Bluegrass State Games: 17u Top Performers
A total of 21 17u teams entered into the 2019 Bluegrass State Games at KBC. The field was very strong despite missing some of the bigger teams in the state like the Kentucky Defenders and Louisville Legends. When the dust…
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Continue ReadingA total of 21 17u teams entered into the 2019 Bluegrass State Games at KBC. The field was very strong despite missing some of the bigger teams in the state like the Kentucky Defenders and Louisville Legends. When the dust settled on Sunday, M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs claimed the title over Kentucky Elite. Here’s a look at the best performers of the weekend at KBC. They are presented by team.
Brett Norvell, South Laurel/Charlotte Court – Brett spent his Junior year as a third or fourth option for the Cardinals but will have a much bigger role next season. Norvell spent the weekend showing his floor stretching ability but also made some nice drives to the rim. Brett has good size and a strong body that is built for finishing through contact.
Amari Taylor, Tates Creek/Cky Magic – Morton – Amari had a great Friday and Saturday. He has really improved as a shooter and made good decisions with the ball in his hands. He thrived as a playmaker but found himself out of position at times because his team was full of small guards.
Brayden Sebastian, Garrard County/Iam3rd Ice Blue – Sebastian showed his offensive efficiency on Friday night on the main court against M.A.T.T.S. Sebastian can score the ball at a high level but he’s going to have to improve his defensive effort if he wants to reach the D1 level. As it stands, he’s a steal at the D2/NAIA level.
Stephen Moore, Fairdale/Kentucky Ambition – Moore’s team struggled on the weekend but his individual talent can’t be denied. Moore put the ball on the floor and attacked the rim, consistently finishing at the rim. Moore should be a top Senior in Louisville next season.
Darius Osborne, Kentucky Elite/PRP – Playing as an unsigned Senior this weekend, Osborne played well. He consistently scored in the post and showed some ability to shoot from the outside. Assuming his Nicholls State offer is no longer committable, then Osborne would be a good Juco pickup right now.
Robert Avery, Kentucky Elite/Liberty High – Avery was the surprise of the tournament on Friday night. There have been differing reports of whether he’s a 2019 or a 2020 but everyone agreed that Robert is like Jayden Scrubb who is the best Junior College player in America. Avery played above the rim and showed some ability to knock down open jumpers.
Zak Perdew, Louisville Prospects/Bullitt East – Perdew continues to establish himself as a solid point guard prospect in the 2020 class. He scored the ball well in pool play and was solid all weekend even if it ended earlier than planned with a 1 point loss to Iam3rd Ice Blue.
Dayvion McKnight, Collins/M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs – The MVP of the weekend, McKnight made plays all over the floor. He rebounded the ball at a high rate and facilitated for others while not forcing his own offense too much. Dayvion is a high level point guard and he proved it all weekend by playing well against other top guards in the class.
Eli Roberts, Manual/M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs – Roberts was really good all weekend. He scored double figures in 5 out of 6 games and rebounded the ball well. Roberts has a strong body and is a great leaper who finished several dunks this weekend.
Marcellus Vail, Collins/M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs – The leading scorer for the championship team, Vail scored 90 points in 6 games and did a better job than usual of rebounding, handling the ball and playing with a great motor. If he does that in July, he’ll have plenty of offers to decide from in the fall.
Trevon Harris, John Hardin/Manimal Elite – Manimal only played 2 games on Saturday and Harris may not be a permanent addition but he showed well for himself. He’s really bulked up over the years and has a college ready body right now.
Chase Sanders, Corbin/Manimal Elite-EKY – Apparently headed to Believe Prep in Tennessee for a prep year, Sanders shot the ball well on the weekend. He showed improved ability to attack the rim also.
Rodrell Dryden, Pride Athletics/Dunbar – Rodrell showed his athleticism and nose for the ball with several big time rebounding games. Dryden is capable of getting to the rim and finishing, especially with his left hand.
Cameron Underwood, Butler/Vision Elite – Underwood was really good all weekend, hitting a ton of shots and getting some nice dunks in transition. When his feet were set, he was a knockdown shooter from 3. His body and game remind me of current Georgetown Tiger Jacob Conway.
Dre Boyd, Warren Central/Vision Elite – Boyd was in his first weekend with the Vision and was really good. He bullied his way to the rim, especially early in games. He got himself in trouble trying to do too much at times but is an absolute bully attacking the rim.