Ellis Elite was one of the best 13U programs in attendance and they certainly garnered some buzz throughout the weekend. While they had some notable headliners and consistent standouts, there were new prospects who popped as well. They cruised throughout the weekend in Dallas, however it was their competitiveness and well-rounded play that caught my eye also. Read more as I break down some of their games and top performers.
Game 1: Big win over Team United Texas
Ellis Elite started the weekend off on a strong note by earning a lopsided win in Game 1. They presented a well-balanced attack and it seems like everyone played their role in the victory.
Garrison Pitts is a sharpshooting off-guard who only needed to see one shot fall before he was able to heat quickly on the perimeter. His off-ball movement and spot-up prowess were on full display during Ellis Elite’s first game in Dallas. He also flashed some feel & ball skills when attacking uptight closeouts on the three-point line.
Bryce Roberts is a skilled and versatile wing who was a notable producer on both ends of the floor. He was productive as a slasher when leveraging his quick first step, plus he showed glimpses of his floorspacing ability. Defensively, he leveraged his length & foot speed to put together some impressive flashes on the defensive end.
Jason Jackson brought an offensive spark off the bench for Ellis Elite in this game specifically. A capable shooter with noticeable touch, however he really thrived at taking advantage of what the defense gave him. His energy was contagious and he was a big factor in a lopsided win.
Monta Ellis and Colt Cross also made noteworthy contributions which ultimately helped Ellis Elite earn a win.
Game 2: One-Possession Win Over Arkansas Flight
Ellis Elite was put to the test on Saturday afternoon when they matched up with a talented Arkansas Flight group. They were able to come out on top in a very close game.
Monta Ellis’ long and fluid athleticism pops at first glance, yet it was his defensive impact that left a lasting impression. Utilizes his quick hands and feet well to disrupt the rhythm of opposing ball handlers. Reliable secondary creator who brought a playmaking spark with his ability to get downhill often.
Kaleb Tasby was a notable frontcourt prospect who played at a high-level throughout the weekend. He’s a physical point of attack ball handler who utilized his positional size & toughness to get downhill. Flashed some impressive timing and instincts as a rim protector during this game as well.
Nashuan Biscette and Bryce Roberts also made noteworthy contributions that helped Ellis Elite secure a win.
Game 3: Big Win Over All Iowa Attack
Ellis Elite certainly took the momentum they had on Saturday and carried it into Sunday’s action in Dallas. This was another big win which resulted in this group’s 3-0 record in pool play.
Monta Ellis’ scrappy point of attack defense made it nearly impossible for opposing guards to create separation or get downhill. The ultra-quick creator was able to beat opponents with a balance of his speed & counter moves. He was a consistent standout for this group and he’s a prospect we have on the radar moving forward.
Bryce Roberts is a long and smooth wing who flashed his versatility throughout this particular game. He’s a capable floorspacer with a fluid release, plus he has the foot speed to beat slower bigs off the bounce. Defensively, he wasn’t afraid to defend in space, plus he had the positional size to contest opponents shots in the paint.
Kaleb Tasby, Jason Jackson, and Colt Cross also made noteworthy contributions that helped Ellis Elite secure a win.
Game 4: Big Win To Close The Weekend
Ellis Elite finished the weekend 4-0 after they got the best of Legacy Prime Sports in a matchup on Sunday. Look out for this Ellis Elite team down South as they are a highly talented group.
Monta Ellis led the scoring attack with a 20+ point performance, yet he popped on the defensive end once again as well. He generated turnovers at a high volume with his on-ball pressure, quick hands, and disruptive length. He was the headliner of this game once again, however the rest of the team was productive as well.
Garrison Pitts provided Ellis Elite with some reliable perimeter firepower given his spot-up shooting prowess. I was impressed with his off-ball movement and the way he leveraged sharp cuts to create separation from defenders. He flashed some pull-up touch as well in this game, plus he continued to showcase his soft float game around the rim. Pitts was highly impressive throughout the weekend at Texas Showdown.
Nashua Biscette and Bryce Roberts also made noteworthy contributions that helped Ellis Elite earn a 4-0 record in Texas.
