Grassroots Update: Georgia Elite Ballers 17U (Part II)
After an up and down spring, the group of guys from Georgia Elite Ballers 17U are heading into the final stretch of their grassroots season with some confidence.
Heading into this weekend’s Best of the South tournament, the Ballers owned a 17-13 mark through the spring and summer. And they’re off to a good start in that tourney, 68-53 winners over Florida Elite in their opening game.
The best tourney for the guys during the spring was the IndiHoops Tip off Classic back in April (April 13-15). The Ballers went 3-1 overall in that one. They were 3-0 in pool play and then were matched up against Nike EYBL squad Georgia Stars. Here’s what head coach Ernest Brook s had to say about that game. “The guys came out and shocked the Stars, and at half we were only down by four points. As the second half progressed, Georgia Stars made some key baskets to cruise the rest of the game.
“As for the overall team performance, I was very pleased, and know if we match up with them again, it would be a battle.”
Here’s what head coach Ernest Brooks had to say about his players
Kalik Brooks
Kalik Brooks, 6’5 SG (Alpharetta) “Glue Guy. Brooks can basically be a position-less player for the Ballers. His size and length allows him to defend guards and forwards and he really takes pride in making an impact on the defensive end. We call him our glue guy, that has a stat in each category across the stat sheet. Kalik can score at all three levels; a great D1 prospect in the making.”
Cameron Nayebi, 6’4 SF (Lambert)
“He has a 4.2 GPA. Nayebi has displayed a consistent mid-range shot and isn’t afraid to play and absorb contact at the basket either. Nayebi provides a nice rebounding boost for this team as well, and always gives great effort.
Shawn Ohuabuwa, 6’8 C (GACS)
“He’s got like a 4.1 GPA. He’s kind of raw, but his body and his upside is amazing, he’s very strong. Once he gets to that next level a college coach will get him playing at a higher level. Right now he blocks shots, he gets rebounds for us. He does all that stuff for us right now, he’s not a high scorer, but sometimes he’ll get 10 points or 12 points with his high rebounds. He’s the only one on my team that has won a state championship with his high school.”