UA Future Finals: Day 1 Headlines

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hamilton, OH —The UA Future Finals has become a must-see on the youth basketball calendar. This years event featured 50 6th grade teams, 57 7th grade teams, 86 8th grade teams along with a 28 team 5th grade division. Overall, nearly 221 boys teams have made the trip to greater Cincinnati. Here are a few storylines to follow from Day 1...<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Team Thrill the favorite in 6th Grade Division<br></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2469496,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PXL_20240621_233559522.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PXL_20240621_233559522.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2469496" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Josh Williams was instrumental in Team Thrills' opening day victory at the UA Finals. As a skilled perimeter player, he has already surpassed six feet in height and exhibits a blend of strength, fluidity, and athleticism that enhances his performance in the wing position. Looking ahead, Team Thrills is set to face Progeny (IN) on Saturday, a game that is anticipated to be their most challenging matchup yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Under the radar West Coast prospect <br></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2469566,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PXL_20240621_235509237.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PXL_20240621_235509237.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2469566" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kentucky-based program Griffin Elite is competing in the 8th grade De'Aaron Fox division at the UA Future Finals. One standout player on their team is 6'3" combo guard Cameron Anderson. Although Anderson has been residing in Eastvale, CA for the past year, he maintains strong family ties to Kentucky. On Day 1 of the tournament, Anderson made a significant impact, emerging as one of the top scorers and playmakers observed. His performance was marked by a natural pace, excellent vision, and an impressive ability to make shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Alabama guard one to remember in 2029<br></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2469643,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PXL_20240622_002550720.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PXL_20240622_002550720.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2469643" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On day one of the UA Finals, 6'0" guard Mason Ellis from Team Dr1ven out of Alabama made a strong impression with his versatile performance. Ellis demonstrated his ability to play any position on the court and showed exceptional comfort with the ball in his hands. The left-handed guard was effective at finishing in the lane and creating opportunities for his teammates. His confidence and innate understanding of the game allowed him to contribute significantly across multiple statistical categories on the first day of the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2028 In-state prospect makes name known&nbsp;</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2469669,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PXL_20240621_222721591.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PXL_20240621_222721591.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2469669" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The UA Future Finals have attracted teams from across the USA and Canada, but one of the standout players on opening day was an in-state prospect, Dylan Zeigler of Ohio Basketball Club (OBC). Zeigler, a 6'1" floor general, is the son of former Cleveland State standout Derrick Zeigler and the younger brother of a former UW-Green Bay player, highlighting the family's strong basketball pedigree. His impressive performance has positioned him as a notable name to watch in the Midwest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tallest teenager in the world from the 2029 class</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2469667,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PXL_20240621_223517015.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PXL_20240621_223517015.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2469667" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Florida freshman Olivier Rioux, standing at 7'9", has garnered viral attention each time he steps onto the court. Now, it seems fellow Québécois Jérémy Gohier is set for a similar trajectory. Gohier, who plays for Nobel Elite, is currently listed at 7'2". As the youngest player on his team, he is projected to be part of the Class of 2029 in the United States. His impressive height and potential have already started to attract significant attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->