In the final day of the Pitt Jam Fest, champions were crowned and big-time players made plays. In the 17u division, OBC and Sports U faced off for the Gold Bracket championship, with Sports U out of New Jersey winning it. In the 16u gold championship, Sports U took on Team Loaded. Team Loaded (VA) and the Martin twins would take the title home overcoming an early 14-0 deficit at the start of the ship. It was another big day with plenty of players living up to their hype and others making a name for themselves. Here are a couple standout players from championship Sunday.
Kevin Johnson 2013 6'3" Cincy Summit Country Day/OBC
An active guard, who really did a good job of attacking the rim and drawing fouls. Looked to push the ball in the open court and made some nice decisions. Hit a number of mid-range pull-ups, using his athleticism to elevate above defenders out stretched hands. Locked up many of the opponents best guards, coming up with numerous steals. Was big for OBC all weekend on their run to the championship.
Sidiq Ochua 2014 6'7" Yates (TX)/Houston Defenders
The athletic forward runs the floor hard, resulting in many open lay ups and dunks. Crashes the O boards using his athleticism and length to go get them. Had a couple big blocks on the day along with a couple impressive drop step dunks.
Josh Davenport 2013 6'4" Cincinnati Moeller (OH)/OBC
Has the size and skill to play both at the 2 and 3. A bigger guard who rebounds well, having a number of easy offensive put-backs because of it. Attacked the rim, using his size to finish amongst the trees down low. Shot the ball well all weekend, hitting both the 3 and mid-range.
DeAndre Bembry 2013 6'6" St Patrick (NJ)/Sports U
Bembry is a smooth wing who scored most of his points in the mid-range area. His high release on his J combined with his size makes it hard for shot blockers to contest. Also stepped out and knocked down a couple 3's. Was not only a scorer from 15-17 feet on in but made plays for his teammates and had a couple on a string high-low passes. Ran the floor well in transition and finished above the rim.
Alec Brennan 2014 6'10" Milton Academy (MA)/Expressions Elite
Has good size with a nice baby hook over his left shoulder. Stepped
out and hit a couple of 3's, but will need to continue to be more
consistence. Was not afraid to get inside and fight for position, even
though he doesn't have the strongest lower body. Has the potential to be
a very good face up forward at the next level.
Jared Nickens 2013 6'6" St Patrick (NJ)/Sports U
Thin but long frame, who has a quick release from deep. Can really stroke from deep when he gets hot. Will need to add muscle and strength at the next level but has nice length and athleticism. Used his length to get some boards. Constantly looking to spot up for the 3.
Abdul-Malik Abu 2014 6'8" Kimball Union Academy (NH)/Expressions Elite
Abu is a very explosive finisher around the rim, getting off the ground quick and finishing strong. Had three big-time drop step dunks in the first half alone of the 16u semi-final game. Goes after the boards hard on both ends and has a motor to go along with it. Was a monster in the paint, offensive and defensively, not giving up position easily and making his opponents work.
Karl Towns Jr. 2015 6'10" St Joes (NJ)/Sports U 16s
The big fella is already well known by many people around the circuit and proved what all the hype was about. He has a nice skilled for his size and can hit the 3 from well beyond the college or high school line. Sometimes he does rely on his great shooting ability too much and stays outside but its hard to tell him to stop when he is making more then he misses. He has a great upside and it will be exciting to see how he continues to develop his all-around game.
Quadri Moore 2014 6'8" Linden (NJ)/Sports U
Great frame, with his combination of size, strength and overall body mass. If he shed a couple pounds he could really be dominant. Has a nice stroke from deep and was not worried about being close to the line. Used his body to bang down low and score over smaller, weaker defenders. Was a very hard match up for other forwards, with his skill set and size. Can be a very deadly option in the pick-n-roll because of his ability to hit the J and strength to finish on the roll.
Caleb Martin 2014 6'6" Davie County (NC)/Team Loaded (NC)
Is probably the better shooter between the Martin twins, hitting a number of J's throughout the weekend. Showed he can handle the rock in transition and make the correct decision. Got up and finished above the rim on drives and in transition. Right now he doesn't have a totally clear position but he knows the game well, can do multiple things on the court and can play both the 2 and 3.
Cody Martin 2014 6'6" Davie County (NC)/Team Loaded (NC)
Cody is more of a slasher and is constantly in attack mode. Can score with ease from 15 feet on in, and with his combination of quickness and size, made him a tough match up. Hit a number of jumpers on the day, with a smooth one-dribble pull-up. Hit the O boards hard, taking advantage of his defenders lack of boxing out. An athletic wing who could turn out to be a very nice swingman.
Look for one more write up from the Pitt Jam Fest coming tomorrow, with some more notes and evals from the weekend.
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