Prep Hoops Route 66 Kick Off 17U Players to Watch: Part 1
The Prep Hoops Route 66 Kick Off is back in Oklahoma this year for the second consecutive year. The field is loaded with talent from across the country. Teams are attending the tournament from Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Michigan. We begin previewing the 17U division with some of the top talent at the tournament.
Austin McCullough 2017 6’5 Greenwood Elite Wing
McCullough is a great shooter and scorer on the Wing for Greenwood Elite in the 2017 Class out of Michigan. He plays with a high basketball IQ and is constantly bringing energy to the court. McCullough is a true two way player playing both ends of the floor. He has heavy Division II interest.
Jimmy Bell 2018 6’11 Greenwood Elite Center
Bell will be one of the best post featured in the Prep Hoops Route 66 Kick Off this weekend. He has soft hands with good footwork and great size. Bell does a great job of finishing at the rim. He also blocks a ton of shots around the rim using his length to give opponents fits. He is ranked the 14th overall prospect in the 2018 Michigan Class.
James Valor III 2018 6′ Greenwood Elite Point Guard
He is best described as a playmaker on the Greenwood Elite squad. They put the ball in his hands and let him run the offense. Valor thrives in transition. He does a good job of involving his teammates to get them in the flow of the game. What Valor is best known for is his lock down defense.
Rob Carpenter 2018 6’5 Greenwood Elite Forward
Carpenter is a super athletic bouncy Forward out of Michigan. At 6’5 Carpenter shoots the ball well with a good short range game. He is dangerous in transition. Carpenter makes defense a priority on the court.
Ray’Shawn Dotson 2017 6’6 Texas Tigers Gold Forward
He has big, strong hands and long arms. Dotson gets great position inside and can also step out and handle the ball. He also can shoot the 3 well. He also defends bigger than his size. Dotson is a very good helpside shot blocker. He is getting some interest from some NAIAs and JUCOs. He is flying under the radar, due to being an undersized 4.
Christian Martinez 2017 5’11 Texas Tigers Point Guard
Martinez is really good in ball screen action. He can shoot the three-pointer well . Martinez does whatever it takes to help his team get a victory. He plays with a high basketball IQ on the court. Martinez projects the NAIA D2 to Division III level.
Terry Ellis 2017 6’2 Texas Tigers Guard
Ellis is a high energy player with budding potential. He shoots the three well and is explosive getting to the rim. When Ellis is on the floor he plays the game with emotion. Late in the process Ellis has had sever NAIA programs show him interest.
Tre Edwards 2017 5’10 OKC Wolfpack Point Guard
Edwards has been overlooked his entire high school career. Colleges looking for a floor general that runs the offense well and does not turn the ball over will like what Edwards brings to the table. Edwards can get going on offense from mid-range and using his speed to get to the rim. He projects to the NAIA D2 to JUCO level.