THE PLATFORM: Breakout Players

This past weekend at The Platform in Chicago, Illinois there were many breakout performances from unknown players. These five players had great performances and deserve to have their name put out there.    Jameson is a lethal shooter at the point guard position and one of the best spot-up shooters I watched all weekend. He consistently made defenses pay whenever they lost track of him on the perimeter. Beyond his shooting, Jameson displayed a high basketball IQ, taking care of the ball and making the right reads to set up his teammates. His toughness also stood out, as he was constantly diving on the floor for loose balls and even stepped in to take a charge. Jameson is a two-way guard who shoots it at a high level while doing all of the little things that help teams win.     Kendyl suited up for Team RDM on the 12U circuit and had an impressive outing against Team Hali. He did much of his damage inside the arc, using a quick first step to beat defenders off the dribble. Once he got to the rim, he showed touch with either hand and finished through traffic with confidence. He also knocked down a pair of floaters, adding another dimension to his offensive game. For his age, Kendyl is a good athlete who competes hard on the glass. He's a young prospect with plenty of upside as he continues to develop.     Playing for the Wisconsin Wolves on the 12U circuit, Zylon's combination of length and speed immediately stood out. He consistently got out in transition, turning his speed into easy scoring opportunities at the rim. Defensively, he was active in the passing lanes, using his instincts to come away with multiple steals. He also connected on several three-pointers, showing that he can impact the game both inside and out. Zylon is a talented 2032 prospect with a high ceiling.     Johntell made a strong offensive impact for Team Hali throughout his matchup against Team RDM. He plays with excellent pace, staying under control before changing speeds to create advantages. His quick first step made him difficult to contain, and he was at his best attacking the basket. Johntell embraced contact, earned trips to the free-throw line, and converted when he got there. His ability to pressure the defense and finish in traffic makes him an exciting young player with a bright future.     Elijah had a strong weekend for Playing For Greatness on the 17U circuit, showcasing his athleticism and shot-making ability. He repeatedly created space off the dribble and knocked down contested mid-range jumpers with confidence. Whether a defender was closing out or right in front of him, he stayed composed and elevated into his shot. Elijah also displayed a tight handle and the shiftiness needed to create separation against defenders. His combination of athleticism and self-creation makes him a dynamic scorer who caught plenty of attention over the weekend.

This past weekend at The Platform in Chicago, Illinois there were many breakout performances from unknown players. These five players had great performances and deserve to have their name put out there.