The Big Three: 15U (VA, DC, MD)
The 15U age bracket isn’t always one to catch an eye at tournaments. But this AAU season, the 15U age bracket may have some of the best talent the state has to offer. Here, we are taking a look at not only the teams, but individual players that made an impact during this spring’s first live period. Let’s begin with arguably the best 15U team in the country; the Team Loaded VA 15U squad.
Squad: Team Loaded VA
Key Players: Anthony “AJ” Williams, Jason Nelson, Efton Reid, Roosevelt Wheeler
The Run Down:
The Team Loaded VA 15U squad is an impressive 21-0 heading into July. This squad has went undefeated in both Adidas Gauntlet trips in Washington DC and Atlanta. They are also the winners of the 15U age bracket at Southern Jam Fest. With a backcourt of state champion duo, AJ Williams and Jason Nelson, and a front court of 6’11 twin towers, Efton Reid and Roosevelt Wheeler, alongside productive minutes from role players, the Team Loaded squad has combined the talents of some of the best young players the state has to offer.
Squad: Team Takeover
Key Players: Erik Reynolds, Guy Fauntleroy, Devon Savage, Chase Davis, Victory Naboya
The Run Down:
Team Takeover is a well known program throughout the AAU world, under the direction of Keith Stevens. Although the undefeated 17U squad has been receiving a lot of the love, the younger guys are also making some noise themselves. The squad’s only losses have come by single digits, to some stiff 15U competition on the EYBL circuit. If the plan is to have players grow within the program, Team Takeover is certainly on the right track into developing their younger guys to continue an undefeated run for years to come in the older age bracket.
Squad: Team Durant
Key Players: Jaylen Hall, Kyrese Mullen
The Run Down:
Team Durant, winners of the 15U age bracket at Hoop Group’s, Pitt Jam Fest, behind a game winning shot from Mr. Buzzer Beater himself, Jaylen Hall, who is also the man behind a buzzer beater win over Team Takeover at Southern Jam Fest, have a squad who legitimately plays until the final buzzer. They have played their fair share of close games this season, games they have come out of with wins, showing the true maturity of this team. The battle tests this squad has experienced this spring should have them highly prepared for July.