Adrian Thompson, 8th Grade

Despite having a few shots rim out, Adrian demonstrated great shooting form throughout the event. In the skill segments, Adrian was challenged to handle the ball in ways he may not have normally. If he continues to tighten his handle, Adrian will be able to create more shots and options offensively.

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Andrew Bolivar, 7th Grade

Andrew stood out in his age group and played the game with a flair that not many others did. Throughout the day he played with no fear of making mistakes, willing to tackle the most difficult rep, attack a bigger player, and thread a pass into a small window. To take his game to another level, Andrew can continue to hone his shooting form and quicken his release. Despite good athleticism, Andrew doesn’t really elevate on his shots, so the ability to create space and get shots off quickly will be key (especially as he gets older and the game gets faster).

*TOP12 TEAM SELECTION

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Angelo Clark, 8th Grade

One of Angelo’s strengths was his ability to change speed/pace with his dribble. This was something that was on display in the skill segments and translated directly to the game segments. To improve even more on his ballhandling, Angelo can focus on pounding the ball even harder to reduce the amount of time the ball is exposed to defenders on each dribble. From a shooting perspective, better shot preparation (being low and loaded) and an extended follow through will help Angelo become a more consistent shooter.

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Arnold Squitieri, 8th Grade

Arnold was stretched beyond his comfort zone over the course of the event, especially when ballhandling during the skill segments. As the skill segments continued and the game segments began, Arnold seemed to grow more and more confident and show more of his game. In games, Arnold showed exemplary shooting form and follow through. His nice stroke opened up other avenues in his game allowing him to make plays for himself and others. By day’s end, Arnold had established himself as one of the group’s best. In games, Arnold has the opportunity to maintain better court vision by keeping his eyes up.

*TOP12 TEAM SELECTION

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Barry Birch, 7th Grade

Barry is a big bodied guard with a nice handle. While not one of the fastest guards, Barry uses his body and strength well to ward off defenders and play at his pace. Although his release point is a little low on his shot, Barry has consistent form to knockdown shots. With his blend of size and basketball IQ, Barry was great in all the game segments. For Barry to take the next step, he will need to continue to develop explosiveness as an athlete and maintain his vision to improve his playmaking ability for his teammates.

*TOP12 TEAM SELECTION

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Caesar Byrd Jr., 8th Grade

Caesar's lateral quickness allowed him to impact the game at both ends. In the skill segments, Caesar showcased a solid handle and nice finishes. As a shooter, Caesar can benefit from increased lift on his jump shot.

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Cheasny Carjuste, 8th Grade

Cheasny was able to use his physical tools to impose his will on opponents during games. His competitive will helped him grow during the skill segments and impact winning during game segments. Cheasny can take a huge leap in his game by fine tuning his footwork in the post and on his perimeter catches to avoid travels and increase stability. As he gets older and potentially settles into a more traditional guard role, Cheasny will also need to tweak his shooting form and low release point to become a consistent shooter.

*TOP12 TEAM SELECTION

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Connor Karnes, 8th Grade

Despite being challenged by some quicker competitors in his group, Connor competed hard all day, even doing some extra reps during skill segments. With a solid skill set, Connor can benefit from growing as a coachable player. After receiving instruction and feedback, Connor still had a tendency to drift off task.

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Corey Sampson, 8th Grade

Corey’s balance of attacking and sharing with teammates was impressive during the game segments, always knowing what was needed for his team. Throughout the day, Corey showed a great, effortless form with a quick release. Despite the opportunity to be lower in his shot prep and elevate higher during his shot, Corey’s smooth release allows him to get shots off against defenders of all ability levels. For Corey to take his next leap as a player, he will need to add strength to his wiry frame. Additional strength will immediately help him on the defensive end to thwart drives from stronger opponents.

*TOP12 TEAM SELECTION

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Daniel Augustine, 8th Grade

Daniel challenged himself with every rep in the skill segment and got better as the event went on. Daniel’s shooting stroke is solid. To make his shot even better, Daniel can focus on improving his arc, which will give him more margin for error and make his shot softer.

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David Neal, 7th Grade

As one of the fastest players in the group, David has great ability to impact the game on both ends when he’s aggressive. Throughout the day, coaches raved about his coachability and willingness to use feedback as a tool for improvement. For David to take the next step in his growth he can fine tune his jump shot by going straight up and straight down (without fading away or drifting). Added leg strength would also help David be more explosive and stable around the rim which could help him convert more finishes in traffic while also making him a more effective defender.

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Eduardo Rodriguez, 7th Grade

Eduardo caught attention of coaches and players with some flashy playmaking. The same flash did get him in trouble a couple times, though, in game segments. For Eduardo to take a jump in his game, he will need to have a healthier balance of flash and substance while shoring up his shot preparation—primarily bending to get low and loaded before the ball arrives.

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EJ Deeb, 7th Grade

As one of the group’s smaller guards, EJ’s quickness was constantly on full display as he flew around the gym during game segments. EJ also worked hard to try to master every rep during the skills segment. For EJ’s game to take a leap, he is going to have to be more comfortable with attacking offensively. To get to that point EJ will have to hone his skills as well as the small guard tricks—using your off-hand to create space for finishes, getting into players’ bodies, getting under larger defenders, using quick release and off-foot finishes around the basket and in the midrange.

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Elijah Petitdo, 8th Grade

Elijah had a solid all-around day. He clearly grew as a ballhandler over the course of the day. During the shooting segment, Elijah showed nice form. With more consistent balance (with both one-two step and hop footwork) Elijah will be an even more consistent shooter.

 

Issac Marshall, 7th Grade

With a nice combination of size and skill, the game seems to come easily to Issac at times. Issac was a force in the game segments and stood out as one of the most effective players in the group. With the seeming ease of his effectiveness, Coaches found Issac wasn’t always ready to accept instruction and wasn’t the most coachable player in the gym. As long as Issac receives coaching, his game will continue to blossom. To improve his jump shot, Issac can focus on getting lower in his shot preparation and not catch the ball standing straight up.

*TOP12 TEAM SELECTION

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Jaden Glaz, 7th Grade

Jaden was able to make an impact in game segments with athleticism and activity level. For Jaden to take his game to the next level, he can improve as a shooter. Being able to employ both one-two step and hop footwork during shot preparation will help Jaden’s balance and ability to get good shots off in different situations.

 

Javares Whitehead, 7th Grade

Javares excelled throughout the event. His athleticism helped him standout at both ends of the court in game segments and he was focused during the skill segments. To take the next leap in his progression, Javares can work on being low and ready to shoot when the ball arrives which will allow him to get shots off quicker. Maintaining court vision during penetration will also help Javares create shots for his teammates.

*TOP12 TEAM SELECTION

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Jayden Lang, 7th Grade

Jayden’s competitiveness was most apparent in the skill segment when he got to hone his handle.

Throughout the day, Jayden showed a solid stroke but can benefit from better shot preparation. If Jayden consistently catches with the ball at or above his shot pocket, with butt low, and uses an extended follow through, he will be able to get his shot off faster and more readily. As a smaller guard, the shot preparation needed to quicken his release will be extremely helpful.

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Jehbari Preston, 8th Grade

Jehbari left a lasting impact on coaches with his constant activity, toughness, and will to win. When games were on the line, Jehbari wanted the ball and wanted to attack. To become a more polished offensive player, Jehbari needs to continue to develop his ballhandling ability, especially going left. Also, snatching the ball more quickly and consistently into his shot pocket will help make Jehbari a better shooter on the catch and off the dribble.

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Jonathan Hines, 8th Grade

Jonathan has good size and a growing skill set that he worked hard to add to during the skill segments. Despite missing some shots that he is probably accustomed to making, Jonathan stuck with it and kept competing. Coaches were encouraged by Jonathan’s ability to accept and act on feedback and instruction. For the lefty to take his game to the next level, he has to continue to improve his finishing around the basket. Often times, finishing around the basket is dependent on keeping eyes on the rim/backboard regardless of traffic and contact.

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Joseph Teich, 7th Grade

Despite having to leave slightly early, Joseph left his mark on the event. His relentless nature left an impact on coaches. His left-handed attacks were hard to stop, even in the face of larger defenders. Joseph’s energy on the defensive end was also great. As a smaller guard, Joseph should be aware of his shot release point (below his chin). Plenty of good shooters have low release points, but it places an even greater onus on the shooter to create space.

*TOP12 TEAM SELECTION

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Jovany Philistin, 8th Grade

Jovany challenged himself in the skill segments then made the game look easy in the game segments. Jovany’s comfort handling the ball and getting to his spots was apparent and he consistently rose up with very a very nice shooting form and follow through. To take the next step, Jovany can use his handle and pace to manipulate the game to create shots for his teammates.

*TOP12 TEAM SELECTION

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Karlton Madeus, 7th Grade

Karlton accepted the challenge throughout the day, pushing to get better in every drill. This was extremely evident during the skill segments as Karlton tried to perfect every rep. During the game segments, Karlton was a bit passive, which may suggest he just needs more confidence in his game. One of the best ways to gain that confidence is by improving as a shooter. To do that, Karlton will need to consistently catch on balance, low and loaded. From there, Karlton will need to use a two-handed follow through while minimizing the influence of his guide hand.

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Keyon Jenkins, 7th Grade

Keyon is an outstanding athlete. With his unique combination of height, length, and athleticism, Keyon has all the tools to be a lockdown perimeter defender. Offensively, Keyon has the opportunity to modify his shooting stance to turn his elite athleticism into vertically explosive jump shots and drives to the basket. Currently, Keyon uses a wide shooting stance which prevents complete energy transfer from the floor up through his legs into his shot. If Keyon gets square and keeps his base under his shoulders, he will have greater energy transfer and achieve more lift on his jump shots.

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Kyran Bowden, 8th Grade

Kyran was one of the best players in the group. His ability to keep the ball on a string, quickly pick the ball up into his shot pocket, and shoot off the dribble was impressive. He then finished those quick pull ups with nice form and shot mechanics. To take the next leap in his game, Kyran can also use his ballhandling ability to get to spots on the court (getting two feet in the paint) to create shots for his teammates.

*TOP12 TEAM SELECTION

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Matthew Deeb, 7th Grade

Matthew, one of the smallest players in his age group, was fearless throughout the day. He attacked every rep and hustled throughout the game segments. The quickest way for Matthew to take the next step in his game is to perfect his shooting form. Currently, Matthew’s guide hand has too much influence over the ball. If Matthew can correct his form and extend his range, defenders will have to cover him more closely, which will open up driving lanes to attack.

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Omar Baqai, 7th Grade

Omar competed throughout the day. In game segments he did little things to make timely plays for his team. To make a leap in his progression, Omar would benefit from increased lateral quickness which would help him on the defensive end as well as creating shots offensively. Improved shot preparation (catching low and loaded) would help Omar get shots off more quickly and consistently while helping to eliminate the tendency to travel on the catch.

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Ryan Churchill, 8th Grade

Even without being vertically explosive, Ryan showed the ability to finish around the basket with both hands. In both skill and game segments, Ryan seemed confident showing his ability and challenging himself. To improve his lefty shooting stroke, Ryan can get lower during his shot preparation to gain greater lift on his jump shots.

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Ryan Powell, 7th Grade

With good size and athleticism, Ryan caught coaches’ attention as a vertically explosive finisher and defender. During skill segments Ryan worked diligently to tighten his handle. As a ballhandler, Ryan can also benefit from loosening up his hips so his moves become more fluid. From a shooting perspective, Ryan would benefit the most from better balance and shot preparation. If Ryan commits to catching the ball low and loaded then exploded straight up into his shot (without fading or drifting) he will become a more consistent shooter from all over the court.

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Scottie Anosier, 8th Grade

Scottie was one of the standout players in his age group. His basketball IQ coupled with his length and skill level allowed him to play the game with an ease rivaled by few players. He played at his pace throughout the event and was able to impact the game on both ends of the court. Scottie’s stroke is pure, but he can be mindful of his minimal lift. If Scottie continues to tighten his handle and pound his dribbles harder, he will be able to get to any spot he wants to offensively, creating more shots for himself and others.

*TOP12 TEAM SELECTION

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Wilsmith Dieurestil, 8th Grade

Will’s day perfectly exemplified what T12 is about—very talented players being challenged, growing, and excelling. In skill segments, Will didn’t always appear confident, but he grinded through and got better with each rep. In game segments, Will’s quickness, athleticism, and good ballhandling were on full display, making him one of the best players in the group. To add to his offensive game, Will needs to be consistently shot ready (low and loaded) to have more catch and shoot opportunities.

*TOP12 TEAM SELECTION

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Zolan Bennett, 7th Grade

Undeterred by being one of the smaller players in his age group, Zolan’s competitive nature was on display throughout. Zolan has a nice shooting stroke that uses a minor dip. Countless good shooters utilize the dip to gain rhythm and energy, but as an undersized guard, Zolan can consider shooting without the dip to get more shots off comfortably against closeouts and other contests.

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Zyiare Scott, 7th Grade

Zyiare was a joy to watch throughout the skill segments, always working to perfect the given move. Over the course of the event, Zyiare showed solid shooting form. For Zyiare to grow as a shooter (especially as he gets older and the game gets faster), he needs to quicken his release by employing better shot preparation—catching low and loaded ready to shoot. With a fairly low shot set and release point, it will be increasingly important for Zyiare to be able to use shot preparation to quicken his process and allow him to take open shots over closeouts.