Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- Coming into Future150 Main Event Birmingham, all eyes were on the hometown favorite, Team Carroll Premier, and they did not disappoint. In the 17U Platinum Division Championship game, playing against the Birmingham Blue Devils, Premier pulled away in the second half to win 71-55, securing their title. Which prospects stood out in Alabama? Find out below.
Malik Crawford, 2018 SG, Birmingham Blue Devils (AL): A high volume scorer, Crawford exploded for 36 points against the Tuscaloosa Rams, including 25 in the first half. At 6-foot-2, he has good, but not great size. Still, with his ability to put points up in bunches, he was one of the best players in 17U and should be one that low D1's and D2's target moving forward.
Emmanuel Littles, 2018 PF, Alabama Celtics (AL): Fresh off an offer from New Hampshire, it appears that Littles' recruitment is just starting to pick up. A 6-foot-9 big man who runs the floor well and can score around the rim, he should be a legitimate option for low and mid-majors looking for a big who can play in an up-tempo system.
Jorden Flowers, 2019 SG, Memphis Royals (TN): Flowers was definitely one of the best athletes in the tournament. At 6-foot-1 inches tall, he was rebounding above the rim and guarding multiple positions on the floor. During the first bracket play game, he had 15 points, 12 rebounds and a crucial tip in to seal the deal for a big victory over Memphis rival Memphis Bulls Elite.
Jordan Lockridge, 2018 PG, Club 51 (TN): The 5'10" point guard showed his ability to be equal parts scorer and facilitator during his time at Birmingham Main Event. He was able to get to the rim at will and also showcased a three-point stroke that looks good upon release. As he continues to get more conistent when shooting the basketball, his stock will climb.
Chris Jones, 2018 PG, Alabama Hornets (AL): The 5'8" point guard turned out to be one of the more explosive scorers that we viewed in the 17U division over the weekend. In front of our staff, he had impressive scoring displays of 23 points and 12 points, many of which came on impressive drives to the rim, resulting in made baskets and foul-shot opportunities.
Trajen Wood, 2018 PG, Memphis Bulls Elite (TN): Wood was one of the more consistent shooter we saw in the 17U division. He was scoring from all three levels and rebounding well from the lead guard position. When he has the ball in his hands, he makes everyone around him better. Court vision, play maker and leader are three attributes that describes his game to date. Solid overall performance on the weekend.
Brendon Vessel, 2018 PG Faith Lions Select (LA): Vessel is a floor general, and over the weekend he displayed his abilities to get everybody around him involved and knows how to put himself in good postions on the floor. In the open floor he was a huge match up problem for opposing teams because he uses his speed to get where he needs to be, and also has a great change of direction which sets up a lot of pick & roll action, which he executes very well in.
Jorden Heard, 2018 CG, Auburn Raptors (AL): Heard was probably one of the most exciting players to watch over the weekend. He plays with a certain type of energy that not many players play with and because of that, he sets the tone for how his team will play. He is a two sport athlete (Basketball & Football) and holds SEC and ACC offers in football, but he will tell you that basketball is his first love.
Kavion Hancock, 2017 PG, Team Penny (TN): The unsigned senior put on a show all weekend long leading his team to the Gold Bracket Championship. He averaged over 19 points per game in the tournament and was the engine that made his team go. You have to love how hard he competes on both ends of the floor. College coaches, if you're looking for a winner, this is your player.
Dionte Anding, 2019 CG, Memphis Royals (TN): Anding was one of the best pure scorers we have seen this AAU season. He can flat out fill it up from long distance. In the first bracket play game, he put his team on his back, hitting 11 three pointers while scoring 45 points in the game. Heart, competitiveness and will to win are things you just can't teach, and he has all three.
Jerryone Patterson, 2018 PG, TNA Heat Selma (AL): Do it all point guards are hard to find these days, but not today. Patterson was scoring from all three levels and making it look easy. He went 4 of 7 from beyond the arc and had 5 assists in his second pool play game. Hard nosed, tough and leader are attributes that describe his game the best. As his game continues to grow, look from him to take the next step.
Isaac Chatman, 2018 SF, Team Carroll Premier (AL): The athletic 6'6" small forward has been a highly regarded forward in Alabama for a few years now. A long athlete with excellent finishing ability around the rim, he stood out due to his natural gifts while playing in Birmingham. He's exactly the type of prospect who could take off as a high-major recruit once his jumper becomes conistent.
Edmond Thomas, 2018 SG, Bo McCaleb Select (LA): The 6'3" shooting guard showed his ability as a three-tier scorer with his play in the tournament. In one particular game, he scored 21 points, and did so by knocking down mulitiple 3-point shots, scored at will around the rim, and netted points by getting to the free-throw line as well.
Hunter Williams, 2018 SG, Faith Lions (LA): The shooting guard from Louisiana was knocking down shots from all over the court. He showed a good first step and good ball handling skills which allowed hit to get in the lane. Defense and rebounding are things he takes pride in when guarding the ball. Being a small guard he must develop in order to play both guard positions.
Nick Stampley, 2018 PF, South Florida Spartans (FL): A solidly built 6'6" power forward, the Blanche Ely High School (FL) product had several big games for his team. In one particular game, he scored 22 points by imposing his will on the inside. He's also a solid rebounder on both ends of the floor.
Daryl Mcelrath, 2018 SG, Memphis Bulls Elite (TN): A shooting guard with good size, the Riverside High School (TN) product had high scoring games of 11 and 18 points in front of our staff, showing his ability to get baskets at all levels. He was also productive in transition as well, and was a willing defender when playing on the ball.
Jayden Lockett, 2018 PG, Nashville Stars (TN): Lockett was impressive at the Atlanta Main Event last month, and kept up his strong play this past weekend in Birmingham. A big and athletic lead guard, Lockett looks like a nice option for low division one programs.
Trenton Gibson, 2018 CG, Team ARG (TN): Gibson is another bigger lead guard with a good shooting stroke and the ability to put points up in a hurry. He can get to the rim, as well as create open looks for his teammates, but his best attribute is his shooting. He has range past 20 feet and a very nice looking release.
Makenta Elliot, 2018 SG, Tuscaloosa Rams (AL): A talented scorer and slasher, Elliot was one of the better scorers in the 17U age group this past weekend. He certainly has the physical attributes to play at the college level and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Jordan West, 2018 CG, AUSA Rampage (AL): West was a joy to watch throughout the weekend. He was one of the best finishers around the rim in the division and also showcased his ability to knock down the mid-range jumper and the corner three. At 6'2", he has solid size and strength and could project as a good prospect at the D3/JUCO level.
C.J. Owens, 2019 SG, Team Thunder (TN): Playing an age division up, Owens played with a chip on his shoulder. The 5'11" guard had a huge game during pool play against Jaguars Elite where he dropped 28 points including EIGHT made three pointers. Even though he's undersized, Owens has great lift on his jumper which allowed him to shoot over taller and longer defenders.
Darrell Luter, 2018 PG, Jaguar Elite (MS): Luter always seemed to have the hot hand for the Jag's. He was scoring from all over the floor and also showed off his good court vision which kept the defense on their toes throughout the weekend. Another undersized guard in the 17U division that showed heart matters much more than height.
Gabriel Reasor, 2018 PG, Tennessee Edge (TN): Reasor is a scoring floor general with a mature game. He always knows where to put the ball or when to shoot it. He rebounded well throughout the weekend and was one of the most impressive point guards in the tournament, regardless of age division.
Tyler Presswood, 2018 G/F, Team Alabama CBA (AL): Presswood had an impressive weekend on both ends of the floor. On offense he was using his long, lanky frame to score over the top of the defense when slashing into the lane, along with getting the opposing team in foul trouble. On defense, the nearly 6'5" wing was locking up multiple positions and gathering steals and blocked shots. Keep an eye on Presswood as he heads into his final season of high school.
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