The 2017 annual NY2LA Sports Lone Star Invitational came to a close over the weekend. The open division featured a competitive blend of unsigned seniors, rising juniors, and sophomores eager to prove themselves. Taking home the title, Texas Impact won a thrilling affair over the Colorado Hawks thanks to some clutch performances…

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

NY2LA LONE STAR INVITATIONAL 17U OPEN DIVISION TOP PERFORMERS
(Note – Listed in Alphabetical Order)
Avery Anderson – 2019 – G – RM5 Elite
Liked the overall activity that Anderson played with. An electric combo guard that’s smooth off the dribble and contributes across the board, Anderson showed why he holds early offers from SMU and TCU. Anderson has intriguing length for his size and proved to be nearly unguardable in isolation sets. Anderson is so creative and fast off the dribble that he’s able to create a shot at will. Anderson didn’t just settle for being a scorer though. He was on the glass, dropping dimes, and collecting steals to go along with some big scoring performances throughout the weekend.

Uche Dibiamaka – 2018 – G/F – Team Stackz Elite
There’s some rare qualities about Dibiamaka. A 6-foot-3 junior with guard size, but power forward strength, Dibiamaka can fill a variety of roles. He plays a lot of point guard for Team Stackz, but is really capable of playing four spots on both offense and defense. A tough, high motor player, Dibiamaka was a bully in Dallas. When he puts his head down and goes to the rim, he’s very tough to stop. An energy player that gives his team a boost on both ends, Dibiamaka was everywhere at times, scoring, rebounding, and playing hard-nosed perimeter defense.

Matt Garriga – 2018 – SG – Dallas Showtyme Elite
Garriga had arguably the most dominant individual performance in Dallas, going off in the first half during a win over RM5 Elite East. The junior shooting guard poured in 23 points in the opening period. Garriga killed the opposition from beyond the arc and in transition. He connected on four triples and made some impressive above the rim finishes on the break. Finishing with 25 points, Garriga displayed nearly a full package offensively. A sharpshooter who can come off screens and drain triples as well as score off the bounce and create for others, Garriga was perhaps the most pleasant surprise over the weekend.

Marcus Hill – 2018 – G – Texas Impact 4:13 Elite
Hill hit the game-winning 3-pointer with under four seconds remaining to lift Texas Impact to the championship. A quick and strong guard, Hill often carried his team at times on Sunday. Including the game-winner, whenever Hill needed to make a big shot, he seemingly delivered. When the opposition made a run, it always seemed as if Hill was there to stop it. He can play on or off the ball. He’ll catch and shoot from the perimeter or break people down off the bounce. Hill was arguably the MVP of the 17U open division this weekend. 

Marek Nelson – 2017 – SF – Lone Star Elite
A late rising senior, Nelson is just a ball player that can help in so many mays. The 6-foot-6 small forward impacts the game across the board. Offensively, he’s a leaper and slasher that’s exceptionally good at finishing around the rim. When Nelson gets some space, he’s the type of player you get out of your seat to see what he’ll do in the air. 
The exciting part is that he’s far from polished. Nelson can expand his game to the mid-range level somewhat consistently, but has much room for improvement with his jumper. The bouncy wing is a standout perimeter defender that uses his length to his advantage. High majors are currently trying to reel in Nelson, who’s only getting more attention this spring. 

Malcolm Nicholas – 2017 – SG – Florida Triple Threat
Although Florida Triple Threat didn’t advance as far as expected, Nicholas had some solid efforts. Creating his own offense throughout the weekend, Nicholas showcased a good blend of speed and strength. Nicholas has an electric first step plenty of wiggle with the ball in his possession. His mid-range game was outstanding in Sallas as Nicholas created a ton of space for his shot off quick, simple moves. A 6-foot-6 senior, Nicholas was also impressive in transition. He gets up and down the floor well and hunts fast break baskets at a high rate. 

Gaige Prim – 2017 – PF – Colorado Hawks Seniors
Prim is an old school post player with some impressive footwork. A patient big that will juke, fake, and pivot until his defender leaves his feet, Prim was very impressive down on the block in the semifinals. Prim has mastered the up-fake, reverse pivot, which left defenders in the dust. He was even effective against double teams and wasn’t flustered when guards came to dig or there was help coming from the weak-side. His rebounding was also outstanding. Any miss belonged to Prim and he was physical when guards tried to sneak a hand in and poke the ball loose. 

David Simental – 2017 – G – Colorado Hawks
Putting together three solid performances to help the Hawks reach the title game on Sunday, Simental was steady when the pressure mounted. A 6-foot-2 combo guard, Simental shot the ball very well from the outside. He ran off screens hard and doesn’t need much space to snap off his shot. He was quicker than defenders anticipated and a better athlete as well. Simental took advantage of over-aggressive defenses and finished at the rim, including some impressive reverse layups in traffic. It’s late, but mid-major programs and certainly Division 2’s should take a look here. 

Patrick Terry – 2017 – SG – Dallas Dynasty
Another unsigned senior that helped his cause in Dallas, Terry put the ball in the hole at a high rate. Terry plays bigger than his 6-foot-0 frame and was terrific off the bounce. His ability to break his man down off the dribble and simply take what the defense gave him was too much for the opposition. Terry did a good job of mixing it up with dribble drives and jumpers. He’s quicker than he looks and appears to have the ball on a string when he’s going to the rack. Another compelling part of Terry’s game was his ability to size his man up and suck defenders into the driving gaps. From there, Terry whipped passes between defenders for easy buckets. 

Samuell Williamson – 2019 – G/F – Texas Impact 4:13 Elite
Playing up a level and two levels in the title game on Sunday against unsinged seniors, Williamson was very poised and efficient. An intriguing 6-foot-6 sophomore that has so much growing left to do, Williamson could explode over the next two years. He’s a lanky wing that can create his own shot. In fact, he connected on some tough step-back jumpers with a hand in his face in the title game. When Williamson gets more comfortable in his body, he could be a real mismatch nightmare in the future. A multi-faceted prospect with an intriguing game, there’s plenty to like about this youngster. 

CHAMPIONSHIP ROLL CALL
17U Open Division Platinum Champions – Texas Impact 4:13 Elite
17U Open Division Platinum 2nd Place – Colorado Hawks Seniors
17U Open Division Gold Champions – Dallas Showtyme Elite
17U Open Division Gold 2nd Place – Miami Runnin’ Rebels

17U OPEN DIVISION MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Marcus Hill – 2018 – G – Texas Impact 4:13 Elite