Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- The 15U field at the Birmingham Main Event was especially loaded this year, with talent from top to bottom of the field. In the Gold Bracket Championship, it was powerhouse Southeast Elite that ultimately brought home the title.
In the 15U Silver Bracket Championship, Atltanta Xpress-DB was locked in a closely fought battle, but ultimately brought home the title with them. Here are a few of the players who stood out this weekend.
Connor Wilson, 2017 PG, Western Kentucky Elite: Wilson is a heady point guard who showed off an improved stroke from beyond the arc this weekend. He knows how to move without the ball and can create open looks for both himself and others.
Keyshun Bradley, 2017 PG, Chattanooga Elite: Bradley is another guard who did a great job of balancing and distributing the ball with scoring it. He has above average speed and more often than not made the correct play. His ability to hit shots at all three levels makes him an intriguing prospect.
Errin Gray, 2017 SF, Alabama Select: The name of Gray’s game is power. Whether he’s going to the rim or posting up smaller defenders, Gray uses his large frame to over-power his defender. While that is effective at this point in time, he must work to expand his perimeter skills, given his size.
Joseph Hammond, 2017 SG, The Family: Hammond is an undersized shooter who found open looks and made them count throughout the event. He is a smart player who rarely takes bad shots and understands the difference between an open look and a good look. His basketball IQ combined with his shooting ability made him a standout.
Chris Askew, 2017 SF, Memphis Deciples: Askew is a big bodied wing who also uses his frame to power through defenders and finish at the rim. He handles the ball surprisingly well and was able to do a lot of damage from the high post.
Mitchell Langley, 2017 SG, Alabama Premier: Langley has a chance to be a solid division one player thanks to his knockdown shooting ability. He has in-the-gym range and a quick release. Combine that with a high basketball IQ, decent size, and good ball handling ability and it’s easy to see why schools would be smart to keep an eye on the shooter.
John Petty, 2017 SF, Terriers TNT: Petty is one of the better freshmen in the country and proved as much this past weekend as he helped lead the Terriers to the 17U gold bracket title. He was equally impressive playing in his own age group as well. He has great athleticism and showed good ball handling ability, as well as decent court vision. While it remains to be seen what position he will ultimately play at the next level, it is clear that Petty is a tremendous talent.
Jack Reynolds, 2017 SG, TBC: Reynolds was the go-to scorer for his team at times throughout the weekend and he did not disappoint. He showed that he can score at all three levels and has good athleticism. His length combined with his natural scoring ability could net him a scholarship down the road.
RJ Mhoon, 2017 SF, Southeast Elite: Mhoon had a standout weekend, helping to lead his team to the 15U gold title game. He attacked the rim with tenacity and showed that he was an improved rebounder. Few players in the freshman class have the type of athleticism that Mhoon possesses, giving him a ton of upside.
Jakari Joiner, 2017 PG, North MS Kings: Joiner was a blur in the open floor and showed that he can also knock down shots from deep when given time and space. He used his speed well and changed speed and directions in order to free himself from his man. Joiner is slightly undersized but plays hard and takes pride in his defense.
Deontre Rhynes, 2018 SG, Marianna Elite: Playing up in the 15U division proved to be an eye opening experience for Marianna Elite, but Rhynes was more than up for the challenge. The talented guard found a way to put up points in a variety of ways and has solidly put himself on the radar moving forward.
Luke Touliatos, 2017 SG, Birmingham Blue Devils: One of the more lethal shooters this past weekend was Touliatos. He is able to get his shot off quickly and under pressure. With seemingly limitless range and the understanding of how to space the floor in order to get good looks, Touliatos was a dangerous weapon throughout the tournament.
Jontae Southard, 2017 CG, Alabama Hornets: Southard is a smooth combo guard who not only was able to set his teammates up for good shots, but shoulder much of the scoring load as well. He has a good handle and often was tasked with guarding the best player on the opposing team. He is one to keep an eye one moving forward.
Josh Linder, 2017 CF, Atlanta Xpress-DB: Linder has been on Future150’s radar since The Future150 Atlanta Main Event and produced once again this past weekend. The 6-foot-7 forward again grabbed rebounds at their highest point and showed the ability to face up defenders and take them off the dribble. He has a great first step and handles the ball well for a player his size. He has great upside and should solidly be on division one programs’ radars.
Marquis Eaton, 2017 SG, Arkansas Kings: Eaton did a good job of putting up points in a hurry all weekend and was one of the reasons why his team went as far as they did. He scored on all three levels throughout the tournament and was one of the higher scoring wings all weekend in all age groups.
DeAndre Robinson, 2017 SF, Dream Team Xpress: Robinson Is an athletic wing prospect who did a majority of his damage by putting the ball on the floor and finishing at the rim. He has a good frame and plays hard at both ends, with his skill set he projects as a division 1 player.
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