2025 Best of the South: 17U Top Performers, Part II
Yet another Best of the South is officially behind us and the 2025 stanza didn’t disappoint. Our staff patrolled the Georgia International Convention Center throughout the weekend, looking for the next group of players to start – or continue – their respective stories.
Meet some of our 17-and-under top performers from the July NCAA live period event…
RELATED: 17U Top Performers, Part I
K.J. Lee, UWin Serventz: I’m a big KJ Lee fan. I think he is a next level prospect because he’s wired to score. Some guys just have that natural ability to score the basketball in a variety of ways. Lee does it as well as anyone we saw this weekend at our annual Best of the South. Whether he is playing with the ball or off the ball, Lee is a threat to make a contested three-pointer or drive into the lane and finish in traffic. I like his body control and his understanding of the game and where to get shots off or find his teammates for easy baskets. - Justin Byerly.
Cam Blivens, 2026 G, Tennessee Tigers - The Tennessee Tigers are good. No doubt about it. With Blivens, they are a program that could rival some shoe-sponsored programs. The 6-foot-2 guard from Lipscomb Academy (TN) can open the floor up with his shooting and his explosiveness. He had a few of the highlight dunks that had the crowd getting loud throughout the weekend. College coaches came in to see him and they want to see more. Also a standout on the football field, Blivens holds numerous Division One offers in both sports. I think that he will have college coaches talking a lot over the next few weeks in their recruiting discussions. - Justin Byerly
Isaiah Cleaves, 2026 PG, Alabama Generals: Cleaves’ full arsenal was on display at BOTS and the James Clemens (AL) guard didn’t disappoint. Whether it was on offense or defense, the 6-foot-1 guard produced each time he touched the floor. Cleaves was a handful with the ball in his hands, as he took advantage of his quick first step, ability to get in the lane, and finish at the rim. On defense, he utilized his plus-arm span to create havoc and make things difficult for opposing ball-handlers. I thought he helped his recruitment as well as anyone this weekend. - Garrett Tucker
Grant Smith, 2027 F, We Play: I'll go out on a limb and say there weren’t many players that were more unique than Grant Smith this weekend. The long, lanky 6-foot-7 forward has a rare combination of size, skill and intrigue that comes with his game. Typically playing as a face-up 4 man because of his size, the rising junior was able to do a lot of damage inside the three-point line. However, it’s the things outside the arc that’s extremely intriguing. Smith made some shots throughout the weekend and showed he was more than comfortable putting the ball on the floor and making some plays, but his ability to initiate transition off defensive rebounds is invaluable. Smith is an ideal dribble, pass, shoot threat and should be a player that picks up some attention on the recruiting front. - Garrett Tucker
Mekhi Barber, Norcross Heat- Mekhi Barber has continued to fly under the radar for a while now, and the Norcross Heat wing could be a steal for a program sometime next year. At 6’5”, Barber can do a little bit of everything, and he puts his body on the line every game with his effort. He’s the type of player who can help a team win games over the next few years. There are games where he can take over and go for 25-plus, or he can stuff the stat sheet and lock down the opposing team’s best player. Barber is worth a look from programs at all levels next weekend at the HoopSeen Summer Finale. - Mekhi Mckinney
