The top talent from Saturday has to be the kid with a bright future at Benet Academy: 8th grader James Rydberg James Rydberg 6'4" | PF/SG Benet Academy | 2030 IL .

My experience covering these tournaments may not be as lengthy as others, but in my short time, I’m not sure I’ve seen a player who looks so talented, and appears so comfortable on the basketball court.

This is a kid who just does it all at an elite level: he’s got a nice midrange fadeaway, he can hurt you on the glass with his size and length, he’s got toughness, he’s got speed, he has ballhandling skills… there appears to be no week spot in Rydberg’s game.

Defensively he’s like a dog with a bone; he will chase you down mercilessly-eventually pestering you into either a bad shot or a turnover. And on offense, you couldn’t hardly dream of better handles out of a kid who hasn’t even started high school.

James seems to have a good head on his shoulders, and is humble-yet confident in his own abilities. He takes pride in being a 3-level scorer with a good midrange package, along with the ability to distribute.

James plays on an extremely talented Breakaway squad, but he alone is worth the price of admission.

James Rydberg impressed with his exceptional feel for the game and natural instincts. He showcased a fluid crossover-to-pull-up shooting motion, rocking defenders side to side with his hang dribble crosses before rising into his jumper.

The only 8^th grader at the event Rydberg is someone we had heard good things about and the 6’3” wing showcases quality size and strength at a young age.  Can also really shoot it as he poured them in from mid-range and three.

James did a little bit of everything in a high quality well rounded manner. One of the best IQ players I saw today from a rebounding, passing, and offensive execution standpoint. Found open cutters and made timely assists setting teammates up. Got downhill and made an in and out cross over then went into a spin move against another same size big to then convert on good defense. Set screens on the ball to create opportunities. Comfortable handling it if necessary in half court or transition. Overall showcased an athletic and mobile feel for size and impacts the game in a multitude of ways.