With the highschool basketball season behind us, all eyes turned to LakePoint Sports activities in Cartersville, Georgia, for Cease 1 of the EYBL circuit. The highest gamers from throughout the nation gathered to showcase their expertise and solidify their standing among the many nation’s elite. The weekend was notably thrilling with the No. 1 participant within the class of 2027 and the No. 1 participant within the class of 2028 each in attendance, creating a significant buzz within the fitness center. A number of notable gamers emerged, whereas some newcomers made a big affect on the EYBL stage. Moreover, a number of gamers competed up an age group throughout Session 1, whereas the category of 2029 made its first look on the circuit throughout Cease 1.
17U Eye Catchers
Beckham Black 6’4, 180 PG – AB Elite (2027)
Black spent extra time enjoying off the ball throughout Cease 1 than he did all through the highschool season with Southeastern Prep, however nonetheless proved extremely efficient as a scorer and secondary creator. A bodily guard, Black constantly appeared to make use of his power on the perimeter, within the midrange, and even on the block the place he utilized footwork to complete across the rim. His aggressive type earned him 7 free-throw makes an attempt per sport, and he capitalized at an elite charge, taking pictures 90.5% from the stripe. Black additionally flashed good burst with the ball and made robust reads after beating defenders, averaging 4 assists to 2.7 turnovers per sport. He completed the weekend averaging 21 factors per sport on 47.6% taking pictures from the sector. Whereas already a risk from the perimeter, bettering his consistency from three-point vary (30.8% on 4.3 makes an attempt per sport) would additional elevate his sport.
Marri Wesley 6’5, 205 SG – AB Elite (2027)
Wesley performed with aggression and physicality all through the weekend, constantly scoring via contact within the paint and on the low block. A strong wing, he embraced bodily play and repeatedly pressured defenses whereas averaging 8.7 free-throw makes an attempt per sport, although there’s room for enchancment on the line after taking pictures 57.7% FT%. Wesley additionally knocked down perimeter photographs at a powerful clip, taking pictures 42.9% from three-point vary and spacing the ground successfully when alternatives introduced themselves. His affect prolonged to the glass, the place he ranked third within the league at 12 rebounds per sport whereas main EYBL in offensive rebounds at 4.3 per contest. Defensively, Wesley flashed versatility together with his size and motion abilities, exhibiting the flexibility to modify throughout positions. Though he had a powerful weekend general, limiting turnovers (3 per sport, together with 5 in opposition to Expressions Elite) shall be an space to observe transferring ahead.
Marcus Spears 6’9, 200 PF – Drive Nation (2027)
Spears impressed in restricted viewings throughout Cease 1, notably in a matchup in opposition to AB Elite the place he showcased flashes of his upside. A fluid ahead, Spears displayed the flexibility to assault off the dribble and step into perimeter jumpers from the highest of the important thing. He flashed athleticism across the basket, although a lot of it at present exhibits greatest in transition and open-floor conditions. Defensively, Spears confirmed encouraging versatility however nonetheless has room to develop right into a extra constant affect defender. Regardless of showing in solely two video games, Spears produced effectively, averaging 20 factors and 9 rebounds (4 offensive) per contest whereas taking pictures 61.5% from the sector and 63.6% from the free-throw line.
CJ Rosser 6’9, 195 SG – Staff United (2027)
Rosser endured an inconsistent opening weekend, struggling at instances with effectivity and offensive rhythm. Whereas he confirmed flashes of scoring skill close to the basket, he typically lacked counters offensively and have become predictable when preliminary drives or strikes have been lower off, settling for contested pull-up jumpers. Rosser averaged 12.7 factors per sport however shot simply 25% from the sector and seven.1% from three-point vary on 4.7 makes an attempt per contest. Regardless of the offensive struggles, his long-term upside stays clear. Rosser possesses a powerful body, high-level athleticism, and intriguing bodily instruments that proceed to make him one of many extra interesting long-term prospects within the class. He additionally contributed defensively and on the glass, averaging 8 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals per sport.
King Gibson 6’6, 185 PG/SG – Staff United (2027)
Gibson delivered an up-and-down weekend however flashed important upside all through Cease 1. In a single standout exhibiting, he erupted for 25 factors on 10-for-14 taking pictures earlier than struggling in his subsequent outing with simply 4 factors on 1-for-6 taking pictures. At his greatest, Gibson constantly received downhill and attacked the paint whereas thriving in transition. He confirmed robust aggression, quickness with the ball, and explosive athleticism, highlighted by a number of highly effective dunks in half-court settings. Gibson additionally excelled at attending to the free-throw line, averaging 7 makes an attempt per sport. He shot a powerful 42.9% from three-point vary, although his 47.6% free-throw taking pictures leaves room for enchancment. Regardless of the inconsistency, Gibson nonetheless averaged 16.3 factors per sport on 51.4% taking pictures. Whereas succesful as a facilitator, continued improvement as a playmaker shall be essential after averaging simply 1 help to 2 turnovers per sport. Staff chemistry additionally seemed to be a piece in progress for Staff United, which struggled offensively in stretches.
Markus Kerr 6’6, 180 SG – Staff United (2027)
Very similar to teammate King Gibson, Kerr skilled each highs and lows in the course of the weekend. He adopted a dominant 29-point, 10-rebound efficiency on 11-for-14 taking pictures with a troublesome outing during which he scored simply 7 factors on 3-for-14 from the ground. When in rhythm, Kerr was extremely efficient working within the midrange, constantly flattening pull-ups regardless of restricted area. Though he missed his solely two three-point makes an attempt throughout the weekend, he compensated by changing troublesome deep twos and attacking the rim successfully. Kerr additionally proved extremely dependable on the free-throw line, taking pictures 90.9%. A aggressive and emotional participant, Kerr brings size, athleticism, and defensive versatility to the ground whereas contributing strongly as a rebounder, averaging 7.7 boards per sport, together with 4 offensive rebounds per contest.
Michai White Metropolis Rocks
Michai White performed up throughout Cease 1 and ranks among the many high three level guards within the class of 2028, at present sitting at No. 17 general. White was one of many higher gamers on the ground, serving to lead Metropolis Rocks to a 2-1 document. He constantly stood out together with his scoring skill, elite ball-handling, and poise. White completed the weekend ranked within the high 10 in each scoring and assists, averaging 26 factors per sport, rating fourth in scoring and tying for fourth in assists at 6 per sport. He performs with a fearless angle and maintains a constant tempo, at all times showing underneath management. His standout efficiency got here on opening evening in opposition to Beckham Black, the top-ranked level guard within the 2027 class. In Recreation 1, White led Metropolis Rocks to an eight-point victory, scoring 37 factors and including 5 assists whereas taking pictures 66% from the sector and 57.1% from three-point vary.
Chase Lumpkin Jet
Lumpkin is a flexible scorer able to producing in any respect three ranges whereas showcasing a easy offensive sport. He possesses a decent deal with and spectacular athleticism, permitting him to create area and separation from defenders. He rapidly finds rhythm offensively and constantly makes performs for others. Over the weekend, he completed within the high 10 in each scoring and assists, rating third in scoring at 26 factors per sport and second in assists at 7 per sport. Defensively, he additionally made his mark, averaging 2.3 steals per sport throughout three contests. What really separates him from lots of his friends is his scoring skill, highlighted by a standout efficiency in opposition to Liv On during which he scored 33 factors and dished out 7 assists whereas taking pictures 57.9% from the sector and 60% from three-point vary, the second-highest scoring output on Day 1.
Ahmad Hudson JL3
Ahmad Hudson is the No. 1-ranked tight finish within the nation and the No. 19 basketball participant in his class, and his athleticism and physicality clearly translate to the hardwood. He embraces contact and imposes his will on each ends of the ground. An elite back-to-the-basket participant, Hudson constantly finishes across the rim with mushy contact and physicality. He led the 17U division in rebounding at 14 boards per sport, together with 3.7 offensive rebounds per contest. Alongside together with his rebounding presence, Hudson protected the paint successfully, averaging 3.3 blocks per sport, good for fourth on the circuit. His most dominant outing got here in a seven-point win over NY Lightning, the place he completed with 17 factors, 16 rebounds, and 6 blocks whereas taking pictures 57.1% from the sector.
Ryan Hampton Liv On
Hampton, a top-15 participant within the class of 2027, constantly stood out throughout Cease 1. Though group success was not fixed for Liv On, Hampton proved to be top-of-the-line scorers of the weekend, ending No. 2 general in 17U scoring. He continuously pressured defenses and lived within the paint, attacking the rim at will. Whereas his jumper was inconsistent, his motor and talent to soak up contact separated him from lots of his friends. Hampton shot 41% from the sector and averaged greater than 13 free-throw makes an attempt per sport. He completed the weekend with back-to-back 29-point performances and went a powerful 28-for-32 from the free-throw line throughout these video games.
Colton Hiller PSA Cardinals
Colton Hiller, a top-three participant within the class of 2028, spent Cease 1 enjoying up with the PSA Cardinals. Though the group struggled, Hiller appeared fully comfy competing in opposition to older competitors. With super measurement and power, he blends ability and athleticism to thrive offensively. Hiller averaged 21 factors per sport whereas taking pictures 42.9% from the ground. With the flexibility to play each on and off the ball, he was a continuing risk offensively, unafraid of contact and usually ending via defenders. As he continues growing whereas enjoying up this summer time, Hiller has the instruments to proceed climbing within the 2028 rankings.
Kager Knueppel Staff Herro
The NBA bloodline was evident all weekend with Kager Knueppel, who shares loads of similarities together with his older brother. Knueppel is an extended, fluid athlete who performs to his strengths and may warmth up in a rush. He helped lead Staff Herro to a 2-1 weekend whereas contributing in a number of methods on each ends of the ground. Knueppel could make performs off the bounce, rating on the transfer, and thrives in transition whereas discovering open spots to get photographs up. His lightning-quick jumper stood out all through the weekend, as he shot 54.2% from three-point vary on 24 makes an attempt. He completed the weekend averaging 16.3 factors and 5.3 rebounds whereas taking pictures 46.7% from the sector. Moreover, his defensive presence stood out, utilizing his measurement and mobility to protect a number of positions whereas averaging 2.3 blocks per sport and ending among the many high 10 in blocks in the course of the weekend.
Anderson Diaz NY Rens
Anderson Diaz showcased his scoring prowess throughout Cease 1, ending the weekend within the high 5 in scoring whereas serving to lead the NY Rens to an ideal 3-0 document. Past his scoring manufacturing, Diaz was a well-rounded contributor, averaging 6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per sport as a lead guard. His ball dealing with and fast first step constantly allowed him to get to his spots offensively. Diaz scored successfully in any respect three ranges and performed with a excessive motor all through the weekend. His greatest efficiency got here opening evening in opposition to the Oakland Troopers, the place he posted 29 factors, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 turnovers on 23 shot makes an attempt in an 11-point victory. General, Diaz averaged 25.3 factors per sport whereas taking pictures 51% from the sector, 46.7% from three-point vary, and an ideal 19-for-19 from the free-throw line.
Moussa Kamissoko PSA Cardinals
Moussa Kamissoko is a 6-foot-8 athlete who excelled on each ends of the ground throughout Cease 1. His size and exercise degree made him a disruptive defender, averaging 1.7 steals per sport whereas rating within the high 10 in rebounding at 9.3 per sport. Offensively, Kamissoko showcased a easy, versatile ability set throughout all three ranges. He can rating together with his again to the basket, assault off the dribble, shoot off the bounce, and knock down perimeter photographs. One of many standout athletes within the fitness center, he constantly completed above the rim and ran the ground extraordinarily nicely. As a top-20 participant within the class of 2027, Kamissoko displayed spectacular versatility offensively, thriving each on and off the ball. He completed the weekend averaging 18.7 factors and 9.3 rebounds whereas taking pictures 50% from the sector.
Lewis Uvwo Nightrydas
Uvwo stands out from others on this record as a result of he isn’t primarily recognized for offensive manufacturing or scoring quantity. Standing 6-foot-10 with a reported 7-foot-6 wingspan, Uvwo maximizes his measurement and bodily instruments defensively. He averaged 10 factors whereas taking pictures 68.8% from the sector, however what really separated him was his defensive manufacturing, averaging 6.7 rebounds and an eye-popping 6.3 blocks per sport. He dominated the paint and relentlessly protected the rim all through the weekend. On Saturday, he posted a close to triple-double with 12 factors, 10 rebounds, and eight blocks in opposition to Liv On. He adopted it up Sunday with 12 factors, 6 rebounds, and 9 blocks. Thought of one of many premier rim protectors within the class, Uvwo bolstered that repute with a dominant defensive exhibiting in Atlanta.
16U Eye Catchers
AJ Williams 6’8, 210 SF – Georgia Stars 16U (2028)
Williams stood out as one of many high all-around performers within the 16U division throughout Cease 1. Possessing a superb body and pure athleticism, he constantly elevated with ease across the basket and appeared fluid pulling up into jumpers. Williams shot the ball nicely from deep, changing 42.9% from three-point vary on 3.5 makes an attempt per sport whereas sustaining clear mechanics and steadiness, even on the transfer. He additionally flashed spectacular passing skill, averaging 3.8 assists to only 2 turnovers per contest. Williams led the 16U division in scoring at 25 factors per sport whereas taking pictures 44.4% from the sector. Although there should be room for him to assault the basket much more aggressively, he constantly generated free throws, averaging 8.5 makes an attempt and changing 88.2% on the line. He additionally impacted the glass in a significant method, rating third in 16U rebounding at 9.5 boards per sport, together with 2.8 offensive rebounds per contest.
Bentley Lusakueno 6’10, 205 C – CP3 (2028)
Lusakueno (pictured) quietly put collectively one of many extra intriguing weekends in 16U, posting elite taking pictures splits throughout 4 video games at 56.8% from the sector, 58.3% from three-point vary, and 88.9% from the free-throw line. A extremely expert large man, he comfortably knocked down photographs from midrange and past the arc whereas flashing encouraging really feel as a passer. Lusakueno nonetheless has room to proceed growing as a ball-handler, however the basis is spectacular for a participant his measurement. Athletic and expert, he confirmed flashes of doing a little bit of every thing, although persevering with so as to add power, enhance defensive consistency, and play with better physicality shall be key long run. Even so, Lusakueno averaged 16.3 factors and 6.5 rebounds (2 offensive) per sport, showcasing appreciable upside transferring ahead.
***Evan Tomes Contributed to this report
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()








