Next Level Invitational: Sunday’s Top Performers
Today marked the final day of games here at the Next Level Invitational. Some teams had already been sent home following a first round loss Saturday night, but most teams had at least one game remaining on Sunday. The best players will rise to the occasion and play well when it matters most. Today, championship Sunday, is that time. Here are my top performers from Sunday:
Noah Pruitt (Elite Nation 16u) – Pruitt had himself quite the game in his squad’s first game of the day Sunday. As a 2020 playing up a grade, he was easily the most composed/mentally strong player on the court. In addition to a great mental side of the game, Pruitt did almost everything offensively for his squad. He has great handles – he split double teams with ease as well as dropped defenders multiple times in this game. His handles allow him to go where he needs to go, while his good jumper and finishing ability allow him to score efficiently. He also displayed great playmaking and defending abilities. He was great for Elite Nation in this one, playing with a ton of heart and energy.
Javel Lewis (Elite Nation 16u) – Lewis was everywhere on defense for his squad. In their first game of the day against Kevon Looney, Lewis had 4 blocks by halftime to go with a charge drawn. In addition to the blocks, Lewis altered many more shots with his long arms and good leaping ability. While he didn’t necessarily fill up the stat sheet offensively, there’s no denying that Lewis’ defense presence/activity changed the game. Without his excellent play, the end result might not be a win for Elite Nation.
Connor Bush (Reach Legends 15u) – Bush was a monster on defense for his squad. Matched up against a tough Illinois Irish squad, Bush brought his best on the defensive side of the ball. He was blocking everything and, not only were they blocks, but they were emphatic, volleyball spikes into the stands. Bush had 5 blocks in the first half alone and was doing a really good job protecting the paint the whole game.
Jarvis Walker (Greenwood Elite 15u) – Walker was a man among boys for Greenwood Sunday. He was playing with a ton of energy and toughness, gobbling up all sorts of offensive rebounds. In fact, there was a stretch where he had an offensive rebound 5 possessions in a row. He was getting it done on the offensive end as well, as he started out with 12 of Greenwood’s first 20 points.
Marcus Justice (Playground Elite 15u) – Justice seemed to be the only one who could do anything offensively for his squad in their matchup against Greenwood. He’s a big 6’2″ and he uses his weight advantage to bully smaller guards around the rim. He’s also got good handles which allow him to get to where he wants to go. There was a sequence in the game where he got two consecutive and-ones back-to-back possessions. Justice did everything he could to win the game for his team, but one guy wasn’t enough to beat Greenwood who had multiple players performing at a high level.