Bilal’s 8th/9th Grade Prime Performers: Kings Of The South

Zaire Colbert | 2029 | Tre Mann Elite 8th Grade MVP
Colbert is a three level scoring guard that was tough to contain. His change of pace is something that truly kept defenders guessing what Colbert was going to do each and every time down the floor. That’s something that makes it tough for a defender that thinks about relaxing when defending Colbert. He can quickly create separation with his punch dribble or get downhill with his quick first step. From there, it was about whether Colbert was going to pull up for a jump shot or dish to the next open man. His ability to play in tight spaces and finish acrobatically at the rim is also something that made him tough to contain as well. We must ask…Is Colbert the #1 guard in 2029?

Armani Morris | 2029 | Tre Mann Elite
Morris is a two-way player that takes pride in defense no matter who he’s guarding or where he’s guarding them. If there’s one thing that amps Morris up to come away with steals, it’s his freakish athleticism that he often displayed in the open floor for flushes or well controlled finishes in traffic. No limitations to what this kid can do, Morris also has other dimensions to his game as well.

Preston Elliott | 2029 | Tre Mann Elite
Elliott has the it factor. Whether he’s starting as the focal point or coming off the bench being a key role player, Elliott is multifaceted. The southpaw is playing above the rim and causing havoc on the perimeter. It’s no surprise at all the success that has been coming Elliott’s way.

Avery Jones | 2029 | Tre Mann Elite
Jones is an unselfish, athletic, ultra active wing that can be utilized in a variety of ways. His skillset fits today’s game perfectly. He doesn’t need the ball to have a huge impact on the game. His two-way capabilities takes a lot of pressure off of his teammates. Jones is a sleeper in 2029 that you can expect to make a ton of noise this summer.

Jaden Slater | 2029 | Tre Mann Elite
There’s not much on the court that Slater can’t do. You need a big time steal or block, three pointer or dunk to spark the energy, Slater can do it. The motor that he displayed is just one of the reasons why his potential is sky high. Sometimes it’s just about energy and effort and Slater doesn’t lack that. The size and versatility with this prospect is something that’s tough to deal with.

Cannon Combs | 2029 | Tre Mann Elite

Combs is a big that gave teams a fit trying to finish at the rim. Constantly being a rim protector, being a good help when his teammates would get beat off the dribble and showing his elite timing to block or alter shots. Combs made a ton of second efforts to deny guys, fighting for loose ball opportunities and making sure to limit second chance shots. Speaking of second chance shots, Combs was huge when being able to give his team multiple opportunities to score the ball. Combs showed good hands when catching the ball in traffic, solid footwork and the concentration to finish through contact. 

Jordan Costley | 2029 | Tre Mann Elite

Costley is a high IQ guard that had it going from deep. Displaying his ability to score on or off the ball, Costley was comfortable either way. Always shot ready or moving without the ball to make himself visible at all times, and putting himself in the most successful situations to score. When the ball was in Costley’s hands, he did a good job at reading the setup of a team’s entire defense before attacking the man in front of him at the best angle possible. Costley was by far one of the smartest guards with the ball in his hands.

Jordan White | 2029 | SKG
Progression, progression, progression. White continues to ascend. He’s an all-around player that just makes it happen. His on-ball defense will stand out first, which will keep him on the floor. From there his offensive bag is noticeably deep. White’s shooting prowess opens the game up inside for SKG where they do their most damage.

Joshua Sanders | 2029 | Jet Academy Jr EYBL

Joshua Sanders is a name to know. This 6’8 comes with size, athleticism, mobility and evolving skills. Sanders had a good showing over the weekend, making it easier for his guards on both ends of the floor. Easy lob threat, rim protector and Sanders also has no problem defending multiple positions. The southpaw forward also has no problem stepping outside and knocking down the three ball if he’s left open. As Sanders continues to expand his game and add on muscle, he’ll be even harder to contain. 

Austin Leonard | 2029 | Jet Academy Jr EYBL

Leonard is a smooth guard that show his ability to score the basketball in a number of ways and also dish the ball out. He showcased a quick trigger from long range to go along with his lethal acrobatic finishes in traffic. Leonard was very comfortable finishing with either hand, making it tough for defenders to get a hand on his shots. While Leonard scored the ball well, his overall floor game truly stood out. Often finding the open man and putting the ball in the right place for them to have success. 

Jamorian Tuck | 2029 | Team Loaded 3SSB

The size, skill, athleticism and mobility that Tuck brought to the table for his team was second to none. Whenever there was an attempt at the rim from the opposing team, Tuck was the first to leave the floor to challenge the shot. His elite athleticism and length allowed him to get a hand on just about every shot close to him. Offensively, Tuck was always a lob threat when running the floor. Forcing defenders to focus on him and clearing the way for his teammates to finish with ease at the rim. Even when Tuck didn’t dunk the ball, he made defenders think twice about jumping with him. 

Brelyn Moses | 2028 | Team Loaded

9th Grade MVP

Moses is another freakish athlete that was looking to dunk everything that came his way. Whether it was an alley oop or an off the bounce dunk, Moses was looking to get on that rim. His energy and effort was a huge factor for his team. Very active on the boards, a defensive stopper with his long arms and also not afraid to meet anyone at the rim for a challenge. Not too often do we see guys at Moses’ size picking up guards full court and picking their pockets. Some things just set some players apart from others.