Several more players from the 16U level of the Grassroots Showcase who all had themselves noteworthy performances.

Joseph Arnold – 2028 – PG – D Rice Elite

Throughout the tournament, Arnold showed his tremendous and consistent playmaking ability. He is highly elusive with the ball in his hands with his lighting quickness paired with his shiftiness in addition to high level of handle being able to break down defenders with ease. While he showed a good ability to finish over defenders around the paint, Arnold is a also very skilled facilitator creating so well for his teammates on the attack. Additionally, Arnold was very active on the defensive side creating plays there too with his quickness and energy.  

Billy Blythe – 2028 – SF – Mercury Elite Agomo

Blythe got off the tournament in a big way with a block on the first play of the game as well to a 3-3 start from the field. He played with great energy throughout the entire tournament to not only block shots and be a tough defender but also be a dominant rebounder on both ends of the floor. He stands at 6’3” and plays bigger with his toughness and energy to score it strong around the paint in a variety of ways.

Demetrius George – 2028 – SF – 3D Empire

With everything he showed during the tournament, George played like one of the higher upside players there. The wing is 6’6” along with great length and a solid frame too. He is a fluid athlete being able to defend multiple positions very effectively. George also showed some good offensive tools as well being able to shoot the three, finish strong around the basket, while also being able to handle the ball.

Jaylen Walker – 2028 – G – West Michigan Premier

Walker is a skilled guard who excelled while playing on the attack. This was especially the case in the second half of a tight game Sunday. He took over for a stretch in the middle of the half stringing together several baskets to score 12 points in the half. The guard moves well with the ball maneuvering through the defense as well to finishing it very effectively around the rim, with his floater around the paint, in addition to being able to create his own shot in the mid-range.

Dreyton Walton – 2028 – F/C – Mid Michigan Mustangs

As well to being 6’6”, Walton has a very powerful build while playing with a big motor too along with some agility. With his great size, he scored 10 points in just the first half of a game. He uses his strength very effectively to get good position in the post followed by powerful moves to score right through defenders even while being doubled. He also uses his size and physicality, to be an effective rebounder on both ends grabbing everything around him.

Prestyn Wheatley – 2028 – SF – Kentucky Ambition

The tough 6’4” small forward made plenty of plays helping his team to a win on Sunday this was especially the case in the second half. This was with his aggressive, straight line drives scoring on the attack finishing through contact. With his strength, foot work, and moves, he also scored it posting up versus the size. Much more than just a scorer, Wheatley is also a highly impactful player with his high energy play both defensively and on the glass.