Session two of the NY2LA Sports Association came to a close over the weekend. In the final three days of the spring evaluation period, the association is now halfway complete as things will pick back up in July. Looking to leave a lasting impression on the large number of college coaches in attendance in Dallas, Teyvion Kirk of All In/Y&R did just that.
Here are some that stood out this past weekend in Texas…
STAR WATCH
(Note – Listed in Alphabetical Order)
Nana Akenten – 2017 – SG – Illinois Celtics/Hoopers
After a big weekend in Minneapolis, Akenten didn’t disappoint in Dallas. Although the Celtics/Hoopers dropped all three association games, Akenten averaged 16.0 points per game. Although he takes a lot of tough shots, Akenten continues to get it done, shooting 41.1 percent from three-point range in session two. Akenten ranks third in the league in floor impact (23.1), second in scoring (16.9 ppg), and seventh in rebounding (5.3).
Teyvion Kirk – 2017 – G – All-In Young & Reckless
Kirk had a nice weekend on the recruiting trail thanks to some strong play. Kirk was consistently effective in three association games, averaging 11.0 points per game in three double figure performances. Kirk also averaged 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game from the guard spot. Kirk currently ranks ninth in the association in steals per game (1.4).
Terrence Lewis – 2017 – SF – Wisconsin Playground Elite
The soaring wing had a monster 32 point effort on Saturday morning that brought with it a versatile package of slashing, jumpers, and transition baskets. He was active and aggressive and he stood out once again in flashes this past week as Lewis again looked the part of a top 100 prospect nationally in the 2017 class.
PJ Pipes – 2017 – PG – Illinois Stars IBA
A consistent weekend was the rule of thumb for Pipes as he led his squad to a 4-0 mark on the week with solid efforts game after game. He can score, rebound, and create and the talented junior lead guard displayed that in flashes this past weekend as he guided his team to victories in every game.
Simon Wright – 2017 – F – Minnesota Comets
Continuing to add offers, Wright averaged 12.0 points per game in Dallas as the Minnesota Comets went 3-0 in association play. Wright was in double figures in all three outings, including 15 points and eight rebounds in a win over New Mexico Force. Wright shot 53.8 percent from the floor over that span as well. He ranks No. 11 in floor impact (19.7), No. 13 in scoring (13.3), and No. 11 in rebounding (5.0 rpg).
TOP PERFORMERS
(Note – Listed in Alphabetical Order)
Teddy Allen – 2017 – F – OSA Crusaders
All Allen does is put the ball in the basket and he did that in a big way over the course of session two. Allen scored in double figures in all four association games, averaging 16.8 points per game. A versatile, high-volume scorer, Allen loves to take advantage of mismatches. He can take slower forwards out on the perimeter and look for driving opportunities or rattle off triples when the defense is slow to react. He also has no problems backing his man down and using his strength to score in the post.
Keion Epps – 2017 – G/F – REACH Legends
Epps got better as the weekend wore on and was named Co-MVP of the 17U division for his efforts. The junior wing had a great effort Saturday night in a terrific game against the New Mexico Force, going 7-for-7 from the field en route to 14 points. He came back Sunday and went for 18 points, seven rebounds, and two steals in a win over the SYF Players. An intriguing 6-foot-6 slasher, Epps definitely turned a corner in Dallas and will look to continue his momentum when the association kicks off again in July.
Grant Garwood – 2019 – F – Iowa Elite
Garwood is an intriguing skilled forward with a lot of promise. Unfortunately, he injured his ankle in Iowa Elite’s final game on Saturday, but we saw everything that was needed. Garwood can stretch the floor with his shooting and even back down opponents and fade away from the post. Able to handle the ball on the perimeter, Garwood can play a bit of a point forward role with his ability to bring the ball up in transition and pass from the top of the key or high post area. Garwood had a couple of double figure scoring efforts and was on his way to another until being forced out of the game with an ankle injury Saturday afternoon.
Brandon Hau – 2017 – G/F – Wisconsin Shooters
Hau a big, consistent weekend for the Wisconsin Shooters who went 3-1 in session two. Hau averaged 16.0 points per game, scoring in double figures in all four contests. A versatile wing who impacts the game in a variety of ways, Hau had a terrific effort in a loss to the Colorado Titans, posting 14 points, seven rebounds, five steals, and three assists. In three association games, Hau shot a combined 66.7 percent from the field, including 80.0 percent from inside the three-point arc.
Nickolas Jackson – 2018 – F – Grand Rapids
Jackson can impact the game in so many ways and the upside here is ridiculous. He’s already quite big at 6-foot-7, but has length that makes you think he’s closer to 6-foot-10. A combo forward that can play and defend three positions effectively, Jackson is also a versatile offensive presence. He displayed some impressive post moves down on the block and despite still being somewhat raw, made the defense look foolish at times. He can also slash a little bit from the perimeter and when he gets momentum going to the rim, it’s all over. His upside defensively is just as high. Jackson can defend in the paint and chase wings on the perimeter. Laterally, he moves pretty well for his size and is an obvious shot blocking presence.
Chris Knight – 2017 – F – Wisconsin Swing
The Co-MVP of the 17U division, Knight took his game to another level over the weekend. Leading the Wisconsin Swing to a 4-0 record in Dallas and keeping them unbeaten on the year, Knight averaged 15.3 points per game over the weekend, including 16.3 ppg in association play. Knight shot a combined 75.9 percent from the field in three association games, including a 6-for-6 effort against Rashard Lewis Elite. An outstanding shot blocker as well, Knight racked up 12 blocked shots in session two.
Donyea McCaskill – 2019 – SG – Yanders Law
McCaskill is a little more physically advanced than most freshman and he was really tough to stop last weekend. It’s pretty evident early in the game that McCaskill wants to attack the rim and even then the defense still couldn’t slow him down. A lengthy, 5-foot-11 shooting guard, McCaskill has some good athleticism which he uses to hang in the air and convert some acrobatic finishes. Even with the defense giving him a step or two, McCaskill was still quick enough to get by and goes a good job of playing angles when he puts the ball on the deck.
Logan Strom – 2017 – F/C – Omaha Elite
One of the most efficient big men in the association, Strom is helping Omaha Elite have some terrific success in the association. Also a standout offensive tackle in football, Strom’s footwork shows up on the hardwood as well. Strom was in double figures in all four association games over the weekend. He averaged 13.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Also able to step out and shoot the three, Strom shot 19-for-25 (76.0%) from the field in Dallas, including 100 percent (4-4) from downtown. The 6-foot-7 junior missed just one shot from the field in his first three games combined.
Jalen Suggs – 2020 – G – Grassroots Hoops
No, we’re not talking about a player in a 14 or 15U division. Suggs is a 17U prospect and continues to turn heads. In three association games, Suggs averaged 17.0 points per game for Grassroots Hoops, who went 3-0 in Dallas. Becoming a more efficient scorer, Suggs never took more than 11 shots and connected at a 51.9 percent (14-27) over that span. An explosive scorer and passer, Suggs not only continues to hold his own on the big stage, he’s beginning to own the big stage itself.
Jordan Walton – 2018 – SG – Yanders Law
It seems every time we sit down and watch Yanders Law, Walton is having a big game. Also one of the biggest stock boosters in Minneapolis, Walton continued his big spring in session two. Walton had a great effort on Sunday, pouring in 24 points against All-In Young & Reckless. A consistent three-point shooter, Walton drains triples if left open. Walton also has a skill package you just don’t expect. The 6-foot sophomore will bust out some flashy plays in the open floor that just stuns the defense. The best part is that he hits those plays, usually passes, with accuracy and doesn’t commit foolish turnovers in the process.
STOCK BOOSTERS
(Note – Listed in Alphabetical Order)
Ayo Akinwole – 2017 – PG – Omaha Elite
Akinwole dished the basketball at a high rate in Dallas. Ranking third in the league in assists (3.0), Akinwole averaged 3.5 per game in session two. After a strong weekend, Akinwole also ranks fifth in the association in efficiency (8.3) and steals per game (2.0). With a talented, deep lineup, Akinwole has done an excellent job of managing and dictating the game, a big reason why Omaha Elite went 4-0 in Dallas.
Jameel Alausa – 2017 – F – All-In Young & Reckless
An improving post scorer, Alausa flashed some ability in Dallas. Alausa scored in double figures in two of the three games he played in over the weekend. More impressively, Alausa is one of those players that loves doing the dirty work. The 6-foot-7 junior controls the glass and blocks shots at a high rate. He loves to play physical on both ends of the floor and lets it be known early who controls the paint.
Jirehl Brock – 2019 – SG – Illinois Irish
A competitive, tough guard, Brock is always operating at 100 percent. Brock has a strong 6-foot-0 frame and uses that well to his advantage. Using a quick first step, Brock puts his head down and makes the defense foul him or get out of his way as he attacks the basket. With the defense sagging off him to give themselves an extra step, Brock has the awareness and skill to pull up from three-point range and knock it down.
Mongo Cornett – 2017 – F/C – Rashard Lewis Elite
Cornett played in two association games over the weekend and was in double figures in both. The 6-foot-8 enforcer averaged 14.0 points per game on 85.7 percent (12-14) shooting. Cornett ranks No. 15 in the association in overall floor impact (19.0), sixth in points per game (14.0), No. 10 in rebounding (5.0 rpg), and third in field goal percentage (85.7).
Marlon Cunningham – 2018 – PF – New Mexico Force
Playing up a level, Cunningham ranks eighth in floor impact (20.3) after two sessions. Cunningham ranks second in the league in rebounding (7.0) and showed that junkyard dog mentality in Dallas. A 6-foot-8, 225-pound sophomore, Cunningham is a tough, strong, and physical post presence, but also has some finesse to his game when it comes to scoring the block.
Bailey Dee – 2018 – G – Illinois Irish
A strong, quick guard, Dee has an excellent change of pace to his game that keeps defenders off-balance and guessing. A good ball handler, Dee does a great job of attacking gaps and getting into the teeth of the defense before the help can come. What was perhaps most intriguing about Dee, is that he inverts himself in the offense. Dee will play inside and work for post touches, showcasing a nice jump hook near the rim.
Alou Dillon – 2017 – PF – Wisconsin Playground Elite
The talented forward delivered a strong effort on Saturday in an early day victory as he showed a versatile skill set that included post moves, face up scoring ability, and a perimeter stroke that extended beyond the arc. Already holding a few Division 1 offers, Dillon heads toward July as an intriguing prospect to keep close tabs on for Division 1 schools at all levels.
Trevor Hanson – 2018 – PF – Dakota Schoolers
Playing up in 17U, Hanson had a couple double-figure scoring efforts in Dallas. A strong rebounder and finisher around the rim, Hanson is double-double threat every time out. In three association games, Hanson averaged 10.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in Dallas. Against SYF Players, Hanson registered a double-double with 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting and 11 rebounds.
Nate Jenkins – 2019 – G – Wisconsin Shooters
Jenkins has the potential to be a high scorer in the association for years to come and he was just that when we were able to get eyes on him. An intriguing 6-foot-1 combo guard, Jenkins is very smooth and a terrific dribble penetrator. A player that can hang and finish around the rim, Jenkins was exciting to watch in Dallas.
Xavier Johnson – 2016 – PG – Grassroots Hoops
Johnson broke out in Dallas with three double figure scoring efforts in association play. The unsigned senior exploded for 32 points on 9-16 shooting in a win over Rashard Lewis Elite. Johnson did much more than scoring, averaging 3.3 assists per game as well. Johnson now ranks seventh in the league in floor impact (20.9) and fifth in points per game (15.1).
Yaakema Rose – 2017 – PG – Yanders Law
We liked Rose a lot of Sunday and weren’t surprised to see him rise up to fourth in the association in floor impact (22.9). A strong, quick guard, Rose also ranks eighth in the league in scoring (13.9 ppg), first in steals (2.7), and surprisingly at 5-foot-10, fourth in offensive rebounds per game (2.7). Despite being undersized, Rose has some explosive athleticism and lateral quickness and uses that all over the floor.