Zachary Lyon:
Future150 Regional Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball: NC, SC & VA
Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- The 15U division featured Alabama teams such as Team Carroll Premier and the Birmingham Blue Devils but it was the out of state teams that stole the show throughout most of the weekend. The CKY Magic took home the 15U championship after defeating Team Carroll Premier in a double OT thriller. Which 15U prospects stood out the most?
Amirion Joyce, 2020 PG, CKY Magic (KY): One of the best PG's in the tournament, regardless of age divisions, Joyce was extremely fun to watch. He was almost impossible to stop off the dribble. In the championship game he lead the come back scoring 12 points in second half and overtime. Poised, relentless and the ability to make timely free throws is what gave his team the title. Great weekend for the Kentucky native.
Willie Screws, 2020 SF, Team Carroll Premier (AL): Screws was definitely one of the better athletes in the division. At 6-foot-4 inches and 205 pounds he can power his way the rim when ever he wants. He did most of his damage on the fast break and offensive rebound put back where he got a ton of and ones. As his shot continues to improve look for his game to take the next step in his development.
Tony Jackson, 2020 PF, Chattanooga Elite (TN): At 6'6" Jackson has solid size at the four spot, but what makes him standout is his extremely high motor and elite athleticism. He isn't the most polished big man in the post but he used his length to dominate the glass and showed that he was capable of knocking down the short/mid-range jumper multiple times. With a few more inches of growth and some go-to moves in the post, Jackson could be a serious problem.
Will Hairston, 2020 SG, CKY Magic (AL): Hairston is a disceptively good athlete when attacking the rim on the fastbreak. His fundamental approach to the game is what makes him a potential college prospect. He knocks down open jumpers, takes what the defense gives him and makes plays for his teammates. Coaches love these type players and his all around game helped his team to the championship. Solid performance on the weekend.
EJ Mason, 2020 SF, Mississippi Force (MS): Mason had a strong showing throughout the weekend as he was rebounding the ball well, and showing off his versatility on both ends of the floor. Even though he's listed as a small forward he is more than capable of playing the two, three, and even the four spot in a small ball line-up. His ball-handling can use some improvement along with his long range jumper, but the energy and effort was always there.
Makyi Boyce, 2020 PG, Nea Elite (AR): Boyce had a few huge games this weekend dropping thirty pieces like it was easy. He is definitely a score first lead guard, but still made sure that he got the ball to his teammates when they were open. Standing around 6'0", it would be nice to see him shoot up a few more inches and add some more muscle to his frame. The upside and potential is definitely there for Boyce to be playing division one level basketball one day.
Kaveyon Lewis, 2020 CG, Memphis Brethren (TN): Lewis had a huge breakout performance on Saturday during pool play where he looked nearly unstoppable when getting to the rim. His killer speed in the open floor led to many uncontested layups in transition, and he also showed that he was more than capable of knocking down jumpers off the bounce and off the catch.
Devion Bowens, 2020 PF, Hussal Squad (TN): Bowens was hard to stop when he got the ball down low and established position. He had multiple double digit scoring games and was also very impressive when it came to protecting the rim and always affecting any shots that came into the lane or anywhere near the paint. His motor and high energy was usually unmatched, and depending on his growth and development he should certainly have a shot at extending his basketball playing days beyond high school.
Paulie Stramaglia, 2020 PG, Team Carroll Premier (AL): At first glance you see that Stramaglia has average height for a lead guard his age and isn't overly athletic or anything of that nature, but at the end of the day he makes plays happen. He had a huge game during bracket play on Sunday in a win over the Birmingham Blue Devils where he scored 15 points and dished out 12 assists. Low major point guard in the making!
Torance Hogan, 2020 PG, Jaguars Elite (MS): Hogan was a standout a few weeks ago at the Future150 Main Event Birmingham, and continued to build off those strong performances this weekend. He didn't score as much as he did a few weeks ago, but he was playing tough nosed on-ball defense and was crashing the glass hard and gathering plenty of steals. Hogan can contribute equally on both ends of the floor.
Tre Jackson, 2020 SF, Starkville Swish (MS): Jackson showcased a beautiful stroke from deep at 6'3", and was a matchup problem for opposing teams on both ends of the court. Not only was he knocking down shots for his squad, but he was a great vocal leader for his team and was always making the hustle plays. Jackson has the looks of a great D2/NAIA prospect in the long-term.
Adarius Oliver, 2020 PF, Birmingham Blue Devils (AL): One of the more intriguing long-term prospects in the entire tournament was Oliver. Standing around 6'5" with an extremely strong frame, he was killing the competition on the glass and in the paint. His speed and agility at his size was quite impressive, and assuming he continues to grow and develop it wouldn't be a long shot to see him playing low-major college basketball one day.
Josh Alexander, 2020 SG, LODA (AL): Alexander was scoring from all three levels consistenly during pool play and was an extremely tough cover. His ball-handling abilities were very impressive and he made some beautiful passes in transition after coming down with the rebound. Definitely needs to work on his game on the defensive end, but is without a doubt a superb offensive weapon.
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