2018 Nike EYBL Peach Jam Day 2 Standouts
Augusta, GA – Yesterday was the second day and first full day of the 2018 Nike EYBL Peach Jam tournament. The second day of the annual tournament featured some major and high level matchups all day long. Two games who featured the battle for their respective states, Nike Team Florida against E1T1 (FL) and Drive Nation (TX) against Houston Hoops (TX) faced off in both epic matchups. Yesterday also featured another game winner between Woodz Elite (AR) and Albany City Rocks (NY) and where 2019 forward Isaiah Stewart knocked down the game winning bucket. The rematch from last summer’s Nike EYBL Peach Jam championship between Oakland Soldiers (CA) and Team Takeover (DC) also took place in yesterday’s matchups where Team Takeover (DC) bounced back after taking their first lost of the summer to Nike Team Florida. Below you will find out who stoodout on day 2 that I was able to witness.
2020 point guard Sharife Cooper – Athletes of Tomorrow (GA)
The recenty named 2018 Offensive Player of the Year for this summers Nike EYBL rising junior point guard Sharife Cooper has been nothing but super effective in AOT’s Peach Jam run so far. Sharife currently leads the Nike Peach Jam in scoring at 32.3 points per game while averaging 9.6 assists per game. His ability to score has now been an extreme threat and has shown he can score once he attacks and also from outside the arc or mid range. One thing about Sharife is once his opponents put pressure on him, he still able to create plays either by scoring or finding his open teammates. Coop’s mission for those peaches is not over just yet, after dominating wins yesterday against Meanstreets (IL) and NJ Playaz, Cooper and his AOT squad look to continue their push today against NY Lightning and Brad Beal Elite (MO).
2020 forward Scottie Barnes – Nike Team Florida (FL)
Top-5 prospect Scottie Barnes had a phenomenal day 2 here at the Nike Peach Jam tournament. Barnes, alongside Carey Jr. and company, led his Nike Team Florida squad to a 2-0 day and where one of those wins came against arguably the best team in the country Team Takeover (DC). Scouts and college coaches might as well characterized Scottie Barnes as a point forward due to his ability to pass the rock and his dynamic vision. The rising junior’s vision has not been talked about as much this spring and summer which is very confusing. Barnes is not a good shooter at all as of yet but was able to connect on several three pointers. The 6’8 forward has been impressive the last two days and just with his competitiveness and passion alone standsout when watching Scottie. He is going to compete. He can also rebound the ball and has shown he can take his man off the dribble and finish.
2019 guard Boogie Ellis – Oakland Soldiers (CA)
Boogie Ellis has been underrated all summer while running with Oakland Soldiers (CA) but this month he should be receiving more and more interest nationally. One word to describe Boogie’s game? Shot maker. The 6’2 combo guard is one of the best shooters and shot makers in the Nike EYBL. Boogie finished both of his games yesterday against Bluff City Legends (TN) and Team Takeover (DC) ending with at least 20 or more points. He can hit contested or non contested jumpers from deep or inside the arc. He has been a major piece with the Soldiers so far during Peach Jam and will be looking today continue his stellar play today against Nike Team Florida and E1T1 (FL).
2019 wing Jaden McDaniels – Seattle Rotary (WA)
The 2018 Nike EYBL Breakout Player of the Year Jaden McDaniels has been holding his title these last two days in Augusta. The 6’8 wing has had a fabolous AAU season so far and recently rising in a couple of guys national rankings. Jaden currently has moved up to the #4 player his class according to ESPN. He has a very slim and Kevin Durant type body and also shows some shade of Kevin Durant. From what I witnessed, Jaden is able to score very efficiently in the hafl court. He is able to post up and face up and take his man off the dribble to the rim. While facing up, with his length and height, he is able to shoot over his defenders. Jaden also showed his skill set where he can create his own shot off the dribble. He is not only a scorer, he was also able to show his impact on the glass as well.
2019 point guard Tre Mann – E1T1 (FL)
Tre Mann is without question one of the best point guards in the class of 2019. Tre recently showed out at the NBA Top 100 Camp in mid June and has cut his list of schools down to three which include Florida, Kansas, and Tennessee. The rising senior has been one tough point guard this year and it showed in yesterday’s action. During the E1T1-Nike Team Florida matchup I was able to witness, Tre displayed and showed us his ability to draw contact and knock down tough jumpers. He is not afraid to get physical, in fact, it seemed like Tre loved the physical play. He was able to take his man off the dribble and finish through contact. Mann was very impressive and it will interesting to see where he will decide to play at the next level. He is expected to make his decision later this month.
2020 wing Brandon Boston – Athletes of Tomorrow (GA)
One of the most impressive 2020 prospects to see is Brandon Boston, without a doubt. Brandon had a fantastic game in his early morning matchup against NJ Playaz where he finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds. The rising juniors off ball scoring has been amazing and he has been putting it on display. His shot mechanics are top notch and on point. He was able to show he can be effective on the offense and defensive glass and was also a solid defender. His floor awarness was very impressive and how engaged he was in the action. Without question Brandon has been a huge part to AOT’s success and like his backcourt teammate Sharife Cooper, the mission to receive the Peach Jam trophy is not yet over.