Pitt JamFest Friday Standouts
It was the first day of the live period, and Hoop Group’s Pitt JamFest in Pittsburgh, PA is back in full effect. One of the biggest live tournaments on the east coast, this year is yet again stacked with high level competition. Despite just four game sets, there was plenty of action in the first day. Here’s six standout players we saw from Friday. Stay tuned for more write-ups, and follow their live blog for updates (link above).
Kenan Sarvan | 6’9” PF | Team Loaded 757 17U
Sarvan showed the full repertoire on the offensive end in Team Loaded 757’s HGSL Showcase win over Team MOAM in their first live period game. The 6’9” Amsterdam native played well in both the half court and in transition, showing his ability to stretch the defense and finish above the rim. He’s a competitor that brings a unique skill set to the table as a stretch four man and should see his recruitment pick up in the next couple of weeks moving forward.
Caleb Dawkins | 6’2” WG | Team Loaded 757 17U
The younger brother of former Duke star Andre Dawkins, Caleb should be making a name for himself on the recruiting trail soon if he continues to shoot the basketball the way he did Friday night in their win over MOAM. He finished with 11 points including two deep three-balls, and his quick release and great footwork on the catch gives him the ability to get his shot off from almost anywhere. He also showed impressive toughness guarding the basketball as well.
JT Thor | 6’9” WF | BWSL Chiz 16U
Thor’s impressive length and skill set will only get better as he fills out and is able to play physically in the paint. The lefty forward can really shoot it from deep, puts it on the floor in transition and is a big time rebounder on both ends of the floor. As he continues to fill out he’ll become a much better finisher in the paint and should become a pretty good rim protector as well.
Devontae Blanton | 6’6” WF | All Ohio Red 16U
Blanton was big time for All Ohio Red in their come from behind victory over BWSL Chiz in their HGSL Showcase game, scoring all of his 17 points in the second half. A stocky wing with a nice looking stroke, Blanton turned it on and never backed down as he scored the ball from all over the court. His ability to make shots off the catch and attack the basket made him a nightmare to guard throughout the game.
Taralle Hayden | 5’11” PG | EG Premiere 17U
The 2020 Musselman (WV) guard is playing up with EG Premiere, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by the poise he played with. He knocked down shots consistently, created off the bounce for others and showed tremendous court vision and the ability to thread the needle even when being pressured.
Josiah Tynes | 6’4” PG | Northern Kings 17U
At 6’4”, Tynes has impressive length at the guard position and although he’s slight of frame you couldn’t tell by the way he finished through contact with ease. He has great body control in the air, and he’s shifty and slippery off the bounce as he changes pace and gets into the lane. He uses his height to see over defenders to make passes and is a dual threat guard that coaches should get to know.