“The Summit” at Spooky Nook: 2023’s That Impressed

<p>The energy level at the Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Manheim, PA was high this past weekend, as players from all around the Northeast took to the hardwood to showcase their talents at "The Summit". With talent littered throughout the complex, it was difficult not to stumble across some highly-skilled basketball players over the course of the two-day tournament.</p> <p>Here are a handful of the standout performers from the U17 brackets:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Margad Choijilsuren, 6’4 G/SF, Mid Atlantic Select AAU, Fairfax High School, VA</p> <p>A versatile and highly-functional player out of Fairfax, VA, Choijilsuren had his wide range of abilities on full display this weekend. With good length and a strong build, the 6’4 combo guard/swingman used a combination of timing and body control to create buckets seemingly out of thin air. Choijilsuren used that same skillset to play with a persistent and switchable defensive style that helped force crucial stops for his team.</p> <p>Going up against a highly-formidable opponent in Mass Rivals 3SSB on Championship Sunday, Choijilsuren appeared unintimidated as he played a vital role in his team’s valiant effort to go toe-to-toe with one of the more impressive AAU programs in the Northeast. A skilled scorer with great awareness, the high school junior was a noticeable contributor on the offensive end, while bringing his usual highly intensive effort on defense. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1202039" first="Christian" last="Kirkland"], 6’6 SG/SF, WeR1-UAA AAU, Friends Select School, PA</p> <p>A polished lefty with great length, Kirkland provided his WeR1-UAA squad with a smooth, steadying presence all weekend long. The 6’6 wing used his length and finishing ability to manufacture baskets on behalf of the Philly-based program. </p> <p>On a team loaded with size and talent, Kirkland should not be overlooked as a valuable playmaker that can score like a guard and defend like a wing. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Zacharie Matulu, 6’3 G/SF, Adirondack Wild AAU, Shaker High School, NY</p> <p>The 6’3 junior brought an undeniable intensity to the hardwood all weekend long. Matulu played with a turnover-inducing presence on defense, many times leading to immediate gratification in the form of fast-break points on the other end. With elite lateral quickness and impressive athleticism, Matulu is a player to keep an eye on as he heads into his senior year of high school.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1049863" first="Ace" last="Valentine"], 6’1 PG, Mid Atlantic Select AAU, Mount St. Joseph HS, MD</p> <p>A teammate of Choijilsuren, the 6’1 guard out of Maryland was locked in, creating offense for his Mid Atlantic Select team throughout the weekend. Active on both ends of the floor, Valentine put in a high-effort, multi-dimensional performance this weekend that helped lead his team to a 2-1 tournament record. </p> <p>Even in the aforementioned loss to Mass Rivals 3SSB, Valentine still utilized his court vision and acrobatic finishing ability to manufacture points, keeping his Mid Atlantic Select team in the game. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1415857" first="Logan" last="Lewis"], 6’4 SG/SF, PSB DMV AAU, DeMatha High School, MD</p> <p>This weekend Lewis showed himself to be a reliable playmaker who has great floor awareness and a good feel for spacing on the offensive end. With another year left of high school ball to polish his game, Lewis is someone to keep an eye on.</p>