As well to the first team players, there were plenty of other talent at the 17U level of the Grassroots Showcase. Here is the first part of those.

Elian Alrick – 2026 – C – Premier Chaos

Alrick was a true standout on both ends of the floor. This was especially true with his defensive ability as a rim protector. He stands at 6’11” along with good length while still being highly mobile. All tournament long, he was blocking shots in bunches at the rim and all around the paint. The available senior also showed his scoring ability being able to score posting up, from the dunker spot, as well as being able to drive to the basket. Following the tournament, he picked up an offer from Southeastern Illinois College.

Kellan Cantrell – 2027 – SG – 3D Empire

Cantrell was one of the top shooters of the entire tournament helping 3D Empire go 3-1 while playing in the top pool, only losing in overtime by a point. In one of his games, he knocked down four threes on his way to scoring 17 points which also included a tough and one drive. He truly has a pure jumper spotting up from three shooting it at a high percentage all weekend as well as shooting the ability to shoot it off the dribble. Cantrell also has some size in the backcourt at 6’4” as well to a high basketball IQ.

Jeremiah Cook – 2027 – G – West Michigan Drive White

Cook shined in a dominant opening round win and kept on playing well to help his team go undefeated in pool play. He is a skilled 6’2” guard with a good scoring ability along with a strong build. Over the course of the tournament, he proved to be an effective scorer on all three levels as well to being able to run the point. Cook used his strength well to score it around the paint but also proved his shot making ability from all over.

KJ Cross – 2027 – G/F – Wisconsin Dynasty

Cross was a big piece of a 3-1 weekend for the Dynasty, with the one loss coming by a single point. This included 16 points in a one-point win on Sunday where he was also key with his rebounding and a few assists passing it well on the move. Cross has some size on the wings at 6’5” along with a strong build to be able to consistently power his way to the basket and finish strong inside but also hit a three and pullup jumper in that game.

Britan Johnson – 2028 – G/F – Kentucky Arsenal

Johnson shined with his versatile scoring ability in a 21-point performance. He plays big being able to strongly attacking the basket as well as finishing versus size. The wing also scored it effectively hitting a couple of threes in the game as well to scoring on multiple put backs. With his frame and toughness, Johnson also rebounds it extremely well as well to being a tough and active defender.

Dominic Lofton – 2027 – G – Missouri Legends

Lofton had one of the top scoring performances of the tournaments with a 24-point performance. He was effective both aggressively attacking the basket as well as his outside shooting hitting three threes in that game as Lofton can really shoot the basketball. As well to his scoring ability, he consistently played with great defensive energy during the tournament to play tough on ball defense.

Jamal Pickering – 2027 – G/F – Gxfted Elite

Pickering was one of the most versatile and impactful players of the tournament. He is 6’5” with some athleticism, solid frame, and plays with good energy. Pickering scored 12 points in just the second half of a win. He scored it strong playing on the attack but also scored it posting up as well to a dunk in the final minute to put the game away. Much more than just a scorer, Pickering is an active defender who can matchup with multiple positions very well in addition to being a force on the glass.

Charles Schlicht – 2027 – SG – PAC Elite

Schlicht had multiple standout games at the Grassroots Showcase with 23 points and 9 rebounds as well as others with 21 points and 17 points in a 3-1 weekend. Not only is he a skilled scorer but he is also a competitor who plays with some toughness. He plays strong on the attack with some added strength being able to play through contact and finish at the basket as well to being a good outside shooter. He also showed his ability to come up in the clutch with a go-ahead driving basket with just 20 seconds to play in a win right through multiple defenders.

TJ Williams – 2026 – G – ALL IN P32

The 6’3” senior showed very good playmaking ability with the ball throughout the tournament. This included being able to run the point, hit threes off the dribble and especially his ability to break down defenders and create on the attack. Williams maneuvers extremely well through heavy traffic on the interior being able to get to his spots to finish in the mid-range as well as around the paint. Williams is also an extremely athletic guard who really competes on the defensive end.