Session 2 of the NY2LA Sports Association came to an end last weekend. With the season halfway complete, action will pick back up in July with two more highly anticipated events taking place in Milwaukee and Las Vegas. Throughout Session 2, a number of breakout performers elevated their games in Dallas.
Here are 10 prospects from the 17U division who raised their stock after a strong weekend in the association…
Drequan Bell – 2017 – SG – REACH Legends
A smooth shooter and slasher, Bell was consistent in session two. In three association games, Bell averaged 11.0 points per game as the REACH Legends won all three games. Bell came up big in a two-point victory over Martin Bros., going for 17 points, including 5-of-10 from three-point range. Bell was in double figures in two of three association contests and was 8-of-15 total from beyond the arc.
Alex Cooley – 2017 – PG – Indy EBC
Cooley is a pass-first point guard, but after last weekend may want to consider taking more shots from the field. Cooley was outstanding offensively, shooting a combined 13-of-17 (76.5%) in four association games. Cooley was even better from three-point range. In Dallas, he shot an incredible 88.9 percent (8-9) from downtown.
Ryan Krueger – 2017 – SF – Wisconsin Swing
He might have been a bit overshadowed by the monster weekend his teammate, Chris Knight, had, but Krueger was again very productive. In three association games, Krueger averaged 13.7 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game in Dallas. Krueger had 20 points, four rebounds, and 4 assists, in a win over Rashard Lewis Elite on opening night. Arguably the top sharpshooter in the association, Krueger hit at a 45.0 percent (9-20) clip from beyond the arc.
Brandon McCombs – 2017 – F – Illinois Irish
The Irish are more defensive minded and won’t score a ton of points, but they got a big boost from McCombs en route to their 3-1 mark in Dallas. McCombs averaged 10.3 points per game, scoring in double figures in all three association outings. He averaged 4.7 rebounds per game, including 2.6 offensive boards per outing.
Connor Niego – 2017 – SF – Chicago Lockdown
You have to like the versatility, IQ, and overall skillset of Niego. A player that can do a little bit of everything and plays within the team concept, Niego averaged 10.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in Dallas. In a win over Martin Bros., Niego had a terrific all-around effort, going for 14 points (5-7), three rebounds, and two blocks.
Sam Orf – 2017 – G – Missouri Hustle
Orf had a couple of breakout performances in Dallas. He came up big in a two-point victory over Quad City Elite, going off for 19 points and five rebounds. Orf was 6-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-4 from downtown. Orr came into the weekend averaging about five points per game, but averaged 10.8 points per game in Dallas. Orf also shot an even 50.0 percent (15-30) in session two of the association.
Malik Parker – 2017 – PG – Martin Bros.
A high-scoring point guard, Parker was filling it up in Dallas. In his highlight performance, Parker went for 30 points in a win over New Mexico Force. Parker was 9-for-13 shooting, including a whopping 8-of-11 from three-point range. In three association games, Parker averaged 17.7 points per contest. He was also an impressive 11-of-19 (57.9%) from three-point range over that span.
David Simental – 2017 – G – The Force
Simental impressed with his ability to dish the rock and take over offensively when needed. He averaged 2.3 assists per game in Dallas. Simental had a strong 13-point, four-assist, four-rebound, and three-steal performance in a one-point loss to the Wisconsin Blizzard. He also led The Force with a 9.5 point per game scoring average in session two.
Jay Small – 2017 – SG – Omaha Elite
Omaha Elite is just loaded with guys who fit together and Small is one of those players who can take on a variety of role. In session two he averaged 12.0 points per game in four association contests. Small also averaged 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game off the ball. Small’s efforts were big in helping Omaha Elite have another terrific weekend, going a perfect 4-0 in the association.
Noah Whalen – 2017 – G – Minnesota Select
Whalen grabbed our attention when he exploded for a 21-point performance against Indy EBC. He was 5-of-6 from the field, including 4-of-4 from three-point range and also grabbed three rebounds in the victory. Whalen averaged 10.0 points per game in Dallas. He shot a combined 53.3 percent (8-15) from beyond the arc over the course of session two.