While the 17U level of the Grassroots Showcase featured great talent, here are the five that stepped up above the rest.

Alessandro Acosta-Reyes – 2027 – G/F – Monarchs

Not only does Acosta-Reyes have all the tools for the next level but he is also already a highly productive player. He has great size on the wings standing at 6’8” and good frame along with an incredibly well-rounded skill set and athleticism. The wing showed the ability to be a three-level scorer while being a playmaker off the dribble. His high scoring included scoring 18 points in a single half in one of his games. With his unique blend of talents, he is must see 2027 for division one programs.

Nasir Avery – 2027 – PG – Team Herro National

Team Herro went undefeated at 4-0 and Avery was a big reason for this. He was one of the top scorers of the entire tournament with games with 30 points, 26 points and 19 points. The point guard shined with both his play on the attack as well as his outside shooting. In a single game, Avery had knocked down six threes. Avery also made a ton of others plays all tournament long with his energetic on ball defense, getting into the defense and facilitating as he reads the floor well.

Kobe Drake – 2028 – G/F – Michigan Warriors

Even while playing up a level, it was a breakout tournament for Drake with multiple star games leading the Warriors to a 3-1 record to land here. This included games of 25 points and 8 rebounds, 20 points and 11 rebounds, and 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. He has good physical tools standing at 6’5” along with a strong build. Drake scored it exceptionally well using with his physical play powering to the basket but also showed a well-rounded game. Drake also ran the point for long stretches, hit multiple threes in a game, and can defend multiple positions effectively.

Jensen LePla – 2027 – SG – D Rice Elite

LePla shined throughout the entire tournament as he has taken his game to another level. This was highlighted by his shooting ability as he was a consistent knockdown shooter all tournament. In multiple games, he scored over twenty points while hitting three or more threes in multiple halves of play. As well to his shooting, LePla has great size as a 6’5” wing guard with a strong frame to be able to overpower defenders playing on the attack along with improved ability handling the ball. While he holds multiple division two offers, LePla is a player division one programs will want to see.

Coby Sykes – 2027 – PG – DistinXion

With both his scoring ability and point guard, Sykes had multiple star games. In his first game of the tournament, the junior scored 25 points while leading DistinXion to a 20-point win. As part of his high scoring, he was one of the top shooters of the tournament hitting five threes in that game. He great point guard abilities too which include being a highly skilled passer, being strong with the ball being able to handle a ton of ball pressure, along with his high IQ. Sykes also scored it well on the attack moving so well with the ball and finishing all around the ball very effectively.