Game after game, there was a lot of impressive action at the 12U level of the Generation Next Tip-Off. With a talented pool of teams, there was much competition for each one of these spots. Here are the players who stood out and did the most for his team to earn a spot on this list.
TJ Adams – 2029 – PG – Illinois Attack
Adams had multiple very impressive games to earn his all-tournament selection honors. This included a game winning, buzzer beater jumper to send the Illinois Attack into the semifinals of the 12U bracket. Adams is a skilled playmaking point guard that can score in bunches with the ball in his hands. He is very quick with the ball getting into the paint often but also shot the ball well off the dribble to score at a high rate.
Dakota Jackson – 2029 – F – M14 Hoops
A very versatile and impactful forward with his combination of size, length, and skills. He was a real stat stuffer that was getting it done with his points, rebounds, steals, and assists. The young forward scored the ball in bunches but also was effective apart of his teams press. Jackson attacks the basketball so well gliding by defenders but can also knock down some jumpers.
Kash Knueppel – 2029 – G/F – Wisconsin Lutheran
One of the most consistent players at the 12U level who was always making an impact to help his team win games to advance all the way to the championship game. Already at a young age Knueppel has a nice well-rounded skill set and some size to do just about everything for his team. As well to his efficient scoring getting to the basket often and hitting a few jumpers, he also contributed by rebounding everything near him, his defensive play, and great energy throughout always outworking the opposition.
Armani Mathis – 2029 – PG – Jr. Redcats
Mathias is an elusive player with advanced point guard skills. A true playmaker that was constantly creating for his team to help them win the 12U championship in impressive fashion. He had a 23-point game in the tournament but was also one of the more skilled distributors. With his handle, great acceleration, and change of direction ability, Mathis was getting plenty of paint touches and using his vision to find his teammates or finish himself all around the paint. He also used his quickness on the defensive end to pressure the ball effectively.
Colt Kessel – 2029 – G – Kessel Heat
The guard was one of the more skilled guards at the 12U level to earn his way onto this list. This included a highly impressive 23-point game in bracket game on Sunday. He plays strong with the ball in his hands and was constantly getting to the basket and finishing at a high rate there. Once he got going downhill, he could not be stopped and often found his way to the free throw line battling through contact.
Semaji Pruitt – 2029 – F – Jr. Redcats
Another member of this Jr. Redcats championship squad to receive the all-tournament honors. A highly versatile player that was able to do so much for his team to help them win game after game. Pruitt has good size and strength at his age to go along with some athleticism to be able to defend nearly anyone on the floor well. He also moves well with the ball in his hands getting plenty of paint touches to create for himself and his teammates.