Spring Jam Fest Superlatives
MANHEIM, PA — Spring Jam Fest featured some of the best talent you will find locally. Its time to take a moment to look back and highlight some superlative winners. BEST GAME | TEAM DURANT VS. TEAM TAKEOVER GRANT The…
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Continue ReadingMANHEIM, PA — Spring Jam Fest featured some of the best talent you will find locally. Its time to take a moment to look back and highlight some superlative winners.
BEST GAME | TEAM DURANT VS. TEAM TAKEOVER GRANT
The 15U elite 8 featured a contest between two talented 14U teams comprised of future DMV talent, so we decided it would be a good opportunity to get an early look, and we were not disappointed. The main takeaway from this contest was just how hard each player on both sides played. The atmosphere was intense and Team Durant overcame an early deficit to ultimately outlast TTO Grant, but there were standouts on both teams. Team Durant’s Amani Hansberry and TTO’s Terrell Webster, both of whom will attend St. John’s in the fall, had some dominant stretches respectively. Thomas Batties, Kalen Cobb, Bryson Long, Mason So, Cam Gillus, James Lerner, and Wesley Williams were among the game’s other standouts.
BEST UNDERCLASSMEN | NOAH BATCHELOR | 17U MAS/GORETTI ’22
Noah Batchelor continues to improve each time we see him. MAS faced a tough test against The Family EYBL, but Batchelor stood up and showed that he could not only defend but make shots. It will be a lot of fun to watch him continue to improve throughout this AAU season and beyond.
BEST SHOOTER | RODNEY RICE | 16U DURANT/BULLIS ’22
One thing that stands out about Rodney Rice is how quickly he sets his feet. Rice is always shot ready. He once again demonstrated the ability to knock down jumpers consistently from long distance. Rice doesn’t need much room to get his shot off, and if you’re not ready to contest he will make you pay.
BEST UNSIGNED SENIOR | PRZEMEK GOLEK | 17U GLOBAL SQUAD/GORETTI ’19
It’s quite appalling that Przemek Golek is yet to secure even a D2 offer. He can do virtually anything on both ends of the court, and his toughness will be a valuable asset to a college program. Golek constantly asserted himself while filling a myriad of roles for Global Squad. It should only be a matter of time before a scholarship level program notices and pursues him.
BEST PROJECT | SASHA GLUSHKOV | 17U LOADED 434/BLUE RIDGE ’20
Sasha Glushkov is an intriguing post prospect. Listed at 6-foot-11, he is a natural rim protector who demonstrates fluid movements. Glushkov definitely needs to add some bulk to his slender frame and continue to polish his decent skill set. If he is able to do both of those things, there should be a long line of suitors who will come calling.
BEST STOCK RISER | MOHAMED TOURE | 16U DBC/SANDY SPRING ’21
There is a lot to like about Mohamed Toure. The 6-foot-6 forward is a versatile defender who can guard both on the perimeter and in the paint. Toure showcases elite speed and athleticism in transition, where he is best offensively. As he continues to grow into his body and improve skill-wise, Toure should only become more productive.
BEST NEWCOMER | O’MEECH WILSON | 16U CRU NATION/NORTH COUNTY ’21
O’Meech Wilson was a new face who impressed this past weekend. The 6-foot-5 forward is an intelligent cutter who sets good screens to free up his teammates. Wilson is best defensively, where he is an adept rim protector and out of area rebounder due to his length. He also showed the ability to step out and knock down threes from spot up situations.
BEST BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE | BYRON IRELAND | 16U MELO/ANNAPOLIS ’21
Team Melo participated in the Saturday Showcase, where Byron Ireland stood out in their win over eventual Elite Division Champs Philly Pride. The long-limbed guard defended at a high level and got into the paint at will, scoring 32 of his team’s 69 points. Ireland still has a lot to work on, but there is no question he has significant potential moving forward.
BEST DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE | CHRIS GAMBLE | 15U 6TH MAN/SIDWELL ’22
Chris Gamble recorded four charges taken in a loss to New Heights on Championship Sunday. Even though his team ended up losing, this was an impressive feat. Gamble is not only adept at situating himself properly to take charges in help side situations, but also on the ball.
BEST TEAM CHEMISTRY | 17U MD3D RED
MD3D Red ultimately fell to Shoreshots Pooley, but not before frustrating them defensively. Spearheaded by Boys’ Latin guard Kendall Walker, who was a tough leader and a vocal presence, MD3D held Shoreshots to just 15 first half points. Atholton’s Jordan Oates was a standout as a result of his solid perimeter defense and ability to consistently secure defensive rebounds in traffic. Offensively, they shared the ball and made smart cuts off the ball. Jack McGaha stood out as a catch and shoot specialist who can also make plays for his teammates.