Complete preview of the Nike EYBL Peach Jam
Each division of the Nike EYBL Peach Jam Championship reviewed, including our picks for divisional “Favorite”, “Most Talented”and “Dark Horse” teams as well as the “Best Matchup”.
It’s been an eventful summer for the forty EYBL teams. With the regular season coming to a close, the top twenty-four teams from the EYBL, divided into four divisions, have advanced and earned the right to play for the EYBL Peach Jam title.
We’re excited to be scoring every play, shot, block rebound, assist and more in N. Augusta, SC starting July 16th.
As always, you can catch all of the action live online: www.GC.com/PeachJam.
Division A
Favorite: New Jersey Playaz
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 13-2
The Playaz Basketball Club led by top shooting guard, Isaiah Briscoe (18.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.3 APG, .803 FT%) are our favorite to come out of Division A. Described as a powerful combo-guard, Briscoe is accompanied by three other accomplished starters that can impact a game: Temple Gibbs (13.6 PPG), Myles Powell (11.5 PPG) and Moustapha Diagne (9.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.7 BPG), a Syracuse University commit, who anchors the middle. Coach Jimmy Salmon is definitely proud of how his team has performed thus far.
Most Talented: Athletes First
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 11-4
The pick for most talented team in Division A are Athletes First led by Allonzo Trier, who averages 29.3 PPG with a .623 True Shooting Percentage (TS%). If you had to highlight one thing about ESPN’s 19th-ranked player in the country, you would likely focus on his consistency. In fifteen of his team’s sixteen EYBL regular season games, the Oklahoma native scored 20 PTS or more. The outlier was against the tall, long and athletic Each 1 Teach 1, where he finished with 18 PTS. Trier is the unquestioned engine for this team, but is also surrounded by talented players, such as: Curran Scott (13.4 PPG) and Jakolby Long (10.9 PPG). Coach Gary Vick has done a great job keeping his team focused and level headed as they enter into the Peach Jam.
Dark Horse: Each 1 Teach 1
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 11-5
It’s hard to designate the defending Peach Jam Champions as a “Dark Horse”, but that just speaks to the depth of talent in this division more than it does to Each 1 Teach 1’s capabilities. Because of the absence of Ben Simmons (ESPN’s 2nd-ranked player in the country) during the last two EYBL events, the reigning champs have not done a great job at scoring the basketball. Antonio Blakeney (19.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.2 APG) has had to shoulder most of the load in Simmons’ absence. And how significant has that absence been? In seven games, spanning two EYBL events, Simmons was averaging 19.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.0 APG while shooting 65.8% from the field. He’s expected to play in the Peach Jam, which could impact Division A in a big way and bring a smile to the face of Coach Edward Francis, who has done a stellar job at getting his team this far.
Best Matchup: Playaz Basketball Club vs. Athletes First
Game Details: Saturday, July 19, 2014 | 12:00PM EDT | Court 2
The premier matchup should be Playaz Basketball Club vs. Athletes First, simply because it will feature the 4th and 5th-ranked Shooting Guards for the 2015 class, respectively, facing off in Allonzo Trier and Isaiah Briscoe. Expect a high scoring game as both teams enjoy scoring the basketball. The Playaz averaged 73.1 PPG in Sessions 1-4, while Athletes First is not far behind with 69.1PPG. However, the biggest impact player could very be Moustapha Diagne around the rim protecting the rim and changing shots.
Don’t Sleep On: CIA Bounce
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 10-6
Coach Tony McIntyre has done a great job at identifying and grooming the top talent from Canada. His current team has succeeded thus far with a high level of defensive toughness and chemistry. Expect their big three of Montaque Gill-Caesar (12.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG), Dillon Brooks (13.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG) and Jamal Murray (11.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.5 APG) to turn up the heat on their competition.
Team Takeover
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 9-7
Team Takeover, hailing from the nation’s capital, have showcased a balanced scoring attack over the EYBL regular season. Led by Kevin Dorsey (12.5 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.8 APG), Team Takeover have shown glimpses of very solid play. Look for Coach Keith Stevens to come out with new innovative sets for the Peach Jam.
Division B
Favorite: Team Final
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 14-2
It’s no easy feat to go 14-2 in the EYBL regular circuit. For Team Final, its success is likely attributable to its ability to understand their individual capabilities and play to their strengths as a team unit. A tweet sent May 20th from @TeamFinalHoops appropriately summarized this attitude, “Its amazing how much can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit. #TEAMWORK”. This quote is attributed from the late Hall of Fame coach, John Wooden, who wrote the book about winning as a team. It’s obvious that Coach Aaron Burt has adopted this philosophy for his teams success. Understanding individual abilities and unifying them into a team approach is evident as his starting rotation averages 57 PPG, led by Syracuse bound Malachi Richardson (17.4 PPG, 5 RPG).
Most Talented: Oakland Soldiers
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 10-6
Besides having the 2015 top-ranked player in the country in Ivan Rabb, the Oakland Soldiers also feature the overall 6th-ranked player in Stephen Zimmerman. The twin seven-footers are making it tough for opposing teams to mount any kind of low post game plan. Rabb (15.2 PPG, 9.9 RPG) is shooting 61.3% from the field, while Zimmerman (8.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.0 BPG) is shooting 48.9% from the field. We are sure that Coach Jules Milstead is urging his two big men to produce at the same level during Peach Jam, and if that happens you can very easily see the Oakland Soldiers advancing.
Dark Horse: Mac Irvin Fire
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 10-5
With balanced scoring from their starters, Mac Irvin have the size, speed and athletic ability, but needs to be more consistent in their overall play to have a chance in this stacked Division. Long time coach and son of Mac Irvin, Mike Irvin has assembled a team that is ready to win and realizes Jalen Brunson (17.2 PPG, 6.9 APG) is carrying a huge load and needs big-time support from Luwane Pipkins (14.6 PPG) and Edward Morrow (14.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.8 BPG).
Best Matchup: Team Final vs. Oakland Soldiers
Game Details: Saturday, July 19, 2014 | 12:00PM EDT | Court 1
It’s been said that “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Team Final is undersized and scrappy while the Oakland Soldiers are tall and skilled. Yet, Team Final has averaged 70.7 PPG to Oakland’s 66.8 PPG. If Team Final can move the ball around the perimeter and pick it’s spots to attack the rim, they stand a good chance of slipping by Oakland. However, if the “Twin Towers”, Rabb and Zimmerman, live up to their billing, it could be a long day for Team Final.
Don’t Sleep On: Howard Pulley
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 10-6
While Minnesota-based Howard Pulley Panthers, do not have the high profile names as some of their opponents, its players have embraced a T.E.A.M (Together Everyone Achieves More) mantra, which rings loud and clear when you watch this team play. If you need more evidence of the Panthers unselfish brand of basketball, all it takes is a glimpse at the stat-line of leading scorer, Sacar Amin (11.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG). The Panthers simply compete game in and game out with a focus on winning as a team. With this unselfish style of play, every player is a potential valuable contributor.
Houston Hoops
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 10-6
It’s obvious that Coach Kyle Manary focuses on defense and rebounding as the Houston Hoops team have pulled down an impressive 34.6 RPG. Helping matters is the fact that this team’ s two best scoring threats also dominate the boards: DeAaron Fox (14.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.6 APG) and Samir Sehic (11.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG). With stiff competition in this group, you can expect Houston Hoops to focus on creating second-chance opportunities and quickly counterattacking with fast breaks starting with good defensive rebounds and clear outs.
Travelers Basketball
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 8-8
With only a 8-8 EYBL regular season record, the Travelers and Coach Larry Robinson have done a great job at maximizing their opportunities. But to advance at the Peach Jam in the face of stiff competition, we are re going to look for Camron Justice (10.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG) and Andrew McDonald (10.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG) to make a statement in their first game against Team Final.
Division C
Favorite: Team SCAN
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Most Talented: Team SCAN
Record: 11-5
Team SCAN are loaded with size, athletic ability, youth and talent, with two All-American power forwards that dominate the backboard and fill up the stat sheet. Unfortunately Coach Terrance Williams rarely has the two juggernauts on the floor at the same time. Coach Williams has done a stellar job at molding newcomer, Cheick Diallo (18.6 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 2.5 BPG) , who is a 6’9” athletic scorer and is ranked as the 6th best scorer in the 2015 class. Thomas Bryant (8.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.2 BPG), a 6’11” PF from Huntington Prep, is also a top prospect and is changing the game in other ways. While more raw than Diallo, Bryant’s defensive presence, shot blocking and rebounding give Team SCAN an anchor in the middle.
Sixteen-year old, Tyus Battle (8.9 PPG) is having a great tournament. In Session 4, Battle did battle with the second-ranked player in the country, Malik Newman, holding Newman to 5 PTS while scoring 19 PTS on 50% shooting from the field. The future is bright for this young guard and we’re excited to see Round 2 in this rivalry.
Dark Horse: Spiece Indy Heat
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 9-7
With the big-time talent on the floor, game in and game out, it was baffling to see the Heat end the regular season with a mediocre (9-7) record. Top prospect, Caleb Swanigan (18.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG, .529 TS%), has lived up to the hype, but should look to stay in the paint as he has shot 50% from the paint (84 of 167). Also look for significant contributions from Deyonta Davis (16.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.5 BPG). But, even with all of the offensive talent on the roster, the Heat have a tough time defending. With a two-month layoff, expect the Heat to have shored up some defensive weaknesses and challenge for the lead in Division C. Expect for Coach Jared Quarles to turn up the heat, no pun intended, on his young talented team.
Best Matchup: Team SCAN vs. Spiece Indy Heat
Game Details: Thursday, July 17, 2014 | 7:30PM EDT | Court 3
The premier matchup of Division C will be a battle of size, determination and strength. Given the rosters for each team, look for this game to be a very slow methodical grind with a lot of low post entries and clear outs directed at some of the top power forwards and centers in the country. We look forward to watching Team SCAN’s Cheick Diallo and Thomas Bryant go head to head with Spiece Indy Heat’s Caleb Swanigan and Deyonta Davis. Anticipate seeing both Diallo and Bryant on the court most of the game guarding the two bigs for Spiece Indy Heat. Team SCAN averages 59.8 PPG while the Spiece Indy Heat is averaging a much more impressive 71.7 PPG. But, you can expect that as the top defensive team in the circuit, Team SCAN with be tough to score on.
Don’t Sleep On: All-Ohio Basketball
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 13-3
Normally, the best record in the group would lead to being the favorite, but Division C is absolutely loaded. At 13-3 in the EYBL regular season, All-Ohio have the intensity, fire and attitude to advance out of the group, but they will need another contributor to help take the pressure off of Jalen Coleman (15.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.3 APG) andEsa Ahmad (12.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.3 APG). Coach Marcus Gill has done a great job of getting All-Ohio to the Peach Jam and now faces an uphill battle to advance.
MOKAN Elite
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 11-5
To some, MOKAN Elite are the sleeper pick to advance out of the division. This talented group understands their individual roles, which is imperative as they lack a big inside presence. Squaring up with Caleb Swanigan and Spiece Indy Heat will present challenges for MOKAN Elite and their two 6’8” forwards Juwan Morgan (10.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG) and Derrick Walker (3.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG). If it can overcome the early adversity, the MOKAN Elite could go far in the Peach Jam.
Boo Williams
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 9-7
Boo Williams started off hot in Sessions 1 and 2, but went 1-3 in Session 4. In order for this athletic team from Virginia to contend, it must be disciplined and more consistent on both ends of the court. Boo Williams are going to need a big week from Kenny Williams (14.7 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.3 APG) Christopher Clarke (12.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.4 APG) and big man Edrice Adebayo (12.2 PPG and 8.1 RPG) to advance out of the group.
BABC
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 9-7
BABC are another team that was at the top of the leaderboards with their 4-0 start in Session 1. Led by Bruce Brown (14.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.6 APG) and Terance Mann (10.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.6 APG) who have had strong tournaments respectively, in order for BABC to advance, they will need a big contribution from Jeremy Miller (8.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG).
Division D
Favorite: Wings Elite
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 11-5
In 2013, this same Wings Elite team won the 16U EYBL Peach Jam. Unfortunately, it lost some size down low this year, but retained its vigor and athletic ability. With the 4th-best player in the 2016 class, Malik Monk (21.1 PPG, 3.9 APG), the Wings play an unselfish brand of ball. Coach Wes Swift loves this brand of basketball and understands that even with the lack of height variation on their roster, each player has the ability to play and defend any position on the court, giving them a unique level of flexibility. It also helps that the aforementioned Monk is the 3rd-best scorer in the circuit. During Session 1 in Sacramento, CA, Monk went off with a 59 point outing against All-Ohio. If this team can play with the same energy and passion they have showed in Sessions 1-4, it could find themselves contending for the Peach Jam title.
Most Talented: Texas Titans
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 11-5
Coach Scott Pospichal has done a great job recruiting one of the physically biggest teams in the circuit with talent at every position. But, as big as this team is, it is the combined guard-play of DJ Hogg (14.0 PPG, .594 TS%), Tyler Davis (13.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, .626 TS%) and King McClure (11.2 PPG, .575 TS%) that drives the Titans. All three have made their their presence known in the regular season, but, if they struggle, Team Texas could be challenged to advance out of of the division.
Dark Horse: Team Penny
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 10-6
Team Penny are an interesting team to follow and are dependent on both of the Lawson brothers showing up to be successful. Keelon (17.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, .532 TS%) and Dedric Lawson (17.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, .513 TS%) are having almost identical showings and yes, they are brothers. If they can keep feeding off of each other, Team Penny could find its way to the next round.
Best Matchup: Wings Elite vs. Texas Titans
Game Details: Saturday, July 19, 2014 | 12:00PM EDT | Court 4
In the first matchup between these two teams, the Wings got the better of the Titans, winning a close game in overtime 72-69. The Titans, who averaged 68.9 PPG in Sessions 1-4, played an average game and could never get over the hump against Wings Elite. And in that first contest, only two players for the Titans were in double figures, DJ Hogg (20 PTS) and Tyler Davis (12 PTS). The difference in the game was the balanced attack from the Wings which had four players in double figures. Look for the Titans to press the action on both ends of the court. Wings Elite will have its hands full from a Titans team out for revenge.
Don’t Sleep On: New York Lightning
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 9-7
The New York Lightning are led by Coach Dana Dingle and big man Jessie Govan (14.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG). The Lightning played well enough to end the EYBL regular season with a 9-7 record, but likely understand it could have done more to solidify its spot in the Peach Jam. Expect Coach Dingle to play with his rotation going into the Peach Jam with hopes to get more contributions from his role-players.
Jackson Tigers
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 8-8
The Jackson Tigers, led by the #2 player in the country, Malik Newman (22.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.8 APG) barely snuck into the Peach Jam. With Newman unable to attend Session 1, the Tigers finished 1-3. However, that allowed Coach Thandi Wade to rely on Quinndary Weatherspoon (15.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.0 APG) to carry the load, allowing Weatherspoon to shine in front of the college coaches in attendance. Look for that duo to dial up the intensity at the Peach Jam.
Southern Stampede
Stats: Regular Season | Peach Jam
Record: 8-8
Despite what its 8-8 regular season record implies, the Southern Stampede are still a very talented group. Led by Prince Ali (21.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.1 APG), Jared Harper (16.0 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.4 APG) and Ty Hudson (15.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.2 APG), the Stampede’s average margin of loss in its eight defeats was a mere 7.0 points. Anticipate Coach Aljami Durham to emphasize putting opposing teams away should the Stampede find itself up late in games.
You can follow all of the live action from the Peach Jam online: www.GC.com/PeachJam
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