Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
North Augusta, SC (Future150) -- Sunday was the close of the 2014 EYBL season, and it didn’t disappoint. With two great 17U semi-finals, a 16U title game that went to OT, and a 17U title game that came down to the wire, the season ended in style. Ultimately it was the Arkansas Wings who took home the 16U crown, while the NJ Playaz emerged victorious in the 17U bracket. Here are a few of the players who stood out, either for their title winning teams, or squads that ultimately fell short.
Isaiah Briscoe, 2015 CG, NJ Playaz: It was clear throughout Peach Jam that Briscoe was here for one reason and one reason only, to win the title. He played like a man on a mission all week and could not be stopped in reaching his goal. Not only should he be considered one of the best scorers in this class, but put his play-making ability on display as well.
KeVaughn Allen, 2015 CG, Team Penny: We said it earlier this week and we will say it again; the Gators are getting a flat out stud. Allen silenced his critics this week with a handful of big time performances and was key in helping to get his team to the title game. He has improved his shooting stroke in the past few months and is still very good at getting to the rim and either finishing or getting fouled.
Tony Carr, 2016 PG, Team Final: Carr has made himself known in the Philadelphia area with a decent high school season, but this tournament is the one people will look back and say he broke onto the nation stage at. The 6-foot-2 point guard got to the rim at will and is a crafty finisher once he was at the rack. He also has good vision and an improving stroke from 3-point range. It appears that he will be one of the more sought after players in what is a great 2016 class in Philly.
Tyrik Dixon, 2016 PG, Arkansas Wings: One of the leaders on this scrappy Arkansas Wings group, Dixon helped to lead his team to the championship. He is a good pass-first guard but is also a threat to pull up and knock down jumpers. His ability to create shots for himself and teammates was vital throughout the week and possibly one of the biggest reasons the Wings took home the 16U crown.
K.J. Lawson, 2015 CF, Team Penny: The Memphis commit was unreal all week but saved his best for last, notching a double-double in both the semi-finals and finals. Josh Pastner has to be absolutely giddy about getting him on campus for the 2014-2015 season, as Lawson is both a crafty scorer and great rebounder.
Chris Clarke, 2015 SF, Boo Williams: Few players, if any, play harder than the hard-nosed wing from Cape Henry (VA). Clarke was one of the standouts throughout the week and drew significant interest from schools around the country thanks to his play. While his shot must improve, he has a fantastic first step and stays low when driving to the rim. In addition he is a great defender and rebounder. Clarke also has a great basketball IQ and should be a quality addition to any program.
Tyus Battle, 2016 SG, Team Scan: Battle did his best to bring his team back against the Playaz in the semi-finals, and although he fell short, he proved he was one of the top scorers in his class. At 6-foot-6 he has great size for a guard and uses his ability to put the ball on the floor to create space and get off shots as well as set his teammates up. He will be one of the more highly sought after players in his class.
Temple Gibbs, 2016 CG, NJ Playaz: The younger brother of former Pitt star Ashton Gibbs, Temple showed the country what he can do in his own right. He got to the rim all week and was able to finish through contact and also showed his ability to stretch the defense with his shot. At 6-foot-2 he is a powerful guard and should only see his stock rise from here.
P.J Washington, 2017 PF, Team Penny: Washington played at his best when his team needed him the most. While he was the youngest on this year’s team, he stepped up and provided scoring on the interior as well as rebounding. Washington proved that he needs to be considered as one of the top 5 prospects in this class moving forward.
Moustapha Diagne, 2015 C, NJ Playaz: Diagne was fantastic in the first half of the semi-final going 5 of 7 from the field and grabbing 7 rebounds. The Syracuse-bound big man is seemingly improving every time on the floor and is a monster on the glass. In addition, he is a good shot blocker and talks a lot on the defensive side of the ball. He is the ideal type of big for the Orange.
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