AAU State: 16u Top Performers
The Kentucky Basketball Academy hosted the annual Kentucky State AAU tournament this past weekend. The Kentucky Defenders won the 16u Division by knocking off CKY Magic – Morton in the Title game. There were several standout performers over the weekend. Here’s a look at some of the best players from the weekend:
Matt Cromer, South Laurel (CKY Magic – Morton) – Cromer has been soaring up our 2020 rankings since they first came out and he looks like he may keep climbing. Matt went 9/17 from 3 on Sunday after going 4/11 from deep Saturday. Matt hit three straight 3s against M.A.T.T.S. to ice the game for the Magic. Cromer is a good sized wing and has much more athleticism than he’s given credit for. He had a great weekend for the state Runners-Up.
Tre Minter, Butler (Team Vision) – Minter was scoring all over the place all weekend long. Tre figures to have a huge role for Coach K.C. Goodin’s Bears next season and he’s off to a good start this summer. Minter is able to change speeds in the open floor and get to the rim on defenders. Minter is one to watch in the 2020 class in Louisville.
Jamison Epps, Marion County (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs) – Epps was very good in his first weekend as a member of the Mustangs. Jamison recorded 2 double-doubles and made several nice passes on kickouts from the post and really good entry passes from the high post. Epps is a two-handed rebounder who can lead the break or play on the block.
Marques Warrick, Henry Clay (CKY Magic – Morton) – Warrick is at his best as a catch and shoot guard and he hit several shots over the course of the weekend. Warrick had games of 12, 17, 12 and 12 over the weekend (not all stats were posted) and showed his potential yet again as a scoring guard at the collegiate level.
Trevon Harris, John Hardin (Kentucky Defenders) – Harris is the ultimate glue guy. Trevon does a lot to help a team win. He also looks like he has grown and added considerable bulk since the end of the high school season with John Hardin. As Harris’ body keeps growing and filling out, he will only get better and better.
Makhi McGuire, Newport (Kentucky Defenders) – McGuire is actually a 2019 kid but played down with the Defenders all weekend as he is very young for his grade. McGuire did what he does best all weekend, he scored the basketball. Adding Makhi for the weekend gave the Defenders the added scoring punch they needed to get past the Magic and win the championship.
Brayden Sebastian, Garrard County (ICE) – Brayden continued a strong spring with a solid weekend at state. The big guard had 17 points and 9 rebounds in pool play before 11 points and 9 rebounds in the quarterfinal loss to Team Vision. Sebastian was named to the All Tournament team for the ATL Jam 2 weeks ago and his stock continues to go up as we near summer ball.
James Taylor Jr., St. Xavier (Rivals) – Taylor normally plays 17u with The Ville but used their off weekend to play state with the Rivals. Taylor was his usual solid self. Controlling the tempo of the game and distributing the ball. James has grown and looks to be adding muscle. His college stock should continue to be on the way up.
Marcellus Vail, Collins (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs) – Vail scored all over the place on Saturday as he averaged 18 points per game in pool play and the first round of bracket play. Foul trouble limited Marcellus to only 7 points on Sunday morning in only about 7 minutes of play.