NOTES FROM “LIVE IN AC”!

 With the Grassroots circuit coming to it’s conclusion the Live In A.C. event left some strong impressions! The first night had showcase games which featured the Playaz Basketball Club playing due primarily because the team would be headed to Vegas the next day and they wanted them to play in at least two games before they left! With the Playaz bigmen hobbled by injuries they went most of the EYBL Nike season as well as these games guard oriented and although they weren’t quite as good as the EYBL champs from a year ago they still competed hard! The Playaz guard heavy squad was led by the quarterbacking skills of Temple Gibbs(top right) who has committed to Notre Dame and the shooting of Myles Powell(far left) who has an abundance of offers and picked up more because of his play during the AAU season! The team played well in the two contests with Nassir Barrino also showing a great ability to get to the rim! This group of Playaz which also included Jagan Mosely, James Scott and Kaleb Bishop will be missed by Jim Salmon and the Playaz family! With the Playaz squad departed all eyes were on the Sports U team! The first thing that jumps out at you with the SportsU squad is the ability of their trio of guards Breein Tyree, Nate Pierre-Louis and Nick Brooks! Tyree(right) particularly has athleticism that is off the charts and he has improved big time with his stroke from the perimeter! Pierre-Louis(right gray) also played well throughout the week! Was very impressed by the play of Max Mahoney from SportsU! He has a toughness and competitive spirit that was hard to miss and Sammy Friday played like a man possessed finishing strong at the rim and competing with high energy! Matt Bullock also had shining moments! Locally the NJ Roadrunners and Wayne PAL teams showed well as The Roadrunners reached the Semi finals of the 17u and the Wayne PAL team won 4 of 6 games! Brandon Anderson(lower right) shined brightest for the Roadrunners as did Jordan Roberson and Taj Price, while Wayne PAL’s Josh Cherry, Matt Latka, Jordan Harris(left) and Debon Bright all had moments! Chauncey Hawkins and Isaac Hippolyte each had solid Tournaments for Rock Elite 16u while R.J. Cole was the bright spot for the Playaz 16u team! Pat Andree shot very well for the Jersey Warriors17u team! An intriguing player was the Connecticut team The system and Joey Wallace(bottom left), the son of former pro John Wallace! The younger Wallace proved a versatile player with a high IQ and great ability to pass the ball! Will be interesting to watch where his skills take him…….