Mayhem In The Plex: Top Performers (Day 1)

The Prep Hoops Circuit Mayhem In The Plex officially started on Friday night.

I took in the action with three nighttime games at the Game On Sports Complex in Fort Worth, Texas.

11 games will be played on Saturday during tournament action, but first, we take a look at some of the top performers from opening night in Texas.

Tayton Conerway (Burleson Centennial/Team Foe Elite 17U)

Active from the start of the tilt against Drive Nation 16U (playing up), 2020 Burleson Centennial point guard Tayton Conerway was highly efficient around the cup. Finishing with 14 points, most of them coming in the first half, Conerway opened up the transition play and just about every pass needed inside to his teammates. Conerway is highly skilled and someone who is always looking to make defenses pay.

Chase Ross, Robert Jennings & Dean Powell (Drive Nation 16U)

The 2020 trio Chase Ross (Plano West), Robert Jennings (Life Waxahachie) and Dean Powell (DeSoto) was absolutely superb in a loss to Team Foe 17U Elite. Ross, a 6'3" guard had 18 points, fighting for every bucket inside and shooting the mid-range well. Jennings did more of the same with his 6'4" frame on the way to a 13-point evening. As for Powell, the 6'7" lengthy shooter had 18 points with a slew of jumpers knocked down in the first half. The EYBL squad has a ton of potential and should continue to flourish this weekend with these three at the forefront.

Joe Stubbs, Jakob Hester & Dionte Blanch (Team Speights 17U)

A super athletic Team Speights 17U squad, this group made it apparent early on it wanted to win and do it by a lot. Behind Joe Stubbs (Santa Fe Catholic), Dionte Blanch (East Lake) and Jakob Hester (Anclote), it was a very enjoyable night in a victory over All Day Elite.  Stubbs, a 6'3" guard finished with a game-best 22 points off the bench, playing confidently and attacking the rim at will. Alongside him was Blanch, a 6'3" guard who was celebrating his 18th birthday to finish with 17 points in a steady effort. On top of that, Team Speights saw 6'6" forward Jakob Hester score 19 points in a workmanlike effort including a throwdown dunk where he knocked a defender to the ground (VIDEO BELOW).

2020 Anclote F Jakob Hester catches a body. @jakobhester23 @CloteBasketball @PHCircuit @Mospeights16 #PHMayhem pic.twitter.com/TACKrpDsT4

— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) May 11, 2019

Justin Crawford & Johann Dhanoolal (Team Foe 17U)

A very poised shooter and a key contributor in transition play, 2020 6'2" Legacy guard Justin Crawford led his side with 16 points in a victory over Texas Takeover Mackey in the opening game of the tournament. Alongside him was 6'3" Mansfield guard Johann Dhanoolal. He's an active defender who is smart with the ball and someone who finishes strong.

Juquan Irvin (Aldin Davis/Texas Takeover Ned)

With top piece Davon Wright out with an injury, 2020 6'6" Aldin Davis forward Juquan Irvin flashed his abilities in 59-57 loss to 1Ten Texas Basketball. Irvin is packed with speed and aggression along with length. Offensively, he can bounce past defenders while on the defensive end he is a talented shot blocker with very good timing and jumping ability.