AAU Recap: Spectrum Elite 17U

One of the more well balanced and team oriented basketball teams that we saw throughout the circuit, Spectrum found success in a “we over me” strategy all summer. Their high point came when they won the Big Shots Myrtle Beach tournament during the first live period of July, then followed it up with big wins over Team Final and District Basketball Club the next weekend. In an underrated area full of underrated players, Spectrum Academy once again competed at high level against top tier talent. Here’s how their summer went.

All quotes courtesy of Head Coach Ron Clary.

Co-MVP: Justin Kier. “Justin’s helped create a team environment with us. He could’ve been more selfish, and even passes more than he probably should, but he set the tone for our team first philosophy the way he shared the ball."

Devonnte Holland. “Devonnte is relentless around the basket. He’s the type of guy that never gives up on a play and never gives up on the ball. He has great footwork and really knows how to draw a foul."

Defensive Co-MVP: Adam Sledd. “He played and guarded some big time players and held them to some low numbers. He used his physicality against some really big guys and was the best post players."

Justin Kier. “We would usually put Justin on the best perimeter player and he would face guard them the whole game. His defensive intensity won us a few games.”

Biggest Surprises: Mason Reyer and Lane McCallister. “Mason was playing on our purple team, and we pulled him up with Lane and they helped us win some really big games. Mason is a really good shooter that knows how to get to the basket well. Lane was huge for us in Myrtle Beach, and he could really stretch the floor as a big man.”

• Sarju Patel. “Sarju joined us in July from Tilton High School and was possibly our best player in the last tournament that we played in Greensboro. He’s an absolute sharp-shooter ”

• Kendrick Tucker: “He’s a terrific on the ball defender, and can really shoot it off the dribble. He’s also an able and willing passer.”

• Brody Hicks: “Brody was one of the most consistent three point shooters during AAU. He’s a really smart player, and plays like a coach’s son, which he is!”

• Chance Sheffey: “Chance is another great perimeter defender and can guard the ball and deny it. He’s also able to get to the basket at will against really good defenders.