Next up from the Summer Jam coverage is part two of my top performers from the 16U level.
Josh Bowers – 2027 – C – Indiana Elite Nover
It has been a breakout summer for Bowers who helped get his team to the title game this tournament. He stands at 6’10” but there is much more to like from his game. He moves very well at this size whether defending versus screens or on the perimeter as well as flying in to the glass for rebounds. He also showed his offensive game scoring in double figures throughout the tournament both getting it done posting up as well as hitting threes.
Connor Brown – 2027 – F – D Rice Elite
From the spring to now, there weren’t as many players who improved their game as much as Brown. He had one of the most impressive games of the tournament scoring 28 points in a semifinal’s matchup getting it done in every way. In addition to being dominant in the paint on both ends. Listed at 6’5” he plays he bigger with his strength, solid frame, and energetic play. This is in addition to a quickly growing skill set showing with his ability to hit jumpers in the mid-range and three plus moving well handling the ball.
Cashius Collins – 2027 – SF – Illinois Central Elite
Collins was a standout with his scoring, putting up double figures throughout the tournament but also did so much more. He is a lengthy athletic 6’4” wing with a lot of emerging tools and is just scratching the surface of his upside. He is a slashing wing who finished it well amongst traffic inside. Collins can also match up with both guards and forwards defensively plus proved to be a good shot blocker with his timing, quickly getting off the floor, and second jump.
Reece McKee – 2027 – Indiana Elite Wetzel – PG
Over the course of multiple games, McKee proved his playmaking abilities on both ends. He is a quick attacking guard who was getting plenty of paint touches beating defends off the dribble and slicing through heavy traffic. McKee finishes it well all around the paint in addition to often getting to the line. More than a good scorer, the guard also created extremely well for his teammates with his vison on the move plus picks up full court pressuring the ball.
Deandre Stewart – 2028 – PG – Missouri Phenom
It was another big performance by Stewart which included a championship here at Summer Jam. He was stellar all tournament but especially on Sunday playing big down the stretch in both the semifinals and championship games. He continued to excel on the attack both scoring in the paint finishing so strong for his size as well to having a good mid-range pull up game. He is an elusive playmaker with the ball who is so difficult to stick with due to his lightning quickness and ability to maneuver through traffic.
Ken White Jr. – 2027 – PG – REACH Legends
Once again this July, White showed his ability to put up plenty of points. At Summer Jam, this included a 22-point game after having a 20 point game back at Final Chapter. In his 22-point performance, White stood out with his great shot making ability. This was especially from the outside as well as in the mid-range as White was shooting it a high percentage off the dribble. White is a gifted playmaker not just with his ability to create his own shot as well as distributing but also with his defensive play pressuring the ball.