Day 4 of the annual Next Level Invitational saw the cream start to elevate in bracket play as prospects like Quinn Blair, Chase Adams, and others stood out. Here’s a quick look at those and others who stood out on Saturday…
SATURDAY’S TOP PERFORMERS
CHASE ADAMS – 2018 – PG – SYF
Adams (Marian Catholic) has put together an impressive string of games at the Next Level Invitational, and carved up the Wisconsin Blizzard in the second round of the Platinum Division playoffs. He will always standout on the court as the smallest player, standing just 5’8 but his handle and quickness allowed him to get wherever he wanted Saturday. While Adams has proven he can score in bunches, he’s at his best when he’s driving and kicking out to an open shooter or dumping off a pass to an open teammate for a layup – and on Saturday, he did just that routinely.
QUINN BLAIR – 2018 – SF – REACH LEGENDS
In a runaway victory over The Force in the Platinum Division playoffs, Blair connected on five three-pointers on his way to 25 points. What makes Blair so promising as a prospect aside from his already consistent perimeter shot, is that at 6’6 he can grab a rebound, push the ball up the court and deliver a good pass. Against The Force, Blair also delivered a couple Kevin Love-esque full court outlet passes on a dime for a layup at the other end. Several mid-majors including Eastern and Central Michigan were on hand for that game.
PARKER BLAND – 2017 – F – QUAD CITY ELITE
Bland was Quad City Elite’s most impactful player in a close loss to Playground Elite. At this juncture in his career, Bland is an undersized power forward at 6’4 but that didn’t prohibit his production on the glass. He has some bounce and was able to finish his opportunities around the rim, and the lefty led his team with 15 points.
JACOB BOONYASITH – 2018 – PG – ELITE NATION
One of the most eye-opening performances of the Next Level Invitational belonged to the 6’3 point guard from Jenison High against Playground Elite. Boonyasith is an excellent shooter, which allows him to be successful at every other facet a coach covets in a point guard despite not possessing blazing speed or athleticism. He put his full offensive arsenal on display Saturday in a close loss to PGE by scoring 25 points in a variety of ways. At this point, low to mid-major DI’s should be lining up to get a chance to evaluate Boonyasith moving forward before it’s too late.
KARL BROOKS – 2018 – SF – ELITE NATION
The 6’4 lefty athlete from Lansing Sexton was all over the floor against Playground Elite defensively, and very effective as a slasher on offense finishing his chances from 15 feet and in. With the ability to guard several positions on the floor, and his activity and movement on offense, Brooks gives Elite Nation a dangerous element on the court with their other standout players.
GREG FOSTER JR – 2018 – G – PLAYGROUND ELITE EYBL
It’s hard to say whether Foster projects out as a point guard or a shooting guard because he’s excelled at both thus far in his budding career, and during the Next Level Invitational. The Homestead product has high major potential as he already stands 6’5 and has plenty in his bag of tricks offensively. He was very crafty driving, and finishing, the ball in a win over Elite Nation in the Platinum Division playoffs, as well as setting up his teammates for good looks. As he continues to polish his shooting stroke his recruitment will continue to increase in number of schools on him.
NICK KLUG – 2018 – PG – WISCONSIN SWING
Klug was outstanding Saturday in the second round of the Platinum Division playoffs, helping the Swing pull away from the Wisconsin Jets. The 5’11 Burlington product is a capable ball-handler and passer, but has made his mark at the Next Level Invitational shooting the ball. He burned the Jets four times from downtown and finished with 24 points. His size may be a hurdle for him to overcome in terms of garnering attention from DI’s at this point, but the top DII & DIII programs should all be taking a look.
CARDELL MCGEE – 2018 – G – YANDERS LAW
The 6’3 combo guard from Springfield Lanphier turned in a spectacular performance Saturday morning and has the makings of a high major-caliber recruit. McGee got to the cup at will both in the half-court and in transition, and also drained a few threes with a smooth catch and shoot release. He just has a natural feel on offense, and usually makes the right decision with the ball whether that be to drive it, pull-up or pass it.
AHMAD MUHAMMAD – 2018 – PG – KESSEL HEAT BLACK
St. Joseph’s Muhammad established himself as one of the top tier point guards in the NY2LA Sports Association because of his ability to both facilitate and score the ball. On Saturday, during a shoot-out with Yanders Law, Muhammad came up big with a coast-to-coast game-winning layup to give him 22 points in the game. Muhammad won’t blow anyone away with his speed or leaping ability, but he’s shown a good base understanding of angles and knowing how to get to where he wants to go with the ball. He’s also got an impressive midrange and floater game which makes him even harder to guard.
MASON PLINE – 2018 – PF – ELITE NATION
You only need to watch Pline play a few possessions to admire what he brings to the court. The 6’6 forward from Fowler High School doesn’t stop competing on both sides of the floor rebounding the ball, and also has plenty of offensive skill to boot. He’s got great hands, and can finish around and above the rim with consistency. His recruitment is definitely one worth tracking as DII’s, along with low-to-mid DI’s are in the process of evaluating.
DWAYNE WALKER – 2018 – G – PLAYGROUND ELITE EYBL
The 6’3 lefty sharpshooter led PGE with 14 points in a win over a good Elite Nation squad out of Michigan. Walker (Macdowell Montessori) had success from beyond the three-point arch, in the midrange and driving the basketball. Much like several of his backcourt mates on PGE, Walker is blessed with the ability to play on or off the ball thanks to being able to run, handle, pass and shoot.