The Valley Jam: 2024-25 standouts
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July 16-18 I attended the HoopSeen The Valley Jam at the beautiful nearly brand new Ottawa University in Surprise/AZ. 43 teams from the 15 to 17U played four showcase games over the weekend. College coaches were on hand to take in the action…
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Continue ReadingJuly 16-18 I attended the HoopSeen The Valley Jam at the beautiful nearly brand new Ottawa University in Surprise/AZ.
43 teams from the 15 to 17U played four showcase games over the weekend. College coaches were on hand to take in the action for the second of the three July live periods.
Here were some 2024-2025 players that stood out:
2024
Luke Shaw Luke Shaw 6'3" | CG Valley Christian | 2024 State AZ Valley Christian (AZ Select Biale 15) (Pictured)
-The top scorer on 15U averaged near 30 ppg over the weekend. His jumper is pure and he has a confident handle. He changes speeds smartly and uses the floater well plus he has real range on his shot. He makes good decisions with the ball and plays the game the right way.
Braylon Johnson 6’6 F undecided (UH Elite 15)
-A highly skilled forward who happens to be the youngest brother of the Phx Suns forward Cameron Johnson. He has a thicker build/frame and plays a smart brand of ball. He handles it, shoots it to the 3pt line and passes it well. He rebounds the ball in his area and he may be moving here in the fall at a local AIA school.
Jaelen Green Jaelen Green 6'2" | SF Gilbert | 2024 State AZ Gilbert (UH Elite 15)
-A Swiss army knife plays and defends many positions. He is a quick twitch athlete that will defend the 1-4. He cuts without the ball and scores it very efficiently in the paint. He runs the court and gets out on the break and scores with good body control.
Ryan Jackson Ryan Jackson 6'6" | SF AZ Compass Prep Black | 2024 State AZ Desert Ridge (AZ Select 15 Aby)
-A versatile forward who plays many roles for his team. He handles the ball well and can go coast to coast. He plays with a big motor and will defend multiple positions. He can shoot it a little from the perimeter and has a nice floater in the lane.
Hunter Wales Hunter Wales 6'6" | PF Scottsdale Christian Academy | 2024 State AZ SCA (AZ Select 15 Biale)
-A face-up 4-man with good strength inside. His catch and shoot from the 3pt line is his best skill to go along with his rebounding currently. He can put the ball on the deck a little and drive it and score in the paint.
David Yourkoski David Yourkoski 6'4" | SF Cicero Prep | 2024 State AZ Cicero Prep (AZ Select 15 Biale)
-A strong forward who can go coast to coast with a nice handle for position. He can shoot it to the 3pt line and will play and defend multiple positions.
2025
Nolan Brown Nolan Brown 5'9" | PG Perry | 2025 State AZ Perry (UH Elite 15)
-A skilled shooter from the 3pt line is a somewhat undersized but is a quick ball handler. He has an impressive burst to the hole and will throw dimes through traffic. He has some toughness and should get brought up on varsity most likely his sophomore year.
Rhys Walcott Rhys Walcott 5'10" | CG Eastmark | 2025 State AZ Eastmark (UH Elite 15)
-A talented incoming freshman is one of the more skilled guards that I viewed. He shoots it effortlessly from mid to the 3pt line and has a good feel for the game. He should be an instant producer in 3A on varsity.
Kai Hogan Kai Hogan 6'4" | SF Brophy Prep | 2025 State AZ Brophy Prep (AZ Select Biale 15)
-A rising freshman guard can fill it up. He is somewhat of a 3pt specialist currently. He sets up perfectly like you should and squares up to the basket. He has good size in his family and can end up a bigger sized shooter.