By David Cordova
As the summer ends & the school year approaches, there is one event that brings excitement and anticipation for all basketball fans. The Under Armour Elite 24, which is the last amateur event of the summer, which features the best twenty-four high school players in the country, is an event that rivals no other.
For the first two days, the selected players showcased their skills in front of media and NBA scouts inside the world-famous Gauchos Gymnasium in the South Bronx during the practice sessions before the event. On game day, all of the guys were ready for battle under the glare of the national spotlight of the cameras on ESPNU and about 1,000 raucous fans under the New York City skyline at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 2, which is located in downtown Brooklyn.
In the game, both sides had players that showed where they were “elite” in every sense of the word. In the end, it was Team Drive who emerged victorious in the game with a 140-134 victory in the first overtime game since its inception in 2006. For Team Drive, top-flight point guard Trevon Duval scored 25 points and added 9 asissts, forward Zion Williamson had 22 points and ultra-athletic guard & Queens native Hamidou Diallo scored 21 points. For Team Clutch, local product and point guard Isaiah Washington, out of the Bronx’s St. Raymond High School, scored 36 points after being a late addition to the game. Also, center Austin Wiley added 22 points and 6 rebounds and Jalek Felton, a North Carolina commit, added 16 points and 4 assists.
Throughout the night, the dazzling highlights showed everyone why the event is one of the most regarded in the country. Aside from other all-star events such as the Jordan Brand Classic and the McDonald’s All-American Game, an event that many high schoolers dream of one day making, the Elite 24 has become one of the best events for many to prove the reason why they are so highly-touted and whether they have what it takes to move on to the next level.
Under Armour Elite 24 Outstanding Players:
Jalek Felton, Gray Collegiate Academy (SC), Class of 2017, Guard
Displays a great knack at getting to the basket efficiently. Has a lot of finesse with his dribble. Also can pass the ball
Nazreon Reid, Roselle Catholic High School (NJ), Class of 2018, Center
A player that has size & runs the floor well. Someone that is considered a point-forward. Also knows how to pass the ball & gets teammates involved.
Bol Bol, Bishop Miege High School (KS), Class of 2018, Center
A center that usually towers over the competition. Very dangerous when getting to the rim. Anticipates the ball on defense and is always ready to block a shot.
Austin Wiley, Spain Park High School (AL), Class of 2017, Forward
A forward that is a great physical specimen that can dominate offensively around the rim. Has a great motor.
MJ Walker, Jonesboro High School (GA), Class of 2017, Small Forward
A versatile swingman that can score efficiently & makes smooth finishes to the basket.
Javonte Smart, Scotlandville Magnet (LA), Class of 2018, Point Guard
A player that is as his name implies. A guard that can run a team & someone that makes strong finishes at the basket. But he is mainly a pass-first guard that looks to set up players for baskets.
Trevon Duval, TBD, Class of 2017, Point Guard
Regarded by many as the most dominant guard in the country, he possesses an arsenal of crossovers, dunks & nice passes.
Hamidou Diallo, Putnam Science Academy, Class of 2017, Shooting Guard
A guard that is a freak of nature with his athleticism. Has a huge vertical leap that can be matched by few. Makes great finishes at the basket.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy, Class of 2017, Shooting Guard
Versatile guard that can get to the basket off the dribble & is a dangerous shooter from long range.
Zion Williamson, Spartanburg Day School, Class of 2018, Power Forward
An undersized forward that has plenty of athleticism & possesses a lot of strength, toughness & fearlessness.
Silvio De Sousa, IMG Academy (FL), Class of 2018, Power Forward
A bruising forward that looks to punish the rim every chance that he gets. When he’s in the lane, it’s almost certain what is bound to happen.
Nick Richards, The Patrick School (NJ), Class of 2017, Center
A versatile center that is a great rebounder & also a player that can attack the rim with force.
Isaiah Washington, St. Raymond High School (NY), Class of 2017 Point Guard
A crowd favorite, he is a guard that is loaded with a slick crossover dribble & makes unique layups that look like poetry in motion.
Highlights:
Courtesy of Hoop Diamonds.
Courtesy of Hoop Diamonds.
Courtesy of Hoop Diamonds.
Courtesy of Home Team Hoops.
Courtesy of Krossover TV.
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