Team Griffin 16U EYBL Louisville Top Performers

Over the weekend Team Griffin’s 16U squad made their presence known in Louisville with an undefeated pool play record. They used that momentum to make a run to the title game in the EYBL’s Platinum Bracket. The team is loaded with some of the top Class of 2024 players in Oklahoma, along with a talented pair of Texans. [player_tooltip player_id="1367217" first="Dayton" last="Forsythe"], 6’3 Guard, Dale, OK Running the show was the small town standout with his by far most complete weekend on the EYB 16U circuit. It would be an under statement to say the size and athleticism level of national competition is different than small town basketball. At times this spring it was evident the Class 2A State champion was having to make some adjustments. The adjustments have been made and he was a dominant force as Griffin’s floor general. Pick and rolls are his best friend because the crafty guard knows that aren’t just scoring opportunities for himself. They’re opportunities for him to create for his teammates. Forsythe has a great understanding of when he has enough space to finish at the rim, or let the defense commit and sling a pin point to an open shooter. Or even loft it up to find a teammate cutting to the rim. Portland is his current lone D1 offer, but if Louisville is a preview of July performances Forsythe will be a hot commodity looking for a point guard in 2024. [player_tooltip player_id="1332074" first="Dylan" last="Warlick"], 6’6 Wing, Edmond North, OK In Oklahoma, Warlick is seemingly always the strongest player on the court. At a national level his strength still allows him to finish through contact but going against consistent size and comparable strength is allowing him to expand his offensive game. This has been shown with him attempting more mid range shots via fade aways after he starts to back down the opposition. He’s also working on his three point shot, continuing to fine tune that aspect of his game will be crucial. As once opponents have to close out on him, it can open up driving opportunities for expanding floor game. It’s a testament to the competitiveness and skill level growth of Warlick that he’s still scoring the ball at a high rate even as he’s changing his game to a more college friendly style. [player_tooltip player_id="1226941" first="B.J." last="Davis"] 6’6 Guard, Lake Highlands, TX The lone Class of 2025 player playing up on the team, earlier in the spring Davis was filling it for the 15U team before getting the call up. He’s already ranked as a top 25 player nationally by many outlets, and his outstanding play this weekend backed up that lofty ranking. Davis was a threat as a spot up three point shooter while also thriving in the midrange. Efficient scoring is one of the biggest reason the Texas guard already has a handful of Power 5 offers. But it wasn’t just scoring he brought to the table. To go along with his height, Davis has a massive wingspan. He put that to use by helping his relatively small team on the glass and battling around the rim. It was impressive to see that despite playing against 2024 competition, Davis was one of the most physical players in each game. It’s hard to find a hole in the game of the elite 2025 guard.   [player_tooltip player_id="1367221" first="TO" last="Barrett"], 6’4 Guard, Edmond North, OK The upside remains off the charts for Barrett as a lead guard. This weekend he played off the ball more as an utility player with a defense first mindset. Barrett brings a determined mindset on defense that compliments perfectly with his strength and athletic ability. Impressively in the opening game he knocked multiple catch and shoot three pointers. Off the bounce the still growing guard has a mix of impressive athletic finishes at the rim, but needs to be more consistent at finishing with power at this national level.   [player_tooltip player_id="1125966" first="Jaxson" last="Ford"], 6’7 Forward, Prosper, TX Another new addition to the team, Ford played the role of a glue guy forward for Griffin with a variety of ways impacting the game. There were the obvious benefits he brought with his size as a defender (outstanding verticality when rotating over to protect the rim), rebounder and as a roll man in the pick and roll game. To go along with traditional big man roles, Ford was an outstanding passer in the half-court. Add in the occasional ability to push it himself on the break and the young Texas forward has notable upside.   Braeden Lloyd, 6’1 Guard, Mount Saint Mary Lloyd brings instant offense off the bench for Griffin. He can get hot from a hurry as a three point shooter, with range that extends to well beyond the arc. Off the bounce he has good floor vision and can make kick out passes with either hands to find open shooters. Consistent exposure to national competition over a spring and summer have been a catalyst to players making huge leaps the following winter in high school, Lloyd looks poised to do just that.   [player_tooltip player_id="1367226" first="Darian" last="Grant"], 6’5 Wing, Moore Another player who looked more comfortable this weekend at the national level was Grant. He’s a good athlete and brings versatility on the defensive end thanks to the quickness to cover some guards while also the size and strength to compete around the rim for rebounds. He had an impressive 9 rebounds in their semifinal victory on Monday morning against the Skill Factory.