Jason Pratt:
Future150 Senior Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- The 2013 Future150 Birmingham Main Event came to a close on Sunday, with six teams bringing home championships before the day was done.
Highly contested battles were at a premium throughout the day of action, with each team knowing that it was "win or go home" time.
In the 17 and under championship game, the Chattanooga Elite defeated the Louisiana Rockets to wrap up their solid weekend at the event.
In the 16U division, the Alabama Challenge used strong performances from Brandon Austin and Tommy Burton to defeat LJC Elite.
The Birmingham Bulls used a team effort to shock the entire 15 and under field on their way to the title, beating the Georgia Kings Elite. Micah Fuller was the catalyst for the Bulls throughout the tournament.
Here are the individual standouts from Sunday's action...
Tommy Burton, Alabama Challenge, 2015 SF:
The 6'8" small forward had himself a nice weekend in Birmingham. He showed nice range out to the three-point line, was willing to bang on the inside, and has an overall set of skills that make college coaches drool. Once he shores up his ball skills and post moves, look for him to skyrocket up in the 2015 rankings.
Jahmal Green, Charleston Playmakers, 2016 SG:
A 6'2" shooting guard with good athleticism, Jahmal is the type of player who thrives in the open floor. He is a good slasher who gets to the basket at will, and can finish at the rim with either hand. He also showed an ability to create plays for his teammates.
Riley Norris, Team Thad, 2014 SF:
The 6-foot-7 inch SF is one of the more versitale players we have seen in a long time. He can score on all 3 levels and has the ability to play the 2, 3 and 4 positions on the floor. He is a great rebounder and has a great feel for how to play the game the right way. Look for Norris to make a huge splash on the national circuit and start to reel in some High Major Plus offers. He currently holds offers from UAB, Stanford, Vandy, Auburn, Arkansas, Kansas State, Clemson, Virginia, Georgia and Alabama.
Orlando Moore, Chattanooga Elite, 2014 PF:
Moore helped set the tone for his team on both ends of the floor throughout the weekend, whether it was rebounding and getting trash buckets or affecting the opposing teams’ shots. He used his arms very well to be effective, as well as rebounding at a nice pace. Future150 had out first look at Moore last summer, and since then, he has slimmed up and added a lot of strength. Right now he is a solid 4 man that can run the floor well.
Leron Black, Team Thad, 2014 SF:
Leron had a good showing at the Birmingham Main Event. His mid-range jump shot was falling, he was a monster on the glass, and he was finishing baskets easily on the fast break. Look for him to continue to showcase his improving mid-range game this summer with Team Thad.
Sadik Spence, Chattanooga Elite, 2014 PG:
Spence had arguably the best weekend of any player, regardless of age group. The 5-foot-11 point guard made plays constantly and was an obvious standout. He is extremely quick and made several plays in transition, whether it was for himself or others. He excelled at penetrating into the lane and dishing it off to big men in the post for easy buckets.
Ricky Holden, LJC Elite, 2015 PG:
Holden is as solid of a point guard any coach would want on the floor as his floor general. He can score if need be and knows how to run a team. His best attribute might be his ability to get in the lane off the dribble and find his teammates for eay baskets. Oh and by the way if you leave him open its 3 ball time. Bang, Bang, Bang as he can score in bunches.
Jarvis Calhoun, Birmingham Ice, 2014 SG:
The UAB commit might be one of the top overall catch and shot players in the class. He can flat out fill it up when he gets it going. he loves to stop and pop the 3 ball in transistion and is deadly with the pull up mid range jumper. As he gets stronger and adds weight to his slight frame he will only get better.
Micah Fuller, Birmingham Bulls, 2016 PG:
The 5'11" lead guard played with excellent pace all weekend long. He never forces the issue and makes excellent decisions in both the half-court and transition setting. He scores the ball with ease and makes it look even easier when finding teammates for open opportunities. He is an excellent looking prospect for only being a freshman in high school.
Maurice Murphy, Enterprise Elite, 2015 CG:
The 6'3" guard from Enterprise High School (Al) was a standout prospect for Enterprise Elite this weekend. He averaged 16 points per game throughout the tournament, and got baskets in a variety of ways. He was most effective when scoring from the wing, but has good lead guard skills as well.
Jake West, Tennessee Panthers, 2016 PF
The 6-foot-7 inch PF was having his own block party this weekend and most of his competitors were invited. He is an excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor due to his length and likes to score in transition on put backs. He averaged 8 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks on the weekend.
Reginald Todd, WASA, 2016 SG
Todd was one of the better shooters from beyond the 3-point line we saw this past weekend. He has long arms and has a good first step when attacking the rim. There were times where he would score 6-8 points in a row and bring his team back from huge leads. His best attribute was his high motor and willingness to compete at a high level. Overall he is a solid DI prospect.
Kwon Fore, Team Vigilance, 2014 SG:
A standout prospect from Lee High School in Huntsville, Kwon put in work at the Birmingham Main Event. For the weekend, he averaged 17.5 points, seven assists, and three rebounds per game, helping Team Vigilance make their mark on the tournament field.
TaWarren Grant, Alabama Challenge, 2015 CG:
The 6'1" combo guard, fresh off winning a 2013 Alabama State Championship, came ready to play this weekend. He is a solid ball handler who gets into the lane at will. He has good instincts from the lead guard position, and he knows when to find his teammates in correct spots.
Marquis Davis, Tennessee Panthers, 2016:
Davis has good ball handling skills and always seems to make the right pass. He lives in the lane and has a nice floater when attacking bigger players. He likes to shoot the 3 ball and will knock it down if you leave him open. Definitely a team leader and someone every coach wants on the floor down the stretch when its crunch time.
DaQuan Bellard, LA Rockets, 2014 SG:
Bellard was one of the most athletic players to come out this weekend, if not the most athletic. He has freak athleticism and was jumping out of the gym game after game. Playing above the rim is an understatement for this guy. He probably won’t go on to play basketball in college, and it’s not because of the lack of talent. Bellard already has several high-major programs after him to compete in the high jump in track in field. Ohio State is one of the main schools in pursuit right now.
Joseph Strugg, Dream Team Express, 2015 PF:
Strugg's was probably the nicest surprise from the weekend due to he did not get much run on his high school team. That did not deter him from putting on a show this past weekend. He was one of the top shot blockers we saw and he might of been the best offensive rebounder to boot. He is super long, wiry and runs the court extremely well for a 6-foot-8 inch player. Tons of upside and talent with this High Major prospect.
Travon Joseph, LA Rockets, 2014 SF:
Joseph was another nice athlete to come by way of the LA Rockets. He already has a body ready for the next level, and the athleticism is just an add-on. He showed a nice physical game, where he rebounded amongst bigger players on both ends of the floor. He also showcased a nice ability to shoot and score from outside. This kid is definitely one to watch for in the future.
Kejaun Harrell, Alabama Select, 2015 SF:
The Clay Chalkville High School (Al) prospect was a steady workhorse for his squad throughout the tournament. The 6'2", 180-pounder averaged 10 points and eight rebounds per game this past weekend, showing great toughness in his game.
Comments:
It’s a shame that the MC Warrior won the championship and still they were treated like they were the runner up. What happen to their champioship picture on the site no props was given to any of the boy on their team that suck.
Who won the 12u division?
Those results are at http://www.JrFuture150.com