Nike Elite Stars Takes Home 17U Championship
by Jason Pratt, Future150 (4:38 PM CT, Sat May 12, 2018)

Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- The Future150 Birmingham Main Event was held this past weekend in Hoover, Alabama at the all-new Finley Center. With 11 courts and over 130 teams under one roof, the atmosphere was electric and the competition was incredible! We saw teams from just down the road and as far away as Wisconsin. With 8 states being represented this weekend it was sure to be a good show and a fabulous event. The 17U teams that came out did not disappoint.

The Gold Bracket Championship Game went to the Nike Elite Stars who took on and defeated The BJBC 68-57 in a match that had the spectators on their feet and the players battling down to the last second on the clock. The Nike Elite Stars were led by Austin Harvell who finished the game with 19 points showing impressive athleticism. Harvell put points on the board every time the ball was in his hands! The BJBC standout was Lior Berman who put up 13 points and showed speed and an ability to create plays even in the toughest of situations.

In our Silver Bracket Championship Game, we had The Wildboys Tae'keover versus The Alabama Generals. In one of our closest matches of the day the Wildboys edged out the Generals and took home the win with a score of 69-67. The Wildboys were led by Tre Vaughn who scored 20 points in the Championship game and averaged 15 points a game during tournament play this weekend. The Alabama Generals standout and 16U Division MVP was Kuran Garner who scored not only 28 points in this game but an impressive 91 points over the weekend, averaging 19 points a game.

The Bronze Championship Game came down to the Auburn Raptors and The Georgia Royals with a final score of 64 to 48 with the Raptors taking the win.

17U Division MVP: Austin Harvell (Nike Elite Stars)

First Team All-Tournament:

SG Kuran Garner (Alabama Generals)
CF Mason Ellison (Nike Elite Stars)
PG Paulie Stramglia (BJBC)
SG Derrick Thompson (Wildboys Takeover)
PG Dionte Anding (Memphis Royals)

Second Team All-Tournament:

SG Lior Berman (BJBC)
SG Justin Brooks (Auburn Raptors)
SG Jordan Flowers (Memphis Royals)
F Rashard Ellis (Tuscaloosa Oynx)
G Jaylon Vanhorn (Tuscaloosa Rams)

And last but certainly not least let's take a look at the players with top performances this weekend to keep an eye out for.

Austin Harvell - SF, 2020 (Nike Elite Stars) Harvell is 6-foot-6 inches tall, an elite athlete and can score on all three levels. He has currently been ranked the #1 prospect in Alabama in the 2020 class.  His overall play in the tournament proved why he deserves that ranking. Since we last saw him he has vastly improved this 3-point shot and ball handling skills which makes him almost impossible to stop. He was definitely the top finisher at the rim where he had some of the better dunks in the tournament.  

Justin Brooks - CG 2019 (Auburn Raptors) Brooks is a really well put together guard both physically and mentally.  His size, speed and power style of play makes him a tough guard on the offensive end.  On defense, he uses those intangibles to impose his will on his opponent.  When attacking the rim his ability to take contact and finish is what stood out on the weekend.

Mason Ellison- CF 2019 (Nike Elite Stars) Ellison is a 6-foot-6 inch jumping jack who plays above the rim on both rebounds and scoring.  Coming off a knee injury last summer, his game is slowing starting to resemble his pre-injury form.  This high energy player loves attacking the rim on the fastbreak where he had some of the more impressive finishes on the weekend.  As his shot continues to become more consistent look for his game to take the next step.

Derrick Thompson- SG 2019, (Wildboys Takeover) Thompson is a familiar face to the Main Event.  Every year we see him he gets better and better.  He did not disappoint this year as well. The big-time shooter was putting on a clinic on Saturday where he made six three balls in his first game.  Shot consistency is something he has added to his game since we saw him last.  He is a good leader and makes plays for others. As his off-the-bounce game gets a better look for his overall game to increase.

Paulie Stramaglia- PG 2020 (BJBC) Stramaglia is a Top 5 prospect in the state of Alabama. He averaged 9.3 points a game with a staggering 11.1 assists / 1.8 TO per game. He had another hi level IQ tournament performance as he dished and quarterbacked team BJBC to the championship game. As his shot continues to develop and his confidence grows, look for his game to get even better in the months to come.

Jayden Harvell - SG 2019 (Jaguars Elite) Harvell put on a shooting clinic in 2 of his game this past weekend.  He was dropping 3-pointers like he was in a video game. In back to back games he made 11 total three's which lead his team and just about every other team in the tournament.  He went for 26 and 14 Points to go along with 5 assists in those 2 games.  When you watch him play you have to appreciate how he moves without the ball. #Sniper #StephandKlayLike

Dalen Rodgers- SG 2019, (Hawks Elite) Rodgers made a living all weekend long dropping bombs from behind the three point line.  He can score on all three levels and seems to make all the right plays when the ball is in his hands. Versatility, tenacious and a good feel for the game are three things that stand out.  He scored 17 points in pool play vs the Flight Family.  Solid overall showing on the weekend.

Heath Phillips - PG 2019 (Bama Sting) Phillips gets better everytime we see him play.  For the 3rd year in a row, we have watched his game grow.  His added size and strength allows him to not only play better on ball defense but finish through contact.  Three point shooting has always been a strength of his and he did not disappoint in that area as well.  Friday night he knocked down 4 trey balls.  #Winner #Solidperformance

Jamarius Dixon - F 2019, (Georgia Royals) Dixon is a hungry player with a lot of fire in his belly.  He is a competitor in every sense of the word on both end of the floor.  He scored from everywhere on the floor during the Bronze championship game with 20 points and 7 rebounds in a tough loss.  If you leave him open he can stretch his game to the three point line where he made several on the weekend. #Competitor

Lior Berman - SG 2019 (BJBC) Breman averaged 18 points and 6 rebounds a game in the tournament. He hit a total of 20 three-pointers in four games and let's not forget to mention the several "monster dunks". The 6-foot-4 inch shooting guard drove to the rack at will while showing a variety of moves on the offensive perimeter and mid range. A solid overall performance on the weekend.

Antonio Thomas - SF 2019, (Birmingham Panthers) Thomas doesn't have much flashiness to his game, but he gets the job done on both ends of the floor. Playing more of a wing type player for the Panthers, Thomas's deadliest weapon on offense was his three point jumper and ability to follow his missed shots on the offensive glass. His ability to play good, fundamental basketball is what lands him on the top performer list for the tournament.

Dionte Anding - 2019 (Memphis Royals) Anding is a Future150 favorie who continues to impress this Spring. He might be the best pure scorer we have seen the first 2 months of AAU.  He's averaging 24 points a game and 5 assists.  His shot is text book and when he releases it you say to yourself thats going in.  He made a barage of three pointers in both pool and bracket play.  College coaches if you are looking for a leader who can score with the best Anding is your guy.  Low DI coaches should be all over him.

Jason Holland - SG 2019, (Chattanooga Steam) Holland is a big time shooter and that was on full display Saturday.  He averaged double figures in the tournament and made plays for his teammates.  His high motor and relentless style of play make him a easy choice as a standout in the tournament.  If the game is on the line, he wants the ball in his hands to either knock down the shot or create for his team.  Solid perfomance on the weekend.

Jordan Flowers - SG 2019, (Memphis Royals) Flowers is a highlight reel as soon as he takes the tip.  His 40 inch vertical leap and power game makes him a unstoppable force.  He made a living on the offensive glass scoring on put backs time and time again.  He had 3-4 of the top dunks in the tournament.  His on ball defense is some of the best we have seen in the Spring.  Don't sleep on this grity athlete coaches he will help you win.

Brandon Copeland - SG 2019, (Alabama Jaquars) Copeland was one of the hardest working prospects in the 17U division. He would never shy away from contact when getting to the rim, and used his length and athleticism on defense to make easy shots around the rim very tough to come by. He has very good handles and also showed the ability to knock down the three off the catch and the dribble. He loves to compete and showed flashes of an elite scorer.

Da'Vontae Johnson - PG 2019, (Montgomenry Owls) Johnson is a 5'5" point guard, he's as quick as a jet on the floor. For his size, he's a high octane scorer who can get buckets whenever he chooses. His speed and lateral quickness allows him to break down his defeneder and create plays for others. When it comes to his defensive ability, he's has the overall quickness to guard both guard positions on the floor.

Jonathan Scarbrough- PG 2019, (Alabama Flames) Scarbrough is a 6-foot lead guard who is quick, shifty and showed good body control when attacking the rim.  He is a leader, vocal and play maker when directing his team on both ends of the floor.  The one and two dribble mid range jumper might be his best scoring threat. Coaches if you are looking for a competitor to lead your team look no further.

Kuran Garner - PG 2019 (Alabama Generals) Garner is a lead guard who can play both guard positions.  He uses his speed, eltie ball handling skills and aggression to break down his defenders.  He made a living all weekend long getting to the free throw line where he scored a ton of points.  He scored 30 points and dished out 5 assists in a big pool play game on Saturday.  Wow is all you can say when you watch him play.

Rashard Ellis - F 2019, (Tuscaloosa Onyx) Ellis was one of the more active players we saw this past weekend.  He loves getting on the glass and starting the fastbreak.  He doesn't ming contact at the rim due to it allows him to get to the free throw line where he really efficient.  He was Mr.Consistent all weekend long leading his team.

Jaelin Solomon Simpson - SG 2019, (Team Grind) Simpson is a slashing style player who likes to attack you off the dribble.  He has a great first step, showed lateral quickness and tremendous on ball defense.  His overall ball handling skills and shot making abilities make him a tough guard in both the full and half court.  He scored 19 points and had 4 assists in a big win during pool play.

Jamal Moore - 2019 (Mississippi Spartans) Moore was a human scoring machine on Saturday.  He lit up the score board with a 25 point perfomance.  He was doing it from all three levels and making it look easy.  Attacking down the hill, drawing contact and shooting the three ball are all things that come to mind when you watch him play.  Solid overall performance on the weekend.

Jermaine Glover - SF 2018, (Wolverines Basketball) Glover is a 6-foot-3 inch small forward who can score in bunches.  He is explosive, fast and a smart player who makes plays all over the  court.  He scored 24 and 18 points in back to back bracket games while leading his team to victory.  Juco Coaches if you are looking for a solid player who will help you win, Glover is your guy.

Jaden Cyril -SF 2018, (Georgia Explosion) Cyril is a super long, lanky and super active prospect on both ends of the floor.  He is crafty and uses his body well when he attacks the rim which he did pretty much all weekend.  His length allows him to play and guard multiple positions.  On the offensive end, this makes him a nightmare match up for any team.

Jaylen Vanhorn - G 2019, (Tuscaloosa Rams) Vanhorn was one of the most productive and consistent guards in his age division throughout the weekend. Scoring around 13 points per game, he was a thorn in the opposing defense's side as he used his versatile scoring abilities to always keep the defense on their toes. With a little more growth, strength and development, he can play at the next level no problem.

Theron Montgomery - PF 2019, (Wild Card Basketball) Montgomery is one of the more intriguing prospects we saw over the weekend. At 6-foot-7 inches, he is athletic, long and active when he is on the floor.  His overall length affected his opponents shots and allowed him to clean the boards on both ends.  His post moves and footwork were fun to watch as he punished he defense with a variety of moves when scoring.  Tons of upside to his game.

Darius Durham - SG 2019, (Alabama Heat) Durham is a crafty guard who does most of his work off the bounce. Not having the best size or strength compared to other guards in the gym, Durham used his elite handles and feel for the game to have his way on offense. Defensively he needs to be more locked in at times, especially when guarding stronger guards. Durham has the potential to be a nice contributor at the NAIA/DIII level somewhere. 

Nate Hall - PG 2019, (Team Ken) Hall runs the show for Team Ken, and is always a serious threat to knock down multiple three point shots every game. Defensively he loves to get out in the passing lanes to gather steals for easy layups, but sometimes he can get caught gambling which leads to easy points for the opposing team. Overall, Hall is a really impressive floor general prospect with some real potential to go play basketball beyond high school.