Augusta Live: Saturday's 15U Standouts
July 9, 2023 by Trent Watson
Trey Beamer (Team United EYBL): Bursty guard who can get downhill in a blur, but always under control and making correct reads. Beamer exhibited some tough shot making off the bounce and nifty finishes around the rim. Possesses great patience in the lane and put on a display of advanced footwork, using step-through moves and reverse pivots after using fakes to convert on short runners in the lane.
Isaiah Ward (SA Future): Isaiah Ward proved to be a legitimate inside-out threat with his soft touch in the mid-post and ability to bully defenders on the block. Ward is already aware of his sweet spots on the floor, and has a plethora of go-to moves to score from these various areas. Ward was automatic from the mid-range area, facing up and using a series of jab steps before he raised over top for silky jumpers. Ward also rebounded the ball well and showcased his ability to push the break for coast to coast opportunities.
Donovan Criss (SA Future): Donovan Criss shot the ball exceedingly well in Saturday’s action. His solid frame from and size from the wing is what initially pops at first glance. Criss’s aggressive, attacking mentality helped him tremendously when creating offense for himself. Consistently turned the corner, getting downhill and forcing defenders to send him to the line where he cashed in. Criss is also adept at using his body to help crash the defensive glass and ignite transition offense.
Oesoemana Sacko (NH Lightning EYBL): Sacko made his presence felt from the tip-off with his physicality and ability to gain leverage on the interior. Sacko has great fluidity in his movements for a post player his size and age. He used his frame to clear out space in the lane for ample offensive rebound opportunities. When he wasn’t using his high motor to dictate the paint, Sacko was showcasing his capability on the wing as a floor spacer off the catch.
Jermel Thomas (NH Lightning EYBL): Dynamic floor general Jermel “Magic Mel” Thomas has proven to be one of the most electrifying guards in his class. Thomas made his Augusta Live debut Saturday night and brung his big bag of tricks with him. His quick-twitch handle and NYC flare allows him to consistently acquire paint touches, where he detonates defenses. Thomas made it very easy on his teammates to get open shots, with his advanced timing and feel.
Edward Hazelett III (Indy Heat EYBL): Six-foot-seven forward Edward Hazelett III was effective with his high-level activity and all-around basketball instincts. Hazelett III was deadly in transition, using his length to corral rebounds and push the break coast to coast for athletic layups on the other end. Once he got a full head of steam and an angle to the basket, Hazelett used his toughness to drive through defenders' chests. A capable playmaker off the bounce that is also comfortable as a floor spacer shooting off the catch.
Silas Devonish (Team Durant EYBL): Lefty guard Silas Devonish pulled up to Augusta Live and made some big time shots. Devonish is lightning quick and exhibited some real end to end speed when pushing the break. He consistently came to two foot stops in the lane, finding shooters on the perimeter. When playing off the ball he knocked down some clutch shots in the second half to bring his team back from down double digits. Defensively he was menacing when getting underneath ball handlers and forcing traps.
William Smith (All Ohio EYBL): WIlliam Smith was a disruptive defender at the point of attack to set the tone for his team defensively. Smith made his presence felt by flying around defensively, running behind ball handlers during traps for sneaky back-tap steals. He easily racked up plenty of deflections and steals that led to fast break buckets. Offensively he controlled the pace and the flow of the offense for All Ohio to value possessions when their offense became frantic.
Maximo Adams (Team Why Not EYBL): Six-foot-seven shot maker possesses elite body control and footwork out the mid-post. His advanced touch and length allowed him to rise over top of defenders for controlled fadeaways from the block. Adams is also adept at creating offense for himself off the bounce, catching defenders sleeping with his quick first step. Defensively he is capable of guarding multiple positions with his size, wiry strength and agility.
Taylen Kinney (All Ohio EYBL): Talented combo guard Taylen Kinney has a very soft shooting touch from all three levels. Kinney started off the game by imposing his presence from the perimeter, knocking down shots and penetrating the lane. The high IQ offensive guard used his scoring prowess to showcase his skills as a reliable secondary playmaker, patiently penetrating and making the correct reads.