a very well rounded game at this stage. At Phenom Hoops Live with [program_tooltip program_id='2399240' first='Dub' last='Salem'] 15u, Tracy was able to showcase his overall game. The ability to make outside shots off the catch or dribble really establish Tracy as a true three level threat. He's also active on the glass and has the ability to finish around the rim with either hand. A smooth and confident young guard who will continue to emerge in NC and absolutely find himself amongst the ranked prospects in this next update.     Oriol is another prospect on this Apex Spurs 15u team that went 6-1 at the Phenom Hoops Live event in Raleigh this past weekend where his talent was on full display yet again. He poured in a few big performances and continues to assert himself as a premier guard in this 2029 class. His natural instincts as a playmaker along with his quick first step make him a very dynamic guard to deal with. He can make outside shots and is starting to show more and more athletic pop every time we see him. He's got a chance to be a big time breakout player in North Carolina this upcoming season and there are clearly big things in his future as he continues to develop.

The sneaker circuits get a lot of attention and deservedly so but there is so much talent beyond at independent events throughout the region. We're going to be taking a closer look at some of the top performers from those events through the first week of the live period.