#PHMayhem: 17U Championship Game Standouts
17U Championship Game was filled with a ton of high moments. The back and forth contest between these two powers was everything that you could’ve wanted in a title match-up. Team Speights (Florida) played against New Mexico D1 Ambassadors. Here…
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Continue Reading17U Championship Game was filled with a ton of high moments. The back and forth contest between these two powers was everything that you could’ve wanted in a title match-up. Team Speights (Florida) played against New Mexico D1 Ambassadors. Here is the results and prospects who stood out the most in the game.
The Final Score was: Team Speights 69 – New Mexico D1 Ambassadors 66
Team Speights: Jakob Hester 20 points and 10 rebounds. Dionte Blanch 15 points and 3 steals. Babacar Thiam 12 points.
New Mexico D1 Ambassadors: Ray Brown 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steal. Ricky Lujan 16 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Eli Davidson 12 points.
Team Speights
Dionte Blanch 6’3 CG / East Lake HS-FL 2020
It’s clear to see why he just picked up 3 D1 offers the weekend prior. Athletic Combo that’s not selfish by any means. Plays with an edge to his game. It’s not cockiness but it’s a confidence that he has, and its infectious towards his teammates when he’s on the floor. The impact that he has totally changes the dynamic on the court. Has a great two dribble move package that allows creates for himself and others. He is a bouncy guard that will dunk on you. His coaches say that his shooting is picking up from behind the arc. I’ve seen nothing but consistency from him throughout the tournament from deep. He made the game look easy and allowed his scoring opportunities to come to him.
Jakob Hester 6’7 PF / Anclote HS-FL 2020
This prospect is who holds it all together. His dominate play around the rim on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball was truly impressive at this level and in the grassroots setting. His play got him an NAIA offer right on the spot, as soon as the game was over the college coach didn’t waist anytime. He is solid and isn’t easy to move around. Plays physically and has finesse around the rim. He crashes the boards and makes the right moves at the right times. His solid screens the entire game wore down opponents as the game progressed. He was blocking shots and contesting them from the inside to the perimeter. He was my tourney MVP! He also has some interest on the D2 level. He is a no brainier for any D1 Low Major or D2 program.
New Mexico D1 Ambassadors
Ricky Lujan 6’1 PG / Onate HS-NM 2020
Is a smooth point who keeps defenders on there heels. You never know what’s coming next from this lethal point. Changes pace and direction like it’s nothing. His first step is quick and with his second step there is no let down. Keeps his head up at all times and sees the entire floor. Stays low to the ground when attacking and attacks his opponents hips every time. Has great elevation on his jumper. He is crafty with his passes. After watching this prospect in multiple games his high motor never lets down. He is like the energizer bunny on the court. Has good lateral movement and reads his oppositions plays well. Has a super high IQ on both ends. This prospect is definitely a D1 Mid-Major+/ Mid-Low Major/ Low Major prospect.
Eli Davidson 6’4 SG / Bosque Prep-NM 2020
He has a high motor and gives 110% while he’s on the floor, and also has a good wingspan on him for his size. Has bounce in his game in which he showcased when he got up to throw down a monstrous dunk in the first half of the game. Uses his athleticism to rebound the ball and challenge shots. Has a nice dribble pull-up in his game as well. Finishes well around the rim and absorbs the contact. He has a pair of D2’s on his trail right now and could be a good addition at the D1 Low Major/D2/D3 level.
Ray Brown 6’4 WG / Las Cruces HS-NM 2020
He is the Swiss Knife for the Ambassadors team. He does everything on the court. Scores when he needs to, he rebounds the ball a lot, contest shots on the perimeter and inside, throws his body around to help create space for himself and teammates, he took a pair of charges, and made smart fouls to stop fast breaks in transitions. Has quick active hands defensively with good lateral movement. His play may not stick out to the typical fan of the sport but to a college coach he is a gem. Would be a great addition at the D2/D3 level.