Summer Jam: Saturday Standouts
The playoffs were in full swing on Saturday at the NY2LA Sports Summer Jam. There were some big time performances. Check out our standouts from Saturday!
SG Blake Peters (Meanstreets 15U)
Peters just returned from the ESPY’s to play with his Meanstreets 15U squad. Yes you read that right. The Evanston rising sophomore was a finalist for play of the year for his full court buzzer beater during the high school season. He was hitting more shots from downtown on Saturday morning as the two guard drilled quite a few threes with deep range on his shot. Plus shooter that moves well without the ball to get open.
SF Ryland Holt (Illinois Irish 17U)
Holt is one of the state’s top stock risers over the last two weeks. He is starting to attract significant D2 interest and even some at the low-major level. What makes Holt so intriguing is his combination of length, athleticism, and versatility. His jump shot has also really improved and is now the strength of his game. Sound shooter from both pulling up from mid-range and shooting off the catch from three. Did a nice job high pointing rebounds in traffic.
SG Deonte Billups (Quad City 17U)
BIllups has played a lot of games at Homestead High School over the years. He saved one of his best for last. Despite the loss to the Irish the Moline 2019 shooting guard scored well drilling perimeter jumpers and high pointed rebounds in traffic consistently. Really like the motor that he played with throughout the event.
PF Tom Welch (Illinois Welch 17U)
This Naperville North 2019 power forward took over the game for his Illinois Wolves squad on Saturday night. The rising senior put his versatility on display along with his athletic pop. Welch powered home two big slams including a super explosive one on a baseline take. Handled the ball down the stretch and made key play after key play to win the game. Finishes around the hoop. Tough post defender that can guard in a ball screen as well.
SG Keenon Cole (Illinois Wolves 17U)
Cole is a bouncy four man that plays with a high motor and is extremely active. Super quick second jump allowing him to get on the offensive glass for put backs. He did a nice job defending elite post Michael Foster. Although he outweighs him Cole used his length and quickness to bother the rising sophomore stud. Athleticism around the hoop finishing.
SF Jayden Johnson (Fundamental U 16U)
Johnson is one of the top wings in the state’s 2020 class. He is a plus shooter that has a feathery jumper. That is exactly what he displayed against Meanstreets. Johnson drilled shots from all over the perimeter. Especially good off the catch, but is also improving as a one or two dribble pull up shooter from 15-18 feet. Strong area rebounder for a wing.
PG DJ Steward (Meanstreets 16U)
Steward put on quite the show to close out the night for his 16U squad. The guard is an outstanding jump shooter and that is exactly what he did hitting shots all over the floor. Did it both off the catch and pulling up. Works well around ball screens to get his jumper off. Clean release on his shot with textbook mechanics. Pushes the tempo and threaded the needle multiple times in transition. Defensively his length plays well getting into opponents along with creating turnovers.
SF Bryce Hall (Mac Irvin Fire 16U)
This Simeon 2020 wing had the best showing we have seen out of him all spring or summer. Played with a lot more confidence in his game and it showed in his production. Consistently knocked down jump shots from beyond the arc. Looked to have a much different mentality than we have seen in the past.
F Anthony Roberts (Made Men 17U)
Roberts is a prospect that has intrigued us with his play over the last two weeks. The combo forward is a bit of a tweener, but in today’s game that isn’t always a bad thing. Good strength and frame along with plus athleticism. Handles the ball well slashing to the hoop with a burst along with being able to finish through traffic. Jump shot is a bit streaky, but definitely much improved from the spring.
SF Donovan Clay (Ramey-Jets United 17U)
This Alton wing is a three and D type small forward, but he showed he is more than just a shooter offensively on Saturday. Although he did hit a couple jumpers including a silky one dribble shot it was actually his scoring off the bounce that was most effective. Finished well at the rim or got to the foul line quite a bit. Burst with the rock in his hands and converts in transition as a wing finisher. Rebounded very well. He recorded an enormous one handed tip slam. Also displayed his defensive prowess blocking some shots and frustrating opponents.
SF Matthew Moncrieffe (CIA Bounce 17U)
This wing has special ability. We have watched him from afar for several days, but Saturday was our first chance to focus on his game and he brought it. By far and away this 2020 prospect was the best prospect for CIA Bounce. Broad shoulders, long arms, and a projectable body. He handles it insanely well for his size slicing through the defense and using his bounce around the hoop to finish. Likes to use the euro step to avoid defenders or just go right up for a dunk attempt. Elite second jump on the offensive glass.