Pro Skills Jr. EYBL 2031
The 7th Grade division closed out the MADE Hoops South Winter Circuit with a high level final day of competition on Championship Sunday. Four teams entered the day with a title on their minds, but only one walked away holding the trophy high, celebrating with their teammates and family. Teams battled with intensity, toughness, and pride, setting the tone from the opening tip. Every possession mattered, every run shifted momentum, and when it was all said and done, the championship game was one to watch.
Here are the Sunday storylines and superlatives of the 7th Grade division.
Sunday Storylines
ProSkills Jr EYBL and JL3 Elite Jr EYBL Championship Game Delivers
The 7th Grade championship matchup between ProSkills Jr EYBL and JL3 Elite Jr EYBL delivered everything you would expect from two elite programs battling for a title. ProSkills entered the game looking to keep their unbeaten streak alive, while JL3 came in red hot, playing some of their best basketball of the weekend and carrying serious momentum into the finals.
From the opening tip, the intensity was clear. The game was tied 7-7 at the first timeout, with both teams trading baskets and matching each other possession for possession. Every defensive stop felt earned, and neither side gave an inch in what quickly became a physical, high level contest.
ProSkills began to gain momentum late in the first half, going on one of their trademark runs to take a 26-21 lead with just two minutes remaining. Their ability to string together stops and convert on the other end once again proved to be a difference maker. Still, JL3 responded before the break, tightening the gap and making it 28-27 at halftime.
The second half was just as competitive. ProSkills maintained a slim edge, leading 41-36 with nine minutes to play as both teams continued to battle inside and on the perimeter. With 30 seconds remaining, ProSkills held a 54-50 advantage and stepped to the free throw line in a pressure moment and missed. JL3 answered with a quick layup to cut the deficit to 54-52 with five seconds left, keeping hope alive. Forced to foul, JL3 sent ProSkills back to the line and ProSkills showed composure, knocking down both free throws to seal a 56-52 victory.
In a championship game defined by physicality, timely runs, and late game execution, ProSkills Jr EYBL protected their unbeaten streak and captured the 7th Grade title in a battle that truly delivered.
Sunday Superlatives
High Motor – Vincent McKnuckles, ProSkills Jr EYBL
McKnuckles made his presence felt with nonstop activity. He crashed the glass, ran the floor hard in transition, and stayed active defensively throughout the game. His energy never stopped, and he finished through contact as a physical presence inside. The effort he made consistently gave ProSkills an extra boost.
Tone Setter – Steven Luckey III, Pro Skills Jr EYBL
Luckey III brought stability and poise to the floor. Always seeming to be in the right place at the right time, he helped ease his team into rhythm with smart decision making and timely playmaking. His feel for the game and ability to make the right read set the tone early and kept ProSkills organized in key moments.
Natural Scorer – De’Andre “Deuce” Eggins, JL3 Elite Jr EYBL
Eggins showcased a natural ability to put the ball in the basket. He attacked the paint for acrobatic finishes, knocked down mid range shots, and extended his range beyond the arc. No matter the level of defense, he found ways to score and kept JL3 rolling throughout.
