In addition to the three all-association teams, there is plenty of additional talent here on the honorable mentions list. Here are ten more standouts from the 17U level who had special seasons this spring and summer on the NY2LA Association.
Tyran Cook – 2023 – G – Team Haliburton
One of the most consistent guards on the association who was a very big piece for this ultra-talented Team Haliburton. Whether it was running the point and facilitating or putting up some big point totals himself, the bouncy guard was stellar throughout the spring and summer.
Jake Dunham – 2023 – SG – MTXE Premier
The 6’4” wing guard was one of the breakout stars this season. He had a strong spring and only continued to improve in July to be one of the top performers on the association, not only with his knockdown shooting ability but all-around game. While he is still a bit under the radar, he does hold an offer from Wisconsin-Parkside.
Mackhi Jackson – 2023 – PG – Michigan Playmakers
Jackson proved to be of the most dynamic playmakers with the ball in his hands. With his ability to get into the defense and create for himself as well as teammates, Jackson was able to help win plenty of games for the Playmakers during the season. In both the Best of the South and the Final Chapter, Jackson has stellar performances to cement his way on to this list.
Bobby McWard – 2023 – PG – 3D Empire
Much more than just a skilled point guard, McWard is also a knockdown shooter from the outside. With all of his abilities he was a big piece in helping 17U 3D Empire be one of the top teams on the association this year. During July, he received his first division one offer from Army West Point.
David Meriwether – 2023 – F/C – George Hill All Indy
From the start to end of the season, no players game may have come as far as the 6’10” big man. With his size, agility, and skills, he has one of the higher upsides of any player on the association from this season. By the end of the grassroots season, he was a key piece of this loaded George Hill All Indy squad and has earned himself a few division one offers.
CJ O’Hara – 2023 – SG – Gain Elite Minnesota
The explosive O’Hara was one of the top two-way wing guards on the association this season. He had breakout performances during April in Indianapolis and Louisville, and then was a big reason why Gain Elite made it all the way to the championship game of the Best of the South Tournament.
Ty Pence – 2023 – G/F – MidPro Academy
The bouncy wing was a big piece of this loaded MidPro team that won both the TGBA and NY2LA Championships. In any game, Pence was a threat to score twenty-five points but could also do so much more to help his teams win games. Following the grassroots season, Pence committed to nearby Illinois State.
Isaac Severts – 2023 – SF – MN Comets Elite
Whether it was in Louisville in April or Milwaukee in July, Severts had some eye-opening performances. The lengthy and athletic slasher was one of the more impactful wings at the 17U with all he can do. Following his senior year, he will be playing at his hometown college, Bemidji State.
Matt Schmainda – 2023 – G – Wisconsin Swing
One of the most consistent players on the NY2LA Association over the past two years. Whatever his Swing team needed, Schmainda got done to help them have a very successful season including reaching the title game of the 17U NY2LA Championships.
Braylon Wenger – 2023 – G – All Ohio Select
Along with Brandon Ivery, Wenger formed a skilled duo that led All Ohio Select to a strong season on the association. Wenger saved his best basketball for the summer tournaments, including being one of the top players at the Final Chapter tournament to lead his team to a final four appearance.