Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Pittsburgh, PA (Future150) -- It was another wonderful year at the 2017 Pitt Jam Fest, where well over 400 teams participated in the event from the 17U-14U divisions. Future150 found several prospects and storylines worth noting throughout the weekend, so check out our observations from the 17U division in Pittsburgh.
Shaughnessy Steps Into Starring Role For Middlesex Magic
After playing as a sidekick to current New York Rens (NY) stud Cormac Ryan last year for the Middlesex Magic, this year it's Thomas Shaughnessy's turn for the spotlight, and Pitt Jam Fest was his coming-out party. A tough vocal leader and sharp-shooter, the 6-foot lefty was impressive all weekend, but he saved his best for last in the 17U Platinum Championship game.
Against a tough Jersey Force (NJ) squad, he went off, scoring 38 points with eight three-pointers, helping lead the Magic to a championship. American, Brown, Navy & Quinnipiac have all offered scholarships since his impressive performance, and he looks primed to lead his talented team to further heights this spring.
Lehigh Valley Product Ryan Young Raking In Offers
One of the hottest big men prospects on the East Coast right now is Bethlehem Catholic (PA) 6'10" power forward Ryan Young. His improvement over the past year is staggering, and his recruitment is really beginning blow up. Over the past few weeks, he's reeled in offers from New Hampshire, Stony Brook, Mount St. Mary's, Towson, American, Columbia, Delaware, Boston University, Navy, Bucknell, Colgate, Richmond, Duquesne, LaSalle, Yale, Hofstra, William & Mary & Elon. A talented big man with a soft touch, he can stretch defenses and plays with an incredible motor. Expect his big AAU season to continue, and a monster high school season to cap off his high school career.
7-Footers Sophomores Turn Heads With Their Upside
Wrightway Skills (MA) is home to one of the biggest (literally) surprises of the weekend in 7'0" sophomore Charles Coleman. Not only did he immediately catch our eye with his massive frame, but he was operating in pick-and-pop situations and hoisting 3-point shots like a perimeter prospect. And while he wasn't very efficient in his shooting, his ability is something to behold. At this point, his size, motor, rebounding & finishing ability are his best traits, but there's no denying his stretch ability in the future.
PYO (PA) had an impressive 7-footer of their own in 2019 center Naheem McLeod. While still very raw, his shot-blocking and rebounding are his best qualities. It's important to note that he still seems to be going through growing pains, suggesting he could sprout another few inches. We expect him to take a big jump in his development over the next six months, so watch out!
Future150 Alumni Make Noise At Pitt Jam Fest
A few Future150 Pennsylvania Camp all-star selections from our 2016 camp had some nice moments at Pitt Jam Fest. NJ Shoreshots (NJ) 6'8" junior forward Marc Dadika impressed with his pick-and-pop ability, along with his motor. For his efforts, he was offered a scholarship offer from Fairleigh Dickinson after his weekend. Team Final (PA) sophomore small forward Da'Mir Faison also had some nice moments while playing in the 17U division. He's an excellent rebounder at 6'5" and is showing nice improvements as a perimeter shoot as well.
Pitt Jam Fest 17U Standouts:
Antonio Rizzutto, 2018 SG, York Ballers (PA): The 6'3" guard is one of the fastest rising prospects in the Mid-Atlantic region, and his play at Pitt Jam Fest solidified that. During one of his games, he put on one of the most impressive scoring displays we'd seen in quite some time. He can score with ease on all three levels and takes pride in defending as well. After his big weekend, Boston University & NJIT offered scholarships, and since the start of the new year, Columbia, High Point & Mount St. Mary's have each offered as well.
Drew Friberg, 2018 SF, Jersey Shore Warriors (NJ): The State College High School (PA) prospect had a phenomenal weekend shooting the ball, with several games of three or more triples. Standing at 6'5", he also has the great size division one schools look for, which explains why Bucknell, Lehigh, Navy & New Hampshire have offered a scholarship in recent months.
K-Vonn Cramer, 2019 SF/PF, Team Final (PA): One of the more intriguing prospects in the sophomore class is the 6'5" elite athlete. Right now, he's more of a power player on the inside, using an insane wingspan and his explosiveness to cause chaos on both ends of the floor. If he can develop a perimeter game, he's going to become one of the most sought-after prospects in the Northeast Region.
Comments:
Be the first to post. Just use the form below.