Grassroots Preview: Team Final EYBL 17U (2023s)
[player_tooltip player_id="991339" first="Rahmir" last="Barno"] of [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] EYBL. In July 2021 Team Final EYBL 17U captured the Nike Peach Jam hardware and returned to the top of the grassroots circuit rankings. Now a group of elite 2023 prospects…
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Continue ReadingIn July 2021 Team Final EYBL 17U captured the Nike Peach Jam hardware and returned to the top of the grassroots circuit rankings.
Now a group of elite 2023 prospects from Pennsylvania (and beyond) has been tasked with defending Team Final ‘s Peach Jam title. Given the overwhelming amount of Division I talent on this year’s Team Final EYBL 17U roster, that task should not be a problem.
Below is a review of the 2022 Team Final EYBL 17U roster.
Rahmir Barno Rahmir Barno 5'10" | CG Imhotep Charter | 2023 State #223 Nation PA – 5’10” / Imhotep Charter / Point Guard: The No. 2 ranked Class of 2023 prospect in Pennsylvania was the maestro behind Imhotep capturing the 5A state championship. His ability to direct ‘Tep’s offense, distribute the rock and get his teammates involved is next level. This past season Barno further displayed his end-to-end court speed and ability to navigate tight spaces with the dribble. At the Nike EYBL Session I (Orlando, FL) Barno averaged 6.5 ppg., but more importantly he posted a 3:1 A/TO ratio. This high IQ floor general holds offers from Temple, Virginia Tech, George Washington, VCU and others.
Sam Brown Sam Brown 6'3" | CG Lower Merion | 2023 State PA – 6’2” / Lower Merion / Combo Guard: Brown could always shoot the three from anywhere on the floor, but the addition of creative dribble drive moves, and a more muscular frame took his game to another level this season. His much-improved ability to attack the rim off the dribble made Brown impossible to defend. In 2021-22 Brown averaged an impressive 17 ppg., posted nights of 30 and 27 points, was a 1st Team All Central league selection and helped lead LM to the District 1-6A title. He holds offers from Penn and Lehigh.
Justin Edwards Justin Edwards 6'6" | PF Imhotep Charter | 2023 State #3 Nation PA – 6’5” / Imhotep Charter / Combo Guard: In 2021-22 this electric prospect used his well-rounded skill set to become a PIAA 5A state champion, the No. 1 ranked 2023 player in Pennsylvania and a 2nd Team Class of 2023 All-America selection. This past season Edwards (18 ppg. & 8 rpg.) scored at all 3-levels, was a beast on the glass and played outstanding defense. He is a monster in transition who loves dunking on defender’s heads. His unique point-forward style of play makes Edwards one of the most intriguing prospects in the country. Two weekends ago at the Nike EYBL Session I (Orlando, FL) Edwards averaged 19.3 ppg. Edwards holds too many Division I offers to list.
Carson Howard Carson Howard 6'7" | PF Archbishop Wood | 2023 State PA – 6’7” / Archbishop Wood / Power Forward: This past season Howard earned a spot in Wood’s starting lineup and averaged 9.4 points along with 8.8 rebounds per game while shooting 54% from the field. His interior scoring, especially on second chance opportunities is a major plus for Team Final . Howard (2nd Team All-PCL selection) is also a solid pick-n-roll / pick-n-pop player with a nice mid-range jumper. Howard is a relentless rebounder at both ends of the court.
Daemar Kelly Daemar Kelly 6'3" | SF Penn Hills | 2023 State PA – 6’4” / Penn Hills / Power Forward: Kelly is a Pittsburgh area native who provides instant offense for any team. He drains threes at a high percentage, owns a noteworthy floater game and excels in transition. Kelly possesses the vertical leap and athleticism to catch and finish alley-oops on the fast break or in the half-court. After the 2021-22 high school season Kelly was a 1st Team All-Conference 5A-Section 3 selection. Kelly is an underrated defensive player who can knife through passing lanes for steals and block shots.
Ahmad Nowell Ahmad Nowell 6'0" | PG Imhotep Charter | 2024 State #36 Nation PA – 6’0” / Imhotep Charter / Combo Guard: Nowell is a highly ranked 2024 prospect “playing up” with this Team Final 17U squad. This past season Nowell started every game for 5A state champion Imhotep, so he is accustomed to taking he court with older, elite players. His legendary bag of dribbling moves, drive and kick skills as well as his three-point shooting will elevate Team Final ‘s scoring. Nowell’s noteworthy performances from this past high school season include 24 points (4 threes) vs. West Catholic and 20 points (3 threes & 6 rebs) vs. Lincoln. At the Nike EYBL Session I (Orlando, FL) Nowell posted two 15-point games and shot threes at a 41% clip.
Preist Ryan – 6’6” / Perkiomen School / Power Forward: Ryan’s game is that of a traditional power forward who does his offensive damage (9.3 ppg. for Perkiomen) on the interior via post moves or second chance opportunities. Back in mid-January, Ryan posted a nine-game stretch of elevated play where averaged 16.6 points per contest. Included in that span was a season high 28 points in a win over nationally ranked Scotland Campus. Ryan’s high basketball IQ, good court awareness and an unselfish nature make him an excellent post passer. This long and athletic prospect with hops also competes on the glass at both ends (4.5 rpg.).
Zion Stanford Zion Stanford 6'5" | SF West Catholic | 2023 State PA – 6’5” / West Catholic / Combo Guard: Stanford recorded a tremendous high school season for WC – 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 dimes per game; 59% FGAs; 37% on 3PAs. As a result, he was a 1st Team All-PCL selection. The 2021-22 season wrapped up a nine-month span of elite play by Stanford during which his recruiting stock skyrocketed. On offense he possesses the ability to play 1 through 3, shoot from deep and create off the dribble for himself or teammates. At the other end, Stanford’s wingspan, quickness, and instincts make him a plus defender and a force on the boards.
Non-Pennsylvania Prospects on Roster:
James Johns – 6’6” / Long Island Lutheran (NY) / Wing
Cyril Martynov – 6’11” / Lawrenceville Prep (NJ) / Power Forward