2024 Grassroots Showcase: 17U Top Performers, Part I
LOUISVILLE, KY – The annual spring stage of the Grassroots Showcase was once again loaded with teams, prospects and storylines. With states from all over the country and Canada represented, there were plenty of notes to go through.
Let’s take a look at our top overall performers from the action, starting with the 17U age group.
RELATED: Top performers Part II
Justice Decker, Central Kentucky Basketball Club: There weren’t many players you heard over the weekend quite like Decker – and let me be clear, his presence and play was loud. The 6-foot-5 forward showcased his versatility on both ends of the floor at the Grassroots Showcase. The junior was one of the toughest matchups on offense with his ability to score around the rim while also being able to make a shot from the perimeter. Decker made the most of his strength and explosiveness on straight-line drives, converting finishes through contact time and time again. He was also extremely valuable on defense, as he guarded multiple positions throughout the weekend. - Garrett Tucker
JoJo McCurry, Hoop Atlanta - College coaches are always looking for size. McCurry has that and more. He brings a feel for the game, a soft-touch around the rim and footwork. The Habersham Central product north of Atlanta had a great weekend at our Grassroots Showcase. He reminds me a lot of NC State’s DJ Burns at this same stage of his career. I’m not saying he’s there yet but there are a lot of similarities. He has the ability to make difficult passes in the post and has the same footwork and touch around the rim that Burns showed going into his senior season of high school. I think there is a lot to like with McCurry and this will be a big summer and upcoming senior season for him and his recruitment. - Justin Byerly
Jax Howard, Pro One Select Academic: Howard was the guy that made Pro One Academic go this weekend. The speedy lead guard kept his foot on the gas all weekend long and commanded the high-powered offense from start to finish. Howard did a good job changing gears and directions in the open floor, making himself hard to guard. The Tennessee native mixed in scoring in the lane and making shots from the perimeter. He was also clutch down the stretch in close games with his ball-handling ability and decision making. I think he’ll be a priority point guard for several regional programs as the live period approaches. - Garrett Tucker
Maddox Huff, Griffin Elite - This program continues to pump out college prospects. This time, Huff is the guy. Shooters shoot and Huff is as good at it as I have seen this travel season. He is deadly from beyond the three-point line. He can hurt defenses by being able to score from there or getting into the paint and making a play. He currently holds offers from Eastern Kentucky and East Tennessee State and his play this weekend justified those offers. He led Griffin Elite to the platinum championship at The Grassroots Showcase with a win over previously undefeated Florida Pro. - Justin Byerly
Devyn Martin, Tennessee Impact - The big man had a handful of college coaches on hand for his Sunday morning game against Florida Pro. I could hear the rumblings amongst them and the consensus was that Martin will be playing at the next level. Out of West High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, Martin is a 6-foot-8 post player that is on the high-end athletically and he has a strong frame. He is one of those guys that is going to be a rebounding menace, he is going to run the floor and he, like he did this morning, can throw one down with authority on the defense. He had a productive weekend for Tennessee Impact on the weekend. Against Florida Pro, he scored 15 points and had multiple rebounds and blocks. - Justin Byerly
