Andrew Force:
Future150 National Analyst. Covering High and Middle School basketball.
Houston, TX (Future150) -- With a couple of competitive 15u teams playing up the 16u division was completely up for grabs. Team Texas Houston only faced two minor speed bumps on the way to the Future150 Main Event Houston Championship.
Five games, five wins.
By defeating RL9 Elite 71-57, Team Texas Houston kept the title in Houston.
Hyperfuse and Alabama Magic provided the stiffest competition. The Magic played to within ten points, while Hyperfuse lost just 58-54 in the semifinals.
The following are some of the best performers in the 16U division:
Larry Kuimi, 2017 PF, Team Texas Houston: Kuimi was a beast on the boards all weekend long. He was one of the better finishers at the rim when getting offensive rebounds. He has a great body and knows how to use it on both ends. His versatility might be his best attribute at this point. Tons of upside to his game.
Sahvir Wheeler, 2019 PG, Basketball University 15U: Sahvir showed growth in his game as a lead guard. As one of the top point guards in the country for his respective class he’s usually more aggressive as a scorer. The 2019 prospect played in the 16U division where he was more of a facilitator and got the ball where it needed to be. Decision making and ability to knock down the three in transition is definitely what separates him from most guards.
Jalon Clark, 2018 SG, Basketball University 15u Black: The 6-foot-5 prospect Jalon is a someone you can’t place in a box or give a position. He’s just a flat out baller. He used his size and craftiness to get to the rim at will and finish with the foul and the basket time after time. Jalon has sneaky athleticism and will get up and throw one down with little notice. If your too small it’s a match up problem and if your too big it’s a match up problem.
Christian Young, 2018 G, Basketball University 15u Black: Christian has high major athleticism to go along with great size at his position. When his skill meets his athleticism he will definitely see his recruitment sky rocket. Right now he uses it to get out on the break for athletic finishes and for rebounding. Christian is definitely a kid to keep close tabs on in the future.
Destiny Stanley, 2017 SF, Team Texas Houston: Stanely was a slasher all weekend long getting to the rim at will. He had a motor that never stops and was able to finish at the rim through contact. As his skills develop more and his jump shot comes on look for him to take his game to the next level. Looking for a big summer.
Malik Williams, 2018 SG, Basketball University 15u Black: A true man in the lane, Williams dominated the glass . He unabashedly entered the crowded cauldron and left with two points. He was a strong second half scorer. Outside shooting was not displayed.
Usama Hameed, 2017 PG, TBT Sports Elite: Hameed was the greatest revelation of the entire event. With a compact shooting motion, Hameed filled up the stat sheet from the jump. He can score any way you want it. Hameed switched on to the opposition's scorer in order to shut him down. This shows he embraces a challenge. That vital killer instinct is ever-present in Hameed. He is determined to pummel you. Fifteen points is not enough for this scorer.
Kendall Scott, 2018 PF, Elevation Skills Sports Grey: Cy Falls has a wonderful player in Kendall Scott. Sunday morning began with a fantastic overtime tussle between ESS Grey and the San Angelo Bulldogs. The Grey were lead by a spirited Scott performance. He took his 6'6" defender out to the perimeter and then easily broke him down. Also, Scott converted his free throws. In all Scott scored an eye-popping 37 points.
Freddy Ayala, 2017 PF, McAllen Ballers: Ayala is an undersized forward. He is acrobatic in tight tunnels. The spry Ayala can contort his body around shotblockers.
Robert Lopez, 2016 SF, McAllen Ballers: A 6'1" wing, Lopez has a high release on his jumper. McAllen can bank on Lopez's scoring because he earns and converts free throws at a high rate. If anything Lopez could look for his shot more often.
Max Oyervides, 2016 SF, McAllen Ballers: The 6'6" Oyervides was a terror on the low blocks. He makes every free throw. With a quick release, Oyervides can be borderline impossible to block. He can pivot and turn his body swiftly. Oyervides rebounds outside his area. Oyervides needs to be matched against more 6'6" players to be perfectly evaluated. He made a strong first impression though.
Chris Greene, 2018 C, TBT Sports Elite: Greene smashed a shot back into a face for the weekend's most violent defensive play. He stared down his own bench and later asked if anyone in the crowd recorded the play. Greene plays with great energy.
Brenden Derouen, 2017 PG, Eastside Ballers: For the Eastside Ballers, Derouen handled point guard duties. His strength is setting up teammates. When those tight moments arose, Derouen took the burden upon himself. He has a good understanding of time and situation.
Demarius Johnson, 2017 SG, FYN All-Stars: For a team comprised predominately of Houston talent, FYN was lead by Johnson. The combo guard put together a nice against Hyperfuse. He scored from all three levels on the court, and even the free throw line.
Tyler Dawson, 2017 PG, Hyperfuse: Hyperfuse was able to muster a serious challenge for eventual champions, Team Texas Houston. Dawson provided the lion's share of the scoring with 19 points. Outside shooting is a strength for the guard.
Bryson Etienne, 2018 SG, Team Texas Houston: Scoring appears to come easy for this bouncy guard. Bryson helped his squad to the 16U Championship. Only once did Etienne fall short of a double digit output, and facing the Eastside Ballers he recorded nine points. Etienne can really knock down the jumpers.
Josh Freeman, 2016 WG, Alabama Magic: Even though Freeman has a reputation for a volume shooter from deep he set up shop on the low block for much of Saturday. He scored 25 points against TBT Sports. The Magic rolled with six guys in the 16u division. This meant Freeman needed to play and score often. He did both.
Adam West, 2017 C, Texas Bulldogs: The Bulldogs were a prideful bunch of athletes. From San Angelo, Texas, they were a difficult out for every opponent. West is still growing into his body and broadening the low post game. Most of West's best bursts occured in first halves. He is a good player to establish early.
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