The Lone Star Invitational is over for 2017 and we were able to see a lot of 17U Association players, both familiar and more new to the league, show up and have some strong outings in Dallas, Texas this past weekend. Monty Johal (Yanders Law) was consistently productive offensively, Djuan Seal (REACH Legends) was exciting in the open court and made several big plays, Mitch Listau and Nick Klug (WI Swing) became a dynamic backcourt duo, and several others competing on teams in this year’s NY2LA Sports Association had both top performances, improved their play enough to generate more interest from colleges and scouts, or played well enough to get their names out there as players to watch as the Association continues and they compete throughout the spring and summer.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW 17U NY2LA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION LEAGUE LEADERS THROUGH SESSION 1

SEE ALSO
NY2LA LONE STAR INVITATIONAL WEEKEND RECAP - 17U OPEN DIVISION
NY2LA LONE STAR INVITATIONAL WEEKEND RECAP – 17U ASSOCIATION
NY2LA LONE STAR INVITATIONAL WEEKEND RECAP – 16U ASSOCIATION
NY2LA LONE STAR INVITATIONAL WEEKEND RECAP – 15U ASSOCIATION

17U NY2LA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION SESSION 1 TOP PERFORMERS
QUINLAN BENNETT – 2018 – PG – KESSEL HEAT BLACK
Bennett had some up and down games this weekend, but when he was on, he was really good. He can score in so many different ways, both coming off screens to catch and shoot it, he can take a defender off the dribble and pull up to hit a mid-range jumper in a guy’s face, he can pull up from three when the team needs a big shot, and he’s capable of getting to the bucket off the bounce. He showed those abilities in different games throughout the weekend.

QUINN BLAIR – 2018 – SF – REACH LEGENDS
Blair has great size and a good build for what he does. He showed this past weekend that he can play both inside and outside, knocking down shots from the perimeter when afforded him, or he can take defenders down to the block and go to work on them there. The underrated aspect of Blair’s game that he proved very capable was his vision and passing, particularly in the transition game.

MUSA JALLOW – 2018 – G/F – TEAM BLAZE SELECT
Jallow probably didn’t have the weekend he wanted, scoring-wise at least, but he still played really strong in many different facets of the game. With his size and athleticism, Jallow played tough defensively and rebounded the ball pretty well. Offensively, he did a nice job of attacking the paint where he attracts so much defensive attention that it opened up a lot of options for his teammates to play off him. He also shot it alright from the mid-range area and was tough to stop when he did get to the rim.

MONTY JOHAL – 2018 – G – YANDERS LAW 
Johal was doing Monty Johal things again, just being a major playmaker and scorer offensively for a Yanders Law team that had a really successful weekend in Texas. The talented guard was shooting it well from various spot on the floor, both hitting some three’s and shooting it from 15 feet or so. Johal was also on the attack and aggressive, getting himself to the free throw line and forcing defenders to come over to him when he drove. He was consistently one of the leading scorers on his team and affected their offense when he didn’t have the ball as well, because of the attention he draw from defenses.

MITCH LISTAU – 2018 – G – WI SWING
Listau had a great opening night game and then just played really solid throughout the rest of the weekend. He played well in the open court, he passed the ball well and was consistently attacking the basket, using a good controlled handle to fight his way through some traffic at times and still either score or make nice kick-out passes to find open shooters. Listau also showed he can shoot it outside a bit and played tough defensively.

XAVIER PINSON – 2018 – PG – MAC IRVIN FIRE ELITE
Pinson had a tough opening night fighting through some Achilles soreness, but he bounced back really well Saturday and Sunday, as he really put pressure on defenses by going into attack mode. He hit some outside shots, especially a couple in crucial moments for his team, but was really at his best when he used his quick first step and solid handles to blow by defenders to get to the rack where he finished really well.

MATTHEW TODD – 2018 – PG – MN COMETS ELITE
Todd had a really solid couple games to finish the event in Texas, especially his final game in which he almost single-handedly took over the last few minutes in a tight game against Kessel. Despite coming up a point short, Todd hit some clutch and gutsy shots down the stretch and really shot the ball well all game, hitting shots from the three-point line and beyond, and also attacking off the bounce and working his way to score inside or drop off to teammates for buckets.

DJUAN SEAL – 2018 – SG – REACH LEGENDS
Seal is still working on getting his shot more consistent, but when he has it going, there aren’t many defenders who can stop him due to some excellent quickness and leaping ability that makes it tough for defenders to try and stop him from either the perimeter or in transition. When Seal got out and ran the floor, he got several buckets dunking it through the hoop or over defenders, and others where he made some tough lay-ins in traffic. He showed he can knock down tough shots outside as well when he followed through.

CORVON SEALES – 2018 – G – QUAD CITY ELITE
Seales has great length for his position and really put pressure on opponents when he defends with his arms extended and moved his feet. Offensively though is where Seales really shined over the weekend, with a good looking perimeter jumper and the ability to play at the rim, Seales scored several points over the weekend, and when he wasn’t  hitting shots, he kept attacking the basket to regain some rhythm.

JALEN SHAW – 2018 – PF – KESSEL HEAT BLACK
Shaw played a consistent and maybe quiet game the first couple days of the event, just working hard and playing solid defense, using his length inside to block shots and to rebound the ball with great effort. The big man in the middle had a 9-point, 12-rebound game Saturday that was really good, but then Sunday in their final game he really stepped it up, finishing just about everything inside and really controlling the boards and the paint defensively again, going 22 and 11 in that game, points and rebounds respectively.

17U NY2LA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION SESSION 1 STOCK BOOSTERS
MANNING “TRE” BAUMGARDNER III – 2018 – PG – TEAM BLAZE SELECT
Baumgardner had some really good moments this past weekend, particularly on offense. With good quickness and some burst past defenders, Baumgardner combined that with some good ball handling to work his way to the basket and he is crafty in traffic, where he found ways to score past or over bigger defenders waiting inside. He had a nice little floater, but really was good making plays at the hoop.

JORDAN BELKA – 2018 – F – MN COMETS SERVATY
Belka has really good length, and plays really hard with good hustle on both ends of the floor and then showed good control with his inside game offensively. He showed he can play with his back to the basket a bit, with a couple nice turn around short hooks or drop-step finishes at the rim. He played hard on the boards and got himself some opportunities to score by hitting the offensive glass and finishing put-backs.

BENJAMIN DAVIDSON – 2018 – SG – GRAND RAPIDS STORM
Davidson really played tough Saturday night and showed what he is capable of when he gets the ball rolling. He came in off the bench and hit some tough shots for his team, knocking down some three-balls and then went to work showing his game inside the arc, hitting short-range shots over defenders after attacking them with the dribble, and then was good finishing at the basket with some crafty work in transition.

NICK KLUG – 2018 – PG – WI SWING
Klug was really tough again this weekend, making plays both offensively and defensively with his quickness and effort. Klug seems to go all out all the time, which really shows well and allows him to make up for questions about his size. Offensively he can shoot the ball well from outside, but he is also capable of scoring at the rim with good burst to the hoop and good timing against help defenders at the rim.

ANTHONY LYNCH – 2018 – SG – KESSEL HEAT BLACK
Lynch was really good shooting the ball and making plays attacking the rim for Kessel, playing off of Bennett really well. His energy and his athleticism allows him an advantage, and he did a great job finding open shots both off the dribble or in moving off the ball and spotting up, then converted several of those opportunities by hitting the shots.

MARLON RUFFIN – 2018 – SG – PLAYGROUND ELITE
Ruffin seems to continue to get better as games go on, wearing down defenders with his ability to play physical and with some speed. His shot keeps getting better and he put pressure on defenders this weekend that had to choose to come and play him outside, or to take away his ability to drive and finish, and he did a nice job of using that to make them pay with whatever choice they made. He led the team in scoring in a few games this weekend for PGE.

DANNIE SMITH – 2018 – G/F – MAC IRVIN FIRE ELITE
Smith had a really good weekend overall and will look to continue his momentum into the Extravaganza event. With forward size and athleticism, and some decent guard skills, Smith was a mismatch for many defenders this weekend, and he utilized his skill-set well, making plays going to the rim on several plays, and also displaying his ability to shoot the ball some, hitting some shots from the perimeter and the elbows. Smith rebounded pretty tough too.

LEGEND STAMPS – 2018 – F – INLAND ELITE
Stamps took a bit to get going this past weekend, but when he did he was tough to defend. With his size, and ability to run the floor well, Stamps was able to score at the basket with decent control and touch, but also showcased some outside shooting ability. While still looking to get more consistent with his shot, the tools are there and with his overall size, he’ll be looking to make an even bigger jump leading into Minnesota.

JORDAN WALTON – 2018 – G – YANDERS LAW
The Yanders Law guards really put a lot of stress on opposing defenders this past weekend, and Walton was a major piece of that. Walton was a sharp-shooter the first day and continued that shooting and scoring ability throughout the event really, hitting some contested shots without conscience, and finding opportunities to catch and shoot in rhythm. He showed great form and ability to get his body squared to the hoop through contact and still make baskets.

JT WHEELER – 2018 – SG – IL IRISH ELITE
Wheeler plays really hard, and has good size for what he does on the court. He often gets second-chance looks by staying involved in the hustle plays and finds ways to get free for open looks at the hoop. At that point he can make shots from the perimeter, from the mid-range area and is just as well finishing lay-ups. He is a smart player with good shooting form and put that on display this past weekend in Texas. 

17U NY2LA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION SESSION 1 PLAYERS TO WATCH
JOSH DAHLKE – 2018 – F – WI PLAYMAKERS
Dahlke is about 6’7”-6’8” and showed he can stretch the floor a bit, but really plays well from about 14 feet and in where he can hit jumpers or go to the basket with good control. He plays hard on both ends and finished a couple plays running the floor.

BAILEY DEE – 2018 – PG – IL IRISH ELITE
Dee plays hard and finds ways to get to the basket, but is very capable of knocking down jump shots as well. Consistency will be key for the guard prospect moving forward.

DRAGAN ELKAZ – 2018 – SG – AUSA PLATINUM
Elkaz has good size at 6’5” and has a pretty consistent jump shot that extends out beyond the three-point line. He plays with good effort, he can guard on the perimeter some and offensively is good around the basket as well.

RLYEN GRUNDY – 2018 – SF – MBA SELECT
Grundy showed some upper level athleticism in their game Saturday evening, and on top of that has some offensive skills where he can drive to the hoop with the dribble and score, or can knock down outside shots too. He had a couple impressive dunks this weekend as well.

JACK HANSEN – 2018 – F – TEAM BLAZE SELECT
Hansen is about 6’8” and can do a variety of things offensively that could make him a sleeper prospect moving forward. He showed some ability to shoot the three, he was solid when attacking the rim and rebounds the ball pretty well too.

JOSEPH HEDSTROM – 2018 – C – MN COMETS ELITE
Hedstrom keeps making strides forward and has improved offensively with his hands and coordination in traffic. He scored the ball well at times this past weekend, finishing around the basket with good control and rebounded the ball with good activity. He’s a passionate player with good upside.

LUKE JOHNSON – 2018 – PG – COLORADO TITANS GOLD
Johnson has the ability to really fill the nets when he gets good looks. This past weekend, he knocked down several shots from the three-point line and also shot it well inside the arc.

MATTHEW MIMS – 2018 – G – MARTIN BROTHERS
Mims is another player who has the ability to lead his team in several ways, with his scoring ability but also his ability to get his teammates looks as well. Consistency in his shot and control with the ball in his hands are areas he has improved at and will propel him forward.

MYLES NUNEZ – 2018 – G – TEAM ELITE CA
Nunez can really shoot the ball when he gets it rolling, and he played hard this past weekend. He is strong for a smaller guard and uses his speed to get up and down the floor to get into good scoring situations.

DEREK SABIN – 2018 – F – WI SHOOTERS
Sabin has outstanding size and frame, and at times flashes the ability to really score the basketball. He likes to play outside right now, but as he gets more assertive down low and imposing himself on the boards, then his stock could really jump.

STEELE SENSKE – 2018 – G – MN COMETS SERVATY
Senske flashed some real ability to score the basketball in different ways during the weekend. He shot the ball well from the perimeter at times and other times was really good driving and scoring. He has good size and has good touch on his jumper.

DAIJON SMITH – 2018 – PG – THE FORCE
Smith plays fast and has good quickness and control with the ball in his hands. He hit a few big shots for his team during the weekend and is really a nice outside shooter.

LUKE VASKE – 2018 – PG – MARTIN BROTHERS
Vaske is another guard constantly improving his game, and had a pretty consistent weekend shooting the ball. He can knock down shots from three, but seems just as comfortable pulling up and hitting mid-range jumpers as well.

FAITE WILLIAMS – 2018 – PG – RL9 ELITE
Williams is smooth with the ball and has a quick first step off the dribble which he used a number of times this weekend to blow past defenders where he did a nice job settling in the mid-range area for some jumpers, or was able to draw and dish when help came, assisting teammates several times.

LOGAN WINDELER – 2018 – SF – EXAMPLE SPORTS
Windeler is a long and lanky 6’8” stretch player who can shoot the ball well. He plays hard, gets up the floor pretty well in transition and can finish around the basket.

17U NY2LA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION SESSION 1 STOCK WATCH
TYREE APPLEBY – 2017 – PG – YANDERS LAW
Appleby really put on a show at times this weekend with his ability to affect the game with his passing and his scoring. He knocked down shots, he pushed tempo and made really nice passes to teammates and threw it down a couple times with aggression.

AGUEK AROP – 2017 – SF – OMAHA ELITE
Arop is strong inside the paint and on the blocks and played off his guards well, finding soft spots in the middle to catch and then finishing strong around the basket. He was really solid on the boards as well, both offensive and defensive. 

JUSTIN BROOKENS – 2017 – PG – DTA
Brookens isn’t tall, but he is a strong guard with really good quickness and he has a great feel for the game. He played really well in transition this weekend, and showed his excellent mid-range game, while also proving he can shoot it from the perimeter a bit as well.

FILIP REBRACA – 2017 – PF – COLORADO TITANS GOLD
Rebraca is a 6’8” forward who played well inside over the first couple days of the event, and rebounded the ball with good effort as well. He also showed he can stretch out a bit with an improving jump shot that could make him an enticing prospect moving forward as he gets more consistent.

NOAH THOMAS – 2016/2017 – PG – AUSA PLATINUM
Thomas is looking to get better and tougher defensively, but his offensive game was so smooth this weekend, he had people around excited each time he had the ball, as he was able to knock down several shots from the three-point line, he pulled up for some jumpers, and otherwise did a nice job finding ways to score on the attack.

ALTON THOMPSON – 2017 – G/F – MAC IRVIN FIRE ELITE
Thompson is very athletic inside, and made some splash plays at the rim that got people’s attention again this weekend. He has good size, can play on the perimeter a bit both offensively and defensively, rebounds hard and can finish strong at the hoop.

AUNDRAE WILLIAMS – 2017 – PG – IL IRISH ELITE
Williams plays with good speed and quickness, and doesn’t relent against any competition. Still a bit inconsistent with his finishing at the basket, Williams gets there often and did a good job overall scoring it this past weekend. He knocked down some shots in Texas also.

SALISU YAHAYA – 2017 – F – YANDERS LAW
The 6’7” forward is long and athletic and made a few really nice plays during the weekend. While he is comfortable playing on the blocks and working hard on the offensive glass to get put-backs, he also showed some ability to play away from the hoop and shoot the ball too.