The 17U level of the NY2LA Spring Extravaganza featured plenty of depth and talent. With all the star performances throughout the three days, here are the players who stood out the most.

Blake Basich – 2027 – PG – Pro Lane

With both the scoring and distributing of Basich, Pro Lane went 4-0 during the tournament. Basich has continued to show his great point guard abilities as well scoring 20 points in their final game of the tournament. As well playing strong with the ball in his hands and having good court awareness, Basich is a very skilled passer. This included his passing on the attack and an on target full court pass right through defenders. He has improved as scorer finishing on the attack versus size inside and shot the ball at a high percentage spotting up from three in multiple games.

KJ Cross – 2027 – G/F – Wisconsin Dynasty

Cross had some of the biggest scoring games of the entire tournaments including one with a staggering 41 points and another with 26 points. As well to having some size on the wings at 6’5”, Cross has a strong build and is a fluid athlete. The wing is at his best as an aggressive and powerful driver where he finishes well through contact at the basket but has also become more of a consistent outside shooter. Cross is one of the fastest rising recruits in Wisconsin’s 2027 class over the past couple of months.

Kobe Drake – 2028 – G/F – Michigan Warriors

It has been a big spring for Drake. After earning his way on to the top performers list last month at the Grassroots Showcase, he once again did here even while playing up a level. He was one of the top scorers of the tournament with games of 27 points, 24 points, and 18 points for a 3-1 record. The 6’5” wing has a very strong build and mainly played with the ball in his hands aggressively attacking the basket. Even up against some strong defenders, Drake showed the ability to power right through them and finish at a high percentage all around the paint. He also used his physicality to rebound it very well and also be a facilitator while on the attack too.

Will Krueger – 2027 – SG – Wisconsin Legends

There are few players who consistently shoot the ball as well as Krueger from the outside. With his high percentage outside shooting, he had a pair of 16-point games in an undefeated 4-0 tournament. In one of these games, he shot 100% from the floor while drilling four threes. Not only does he have a pure jumper spotting up from three but also good range and get his shot off while contested at 6’5” and good lift. When overplayed, Krueger can easily fly by defenders and finish at the basket with his athleticism.

Jensen LePla – 2027 – SG – D Rice Elite

LePla had one of the most dominant games of the entire tournament. In his first game, he went for 29 points leading D Rice to a tight win. He was simply unstoppable down the stretch as he scored 21 points in just the second half. LePla can really be a mismatch with his size at 6’5”, strong frame, and ability. He was most effective playing strong attacking the basket while also being able to beat defenders with his quickness. He can also get inside and post up as well to heating up from the outside and getting hot hitting multiple threes in a row.

Chris Retic – 2027 – SF – Jay Academy

The breakout spring for Retic continued as he has consistently played at a high level all spring. He had multiple games of 20 or more points in the tournament including one with 29 points in a 3-1 weekend while only losing in double overtime. Retic is a lengthy and explosive 6’7” wing who is also a highly impactful player. He scored it very well on the attack all tournament finishing strong at the basket as well as using his length to finish around defenders. He also scored it hitting threes and shots off the dribble. Retic also showed his ability to be a shot blocker, defend multiple positions well, and rebound the ball at a high rate.

Charles Schlicht – 2027 – SG – PAC Elite

The 6’2” guard scored it extremely well at the Spring Extravaganza with games of 29 points and 26 points. Schlicht has continued to be one of the top scorers on the NY2LA Association over the past couple of years and has only continued to improve. This includes with added strength and athleticism. He plays strong at his size being able to power through defenders and showing his bounce with a put back dunk. While he excels a straight-line driver, he is also a consistent spot up shooter from the outside.

Nicholas Taylor – 2027 – PF – MN Lightning

With his play in the tournament, his Lightning team went 3-1. This was especially true in their opening win where he took over right from start scoring 18 points in just the first half. He has a great blend of size at 6’8”, feel, fluid athleticism, and versatile scoring ability. Taylor is very effective scoring posting up with good touch, quickly rising over defenders, as well as hitting turnaround jumpers. The forward was also effective on the attack with multiple driving dunks during the tournament moving well at his size in addition to scoring on rolls and cuts. In his 18-point outburst in a half, he also hit a three. Taylor also plays with good energy defensively inside as a paint protector blocking shots as well as hitting the glass aggressively.