Previously running with Kentuckiana Hoops on the Puma NXTPRO circuit to begin the travel ball season, Elijah has pivoted to New Balance’s P32 League with West Virgina Hustle. He’s notched several eye-popping 25+ point games throughout the spring and during the school summer league.

Elijah is a really good shooter who has several college offers already. Neel transferred to Ashland Blazer before last season and has thrived when surrounded with so many talented guards around him. A knockdown shooter with deep range, Elijah could see some D1 schools come calling with a big July of AAU.

Neel played with tremendous effort throughout the game and consistently found ways to impact winning with his energy and toughness. He has a nose for hustle plays and was constantly looking to keep possessions alive by crashing the glass and battling for loose balls. His willingness to do the dirty work stood out and helped create extra opportunities for his team. Offensively, Neel showed that he can score in a variety of ways. He knocked down a few difficult shots throughout the contest and proved to be a player who cannot be left open from behind the arc, as he is more than capable of making defenses pay from long range. His shooting ability forces defenders to stay attached and opens up other areas of his offensive game. He is an acrobat near the hoop, finding ways to finish difficult attempts from challenging angles and through contact. His knack for putting the ball in the basket was evident throughout the game, as he consistently found ways to generate points when his team needed them.

Ashland Blazer are always one of my favorite teams to watch in Kentucky as they share the basketball well and always have skilled guards and a variety of shooters. Neel is the engine for the team this season as his passing ability created open shots for a handful of his teammates. Neel also did a nice job driving and finishing with his left hand, not being able to be forced to one side or the other to drive. Holding a handful of in-state NAIA offers, Neel is another prospect with options as he enters his final month of grassroots basketball.

An absolute stud with the ball in his hands, Elijah Neel Elijah Neel 6'3" | PG Ashland Blazer | 2027 State KY just knows how to make plays. He’s a physical 6’3” guard with a quick first step. He welcomes contact when getting in the lane and has shown he can finish around the basket in a variety of different ways with either hand. Really good playmaker that is a double-double threat every time he steps on the floor with his court vision and scoring ability.

One of the better guards in the class, Elijah has been incredibly consistent over the course of his career and this AAU season has been no different, thus far. A knockdown shooter from the point guard spot, Neel has been excelling as a playmaker for Kentuckiana Hoops 17u and had a really good weekend for them.

Neel is overlooked, in my opinion. A good shooter who is comfortable playing with the ball in his hands or playing as a shooting guard, Elijah knows how to fill up a score sheet in a hurry and is a tough cover for regional foes no matter where he is on the court.

Coming out of a couple of weeks where he played up on 17u and had success, Elijah is riding a lot of momentum into the fall. Neel is a productive passer and high level scorer that has some serious potential. Looking towards the winter, I’m intrigued to see which of Ashland’s younger players steps up this year. I’d be willing to buy some stock in Elijah Neel Elijah Neel 6'3" | PG Ashland Blazer | 2027 State KY as the breakout player in the 16th region this upcoming season.

Neel split time between playing 16u and 17u this summer with Big Shots and had some impressive performances. Elijah scored 30+ in games and also facilitated for his teammates frequently. With Zander Carter gone from Ashland, there is a big gap in the Ashland offense as both a scorer and creator. Elijah looks ready to step up and fill that role for the Tomcats.

Neel is an often overlooked player who has scholarship level potential and has exceled in both camp settings as well as AAU games. Elijah is a high IQ playmaker who can also knock down shots at a high rate. With Zander Carter gone from Ashland, don’t be shocked if Elijah becomes a go to scorer for the Tomcats.