Pitt Jam Fest Superlatives
There was no shortage of basketball games to observe in Pittsburgh during the second live period. Here we recap the action by awarding some superlatives. Best Athlete | AJ Clark AJ Clark 6'2" | SG Menchville | 2023 State VA…
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Continue ReadingThere was no shortage of basketball games to observe in Pittsburgh during the second live period. Here we recap the action by awarding some superlatives.
Best Athlete | AJ Clark AJ Clark 6'2" | SG Menchville | 2023 State VA | 17u Team Loaded 757
Clark’s supreme athleticism was evident throughout his brilliant performance vs. Middlesex Magic on Saturday. He is a very vigilant defender who plays above the rim and can block shots with either hand. Clark’s willingness to play hard on every possession only adds to his effectiveness.
Best Long-Term Prospect | Cameron Ward Cameron Ward 6'6" | SF Largo | 2025 State #30 Nation MD | 15u Team Durant EYBL
Ward helped lead Team Durant to the championship in their respective division. He scored 21 points in the final game but did more than just put the ball in the basket. Whenever his team needed a play, whether that meant grabbing a rebound or finding the open man, Ward was able to deliver consistently. By all accounts, he is on track to becoming a special player.
Best Perimeter Defender | Tyler Jackson Tyler Jackson 6'2" | CG St. Frances | 2025 #40 Nation MD | 15u Team Thrill UAA
Jackson’s perimeter defense should not be overlooked. While he scored at will and made plays for others regularly throughout Thrill’s run to the title in their respective division, he played menacing defense at all times. Jackson recorded 3 steals and 7 deflections in his team’s championship win over DC Premier . This gives you an idea of how active he was on that end of the floor.
Best Playmaker | Farrell Crowell Farrell Crowell 6'2" | CG Shabach Christian Academy | 2023 State MD | 17u District BC
Crowell handed out 9 dimes to just 1 turnover in District Basketball Club’s win over IMG on Saturday. He routinely set up teammates for open shots. Crowell can be effective at making the simple play or threading the needle for a home run.
Best Rebounder | Drew McKenna Drew McKenna 6'7" | PF Glenelg Country | 2024 #61 Nation MD | 16u Team Melo
McKenna is a safe bet to grab close to 10 rebounds during each contest he participates in. This is in part because his effort level never wavers no matter how well he is playing on offense. McKenna has excellent hands and high points the ball when collecting rebounds.
Best Rim Protector | Bobby Montgomery | 15u DC Premier
Montgomery averaged 2 blocked shots per game on Championship Sunday for DC Premier . He is an intimidating paint presence who puts fear into his opponents after making a play on the ball.
Best Shooter | Gavin Cormany Gavin Cormany 6'0" | CG Oak Hill Red | 2025 State VA | 16u GATA Academy
Cormany connected on 3 of 6 attempts from behind the arc against the NOVA Cavs on Sunday. He is always shot-ready and has a quick release.
Best Single-Game Performance | Sherman Weatherspoon Sherman Weatherspoon 6'4" | SF Bethesda-Chevy Chase | 2022 State MD | 17u Inspire Elite
Weatherspoon posted a full line in Inspire’s win over LBA Attack on Saturday. He recorded 24 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in a 73-57 win. Weatherspoon had his hand in every aspect of his team’s win.
Best Team Performance | 16u NOVA Cavaliers
A stout defense was the calling card for the 16u NOVA Cavaliers in their semifinal win over GATA Academy on Championship Sunday. The Cavs started the game with an 8-0 lead and did not trail on their way to recording a hard-fought 43-34 win. Guys like Roneir Peters, Jason Penn, and Miles Franklin stood out on that end of the floor. Peters is a deflection machine who brings a competitive edge to this squad. Penn is an excellent rebounding guard who makes plays for others. And Franklin is an athletic wing who does a bit of everything well. The Cavs eventually went on to win the championship in their respective division.
16u Cavs are your @TheHoopGroup Pitt Jam Fest champs. Congrats to the 16u group on a great 4-0 weekend! pic.twitter.com/A8WTWY3BkR
— NOVA Cavaliers (@novacavaliers) April 24, 2022