Gauntlet on the Gulf: Top 17U/15U Eye-Catchers
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We polish off our 2-part look at players who shined at Gauntlet on the Gulf this past weekend by looking in on the 17U and 15U divisions (in no particular order). Jayden Hosien, 6-4, PG, Dream Nation 17U TRAITS: Part…
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Continue ReadingWe polish off our 2-part look at players who shined at Gauntlet on the Gulf this past weekend by looking in on the 17U and 15U divisions (in no particular order).
Jayden Hosien, 6-4, PG, Dream Nation 17U
TRAITS: Part of a deep group that seemingly got contributions from all, appeared the most polished and well-rounded as he slid between guard spots and did damage, really like him in the open floor facilitating for others or finishing with flair and creativity, not afraid to pull it from 3, versatile defender at 6-4.
Johnny Torres (2021), 6-3, SG, Filling the Lane National White 17U
TRAITS: Full-throat scorer with a streakiness that can change momentum, really good-looking jump shot and nice feel for getting into and through traffic, creative and not afraid to find the mid-range over bulling to the basket.
Jude Jacques (2021), 6-1, PG, Filling the Lane National Orange 17U
TRAITS: Big-time downhill guard with all kinds of power up the floor and down the lane, superb burst using the dribble, can knock down the 3-ball but is best out in space and on the attack forward, excellent on the ball with active hands and great positioning, his 22 points Saturday against Palm Beach All Star Flames was an eye-opener for sure, combined with smooth 6-3 2021 Jaheim Hudson to form a deadly backcourt combo.
Eric Parnell Eric Parnell 6'4" | CG Holy Trinity School | 2022 State FL , 6-4, SG, Palm Beach All Star Flames 17U
TRAITS: Nice scoring acumen with emphasis on the 3-point shooting, did find his way to the basket with his good length and did damage, excellent rebounding guard.
Dalyn Jackson, 6-0, CG, Alabama Celtics 15U (pictured above)
TRAITS: By my metrics as close to a college-ready player right now as a 2024 can be and that’s not hyperbole, his frame is elite with the lower half of a running back, after he and his compadres cleaned up out in Kansas City at PH Live they came out firing in the ATL as well even though they had only 5 players, still with that limitation Jackson showed off the fact he has no discernable weakness I can find in his game, it’s that complete a package, would make my list of Best 5 players I’ve seen ANYWHERE since the grassroots season began.
Cedric Summerhill, 6-4, PF, Alabama Celtics 15U
TRAITS: Summerhill too oozes upside in droves as he fought hard inside despite knowing there was no one on the bench to replace him (just 5 in uniform for the Celtics), he’s just tough and crafty and smart in how he goes about looking for his post offense and how he defends the block, an elite rebounder who’s had few peers I’ve seen in my travels nationwide.
Zayden Edwards Zayden Edwards 6'0" | PG St. Andrew's | 2025 State GA , 5-10, CG, Team Intensity 15U
TRAITS: In a deep 15U division packed with strong guard play Edwards still was too good to not stand out, sleek, smooth and so good as a finisher, plenty of shooting range out past the arc but was just devastation going to the basket, was easily among the weekend’s best open floor finisher perhaps not with his overwhelming vertical exploits or particular flair but for the efficiency with which he converts, will get up into you on defense with hands and footwork, a big-time riser out of the Savannah-area.
Michael Smith Michael Smith 6'5" | PF Calvary Day | 2024 GA , 6-4, PF, Team Intensity 15U
TRAITS: Pick your poison time with Smith or fellow skilled big Isaiah Anderson doing damage for Intensity, Smith impressed with surprising athleticism packed into a bigger and wider frame which moved better than it appeared, nimble feet and a real inside scorers head made him a lot to deal with, very soft touch on the J out to 15 feet and his motor and IQ stood out on the glass as well as defending opposing bigs.
Jackson Bourgeois, 6-2, SG, G.O.A.T. Sports 15U
TRAITS: Flat-out scorer, combines deadeye shooting if left open with a nice push off the dribble to get to the basket, better athlete than he appears he can get off the deck, the upside is intriguing because as he matures naturally all of that offensive variety is likely to blossom into an even more fascinating package.
David Culbreath, 5-10, PG, Tribe ATL 15U
TRAITS: Another tournament another outstanding weekend for Culbreath, picked up where he left off in Myrtle the prior week by doing it all again – pushing pace and scoring from multiple levels with high efficiency, his defense continues to be stellar as well and it’s just not a big stretch to say this has been one of the top sleepers who’s emerged in GA in the 15U division.
Corey Gatlin II Corey Gatlin II 6'1" | PG Berkmar | 2024 State GA , 5-11, CG, Tribe ATL 15U
TRAITS: Not far behind Culbreath in the emergence category is Garyson’s Gatlin, the speed up the floor and to the basket continues to marvel, the scoring creativity be it pulling up from the arc or blowing by multiple defenders to the hoop makes for plenty of wow moments each time out, and another solid defender who can really man you up.
Calvin Charles, 6-3, SF, Florida Elite SW 15U
TRAITS: Great motor guy who plays more like he’s 6-6 the way he attacks the glass and puts in the works at both ends, showed some face-up jump shooting in addition to his bucket-getting in tight and quickly established himself as a shot-blocking force getting off the deck in a hurry.