With many of the nation’s top grassroots programs in the building for session three of Nike’s EYBL there was an incredibly high level of talent. This report focuses on many of the Midwest’s programs that were in attendance as well as a few of the programs they faced off against. Here is part one of the standouts from the 17U level of the tournament. 

Bo Aldridge – 2023 – G – ProSkills

In both games I saw of Aldridge this tournament he played at an extremely high level. He is a smooth guard with high all skill level and knows how to play. He is a tough guard at 6’4” with a strong build who maneuvers well with the ball getting all the way to rim often. Though he also an impactful player with his rebounding, perimeter defense, and energy. 

Darrin Ames – 2023 – PG – Mac Irvin Fire

Ames had multiple highly impressive games during the three days to show he is one of the top point guards in the 2023 class. With all his tools he has an exceptionally ability with the ball in his hands to score and distribute it. This included a stellar game in which he went for 29 points and 8 assists. He created so well for himself in the mid-range in addition to finishing at a high rate amongst big men inside but also has a good jumper from three. When he is playing his best games, Ames can just be unstoppable. 

Richard Barron – 2023 – SG – Meanstreets

During multiple games, Barron was a knockdown shooter from the outside. He has a pure jumper and just rarely misses when he has a good look at the basket spotting up on the perimeter. Much more than a shooter as he is a very impactful player with all his tools in addition to his strong build at 6’5”. He matches up well with multiple positions defending some very good guards and wings at a high level.  

Aaron Bradshaw – 2023 – C – NJ Scholars 

With all the talent in the building, Bradshaw showed one of the highest upsides of anybody. He is a true seven-footer with great length to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Not only does he have the size but still moves very well patrolling the paint to stop any drivers and blocking shots in bunches but can also defend out on screens and switch onto the guards. He scored the ball effectively out of the short corner catching lobs and can also play facing up to the basket. 

Elliot Cadeau – 2024 – G – New Heights Lightning

It is very easy to see why Cadeau is one of the most sought-after players in the 2024 class nationally. He is an incredibly gifted playmaker off the dribble with his ability to score and distribute both extremely well. Not only does the explosive guard have great moves but burst of quickness to constantly get into the paint and create.  

Dalen Davis – 2023 – PG – Meanstreets

Davis had multiple impressive game with all he can do on the floor. He moves so well with the ball to get to his spots creating for himself as well as for his teammates. The point guard operates extremely well around big men inside looking to draw defenders and facilitate it or finish himself in traffic. He was also extremely effective shooting off the dribble as he needs such little room to hit his shots. Following the tournament, Davis received an offer from Illinois. 

Jeremy Fears – 2023 – PG – Indy Heat

Game after game throughout the three days Fears dazzled with his distributing ability, including a ten assists game. Fears is a gifted all-around point guard with advanced feel. He sees the floor extremely well finding shooters and cutters as well as getting into the paint and dishing it off. While his facilitating stood out most, he consistently scored the ball with a few double digits scoring games.