Photo courtesy of Position Sports/Nike
By David Cordova
Last weekend at the Lake Point Sports facility in Emerson, Georgia, which is an hour outside Atlanta, the Nike EYBL geared up for their third session. It was time for players to show out and show up, for the winning teams to maintain their great play and for losing teams to play perfect in order to gain entry into the Nike Peach Jam, which will be taking place in mid-July in North Augusta, South Carolina.
In Session 3, teams such as All-Ohio Red, Boo Williams, Howard Pulley and MoKan Elite clinched berths to Peach Jam and solidified first place in each division. Meanwhile, in Division A, teams like Houston Hoops, Oakland Soldiers, Indy Spiece Heat and The Family, all competitive teams fighting for that last spot, ended tied for fifth place.
Then there were teams like Southern Stampede, UPlay Canada, Wisconsin Playground Elite and Phoenix Phamily that had great players, were unable to establish winning records in a league that is considered to be toughest of the sneaker circuits.
A lot of players came out and showcased their talents on the court during the weekend, but no moment was bigger than when NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal made his apperance. The former NBA player, who is now a sportscaster on TNT, came out to support his son, Shareef O’Neal, a big-time prospect in the Class of 2018, who plays for California Supreme.
With just one session left in Los Angeles next weekend, it is crunch time for certain teams, as those that are on the bubble still have a chance to earn a berth for Peach Jam. Some teams may even have to win their remaining four games. As is custom in the Nike EYBL, every game is a must-win. No game is easy. Every battle in that league is definitely a tough win.
There can only be as many as twenty-four teams in the Peach Jam. The question now is, which teams will be amongst the final few to make the cut? That answer will be determined in the City of Angels next weekend.
Notable Players In Session 3 of Nike EYBL:
Shareef O’Neal, Crossroads (CA)/California Supreme, Class of 2018, Forward
O’Neal is a very dominant force in the paint, but is also a very versatile forward that can handle the ball and can step out and shoot. Averages 15.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Bol Bol, Mater Dei (CA)/California Supreme, Class of 2018, Center
Bol, at 7-2, has been the most dominant post man in the entire EYBL throughout these last three sessions. He always manages to come up with big performances. Averages 25.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game.
Tre Jones, Apple Valley (MN)/Howard Pulley Panthers, Class of 2018, Guard
Jones has been the best point guard on the circuit and hasn’t managed to disappoint. He is very unselfish on the court and has made teammates better with every game. As a result, Pulley is now 11-1 with him running the point. Averages 20 points, 9.4 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game.
Jarvis Thomas, Orono (MN)/Howard Pulley Panthers, Class of 2018, Forward
Thomas is a hybrid of a player that shows plenty of athleticism on both ends of the court. He goes up for every rebound and will attack whatever ball comes his way on defense. He is also known for his thunderous dunks at the rim. Averages 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds.
Marvin Bagley, Sierra Canyon (CA)/Nike Phamily, Class of 2018, Center
Bagley is one of the toughest players in the EYBL and shows plenty of great skills aside from his power moves at the rim, like shooting and ballhandling. Averages 25.1 points, 14.7 points and 3.1 blocks per game.
Jalen Lecque, Christ School (NC)/Southern Stampede, Class of 2019, Guard
Lecque has plenty of explosion and athleticism in his game and is a player that can definitely score. Averages 17.1 points per game.
Drue Drinnon, Pebblebrook (GA)/Southern Stampede, Class of 2018, Guard
A new addition to the Stampede, Drinnon is a player that can shoot from long range and knows how to get to the basket. Averages 16.5 points, five rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
Zion Harmon, Bowling Green (KY)/Boo Williams, Class of 2021, Guard
Harmon, the youngest player in the EYBL, has been outstanding this year. He displays outstanding point guard skills and also can score against players that are three to four years older than him. Averages 12.8 points and 4.1 assists per game.
Coby White, Greenfield (NC)/Team CP3, Class of 2018, Guard
White is a guard that shows explosion, but is also known for his scoring prowess. He is a player that is known to get most of his points when he goes to the basket. Averages 21.2 points per game.
R.J. Barrett, Montverde Academy (FL)/UPlay Canada, Class of 2019, Guard
Barrett is a guard that is a very dominant scorer that is known to produce results. He scores in bunches and is very deserving of the No. 1 ranking in his class. Averages 28 points, 10.8 rebounds and three assists per game.
Cole Anthony, Archbishop Molloy (NY)/PSA Cardinals, Class of 2019, Guard
Anthony, in his second year in the EYBL, has transformed himself into one of the best point guards in the league. Even though he scores a lot, he knows how to give his teammates the ball at the right times. Averages 16.3 points and 7.3 assists per game.
Jalen Carey, Immaculate Conception (NJ)/New Jersey Playaz, Class of 2018, Guard
Carey is a flat-out scorer that has explosion in his game and a good jumper. Averages 18.2 points per game.
Cameron Reddish, Westtown School (PA)/Team Final, Class of 2018, Guard
Taller than most guards, Reddish can put the ball on the floor and hold his own against smaller defenders. Has great handle and shot seleciton. Averages 23.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
Louis King, Hudson Catholic (NJ)/Team Final, Class of 2018, Guard/Forward
King is another tall swingman with a smooth game and moves well off the ball, but also can put the ball on the floor, in the basket and can shoot from long range. Averages 19.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
D.J. Jeffries, Olive Branch (MS)/Team Penny, Class of 2019, Guard/Forward
Jeffries is a player that has length and is skilled. He has good post moves and can step outside and shoot from deep. Averages 11.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.
Tyler Herro, Whitnall (WI)/Wisconsin Playground Elite, Class of 2018, Guard
A guard with size, Herro has good skills when getting to the basket and has great court vision. He is also a long-range shooter. Averages 16.7 points and 6.3 rebounds.
Javonte Smart, Scotlandville (LA)/Houston Hoops, Class of 2018, Guard
A player that is as smart as his name, Smart is a natural point guard that can distribute as well as make good plays for himself. Averages 15.5 points and 4.1 assists per game.
Emmitt Williams, IMG Academy (FL)/E1T1 United, Class of 2018, Forward
Williams is a forward that has a lot of strength in the paint and is a terror when it comes to the rim. He is also excellent at getting to the glass and rebounding. Averages 17.7 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.
Darius Garland, Brentwood Academy (TN)/Bradley Beal Elite, Class of 2018, Guard
Garland has terrific court vision and knows when to score, as well as to give teammates the ball. Averages 17 points and 4.9 assists per game.
Highlights of Nike EYBL Session 3:
Courtesy of OST247 Productions.
Courtesy of Hoop Journey.
Courtesy of Hoop Journey.
Courtesy of Hoop Journey.
Courtesy of Hoop Diamonds.
Courtesy of Hoop Diamonds.
Courtesy of Ballislife.
Courtesy of In The Gym Hoops.
Courtesy of Nation Hoops.
Courtesy of Nation Hoops.
davesjoint.net 