There were plenty of players at the 16U level that college coaches will want to be very familiar with. Here is the second group of top performers from the 16U level of the NY2LA Final Chapter.
Ichima Idoko – 2028 – SF – J Sizzle
Idoko was one of the most intriguing prospects of the entire tournament. While just a 2028 playing up an age group, he showed a great ability on both ends of the floor. He already has great tools as he stands at 6’7” with plenty of length and athleticism but also showed some good skills. He can handle the ball and create off the dribble, was hitting threes consistently, and can match up with nearly anyone on the floor defensively. He already has offers from Arizona State, Kansas City, and New Orleans.
Jensen LePla – 2027 – SG – D Rice Elite
LePla had one of the most impressive games of the entire tournament when he went off for 30 points and played well throughout the tournament getting his team an undefeated record. He is such a mismatch on the court with his size positional size at 6’5” and versatile game. He was often using his strong frame to force his way to the basket but was also scoring it posting up as well as hitting jumpers in the mid-range and three. Following the tournament, he picked up an offer from Michigan Tech.
Jonathan Morgan – 2027 – G – The Academy
The lengthy guard was one of the top scorers at the 16U level. On Saturday he scored 24 points in a game he then upped it on Sunday by scoring 27 points. In his 27 point performance, he scored 22 points in the first half alone as he was hitting all his shots to put his team up by 20. He is an accurate shooter hitting four threes in that one half but was also creating well for himself in the mid-range and running the point well. Not just a scorer, Morgan also showed good decision making with the ball and passed it well.
Charles Schlicht – 2027 – SG – PAC Elite
Game after game, tournament after tournament, Schlict has continued to play at a very high level over the past two seasons with PAC Elite. He scored it well throughout the tournament including a 27-point game. His skill level has continued to grow but he also greatly advanced his quickness, strength, and athleticism. This showed with his ability to beat defenders off the dribble with ease, consistently play through contact to the basket, and finish above the rim. He can score it from all over but did it exceptionally well around the paint and mid-range. The improved quickness also showed on the defensive end on the ball.
Ace Walters – 2027 – PG – Oakland Elite
In a matchup of two of the top 16U teams, Walters shined. This was especially the case in the second half where he started it off with a run of several baskets. He scored 17 points in that game while hitting three threes as well to some tough mid-range jumpers creating his own shot but is just as good with his point guard play. Over the course of multiple games, he impressed with his court vision as well to being a very skilled passer.
Tait Wetzel – 2027 – F – Indiana Elite Wetzel
The forward has good physical tools standing at 6’6” in addition to his great length but also a versatile skill set. He also has a big motor running the floor hard and attacking the glass hard grabbing everyone near him. Wetzel was very effective in the paint on both ends, finishing through contact and blocking shots but can also step out and shoot the three plus put the ball on the floor.