On the final day of the MADE Hoops Cali Live Spring Showcase, multiple players impressed with solid play for their teams. Among these players in the 15U and 16U divisions, these five players impressed with abilities that can potentially translate to the next level.
Keone Gates, 2027 Guard, NorthWest Legends 16U
Gates was having his way on offense, as he was easily using his lateral athleticism to get past his defender to score at the rim. His first step is quick and has the ability to burst to the basket finding gaps in the defense. He can hit 3-pointers, mid ranges and also convert on crafty moves to free himself to score around the basket. Gates also showed his offensive versatility with some accurate and sharp passes.
Brady Sullivan, 2028 Guard, Build Up 16U
A sharpshooting guard who can play on or off the ball, Sullivan stood out putting on a shooting masterclass in his final game at the showcase. He executed plays coming off of screens to hit 3-pointers or to set himself up to score. His handle is tight which allows him to keep his dribble alive to make the right passes to keep his team’s offense to flow. Sullivan’s IQ was also on display as he made the right rotations on offense and spaced the floor well.
Toby Merchant Jr, 2028 Wing, Payton’s Place Elite 15U
Marchant Jr is a developing and big wing for his age who showed off his skill set on the final day of the showcase. He was handling the ball and initiating the offense while also reading the defense to take opportunities to score. Knocked down a 3-pointer coming off a screen and also had a shifty crossover into a mid range. On defense, he was active in the passing lanes and picked up a couple steals.
Max Meyer, 2028 Wing, GameTime 15U
Meyer was a big reason why his team won a tough game on the last day of the showcase with his ability to be an all around player. He has good length and used to his advantage to shoot over defenders or score over them in the paint. His feel for the game is good and he played with good composure not getting sped up by heavy defensive pressure. He has the handle to create openings for himself and he did a good job of breaking down defenders in isolation situations.
Drake Walsh, 2028 Wing, 3&D Hoops 15U
Walsh has all the tools to potentially be a good prospect as he displayed them on the final day of the showcase. He’s tall and has a good frame to where he can have his way in the paint with smaller defenders. His athleticism is good as he had a couple big blocks and explosive finishes to score at the rim. Passing the ball and setting his teammates up was what stood out the most about his game as he can take on a point guard role and make sharp passes to where only his teammates can get it.
