Southern JamFest Superlatives: Underclassmen
There aren’t many experiences in grassroots that can compare to the one at Southern JamFest. It’s always interesting to witness teams from across all three sneaker circuits and beyond battle for supremacy. This week on the site we’ve been providing extensive coverage of the tournament beginning with superlatives. Below is a look at five of the best underclassmen we saw this weekend.
DARREN BUCHANAN JR. | 6’5 G/F | 15U TEAM DURANT/WILSON ’22
One of the best all-around long-term prospects I’ve seen so far in the local freshman class has to be Darren Buchanan Jr. Buchanan is a big time athlete with a good skill set for his size. He’s a tremendous playmaker in half court offense but is also exceptional in transition.
JUDAH MINTZ | 6’2 G | 15U TEAM TAKEOVER/GONZAGA ’22
Judah Mintz certainly looks the part, and has a game to match. He has some wiggle off the bounce and can explode to the rim where he is strong enough to finish through contact. One thing I really like about Mintz is that he takes what the defense gives him and isn’t afraid to make a simple play.
RODNEY RICE | 6’3 G | 16U TEAM DURANT/BULLIS ’22
At this point I haven’t seen a better three-level scorer in the freshman class than Rodney Rice Rodney Rice 6'4" | CG DeMatha | 2022 State #89 Nation MD . Starting with his tight handle and ability to shoot from NBA range, he keeps the defense off balance by mixing it up in the mid range areas or at the basket. One thing I’ve noticed about Rice is that he’s a great rebounding guard who attacks the glass on both ends.
DAVID SOLOMON | 6’5 F | 15U TEAM DURANT/LAKE BRADDOCK ’22
David Solomon III David Solomon III 6'6" | C VA Academy | 2023 State VA is tracking as one of the best defensive prospects I’ve evaluated so far in this class. At 6-foot-5, he has nimble feet and moves well enough laterally to defend smaller guards, but is long and athletic enough to adequately protect the paint as a small-ball 5-man.
TYRELL WARD | 6’5 G | 16U NEW WORLD/DEMATHA ’22
There is a lot to like about Tyrell Ward Tyrell Ward 6'7" | SF DeMatha | 2022 State #56 Nation MD ’s overall game. Owning a long lanky frame with which he covers a ton of ground, Ward has intriguing defensive potential. Offensively, he is a skilled and confident shot creator who will only improve as he continues to get stronger.