#Gibbons: Top 17U performers, Part III
The 2017 Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions is in the books and field was deep with talent. Our staff watched hundreds of players and made sure we saw every team in the 17U and division. We continue our top overall performers from the event with part III of our post-event series.
Gainesville, GA
K.J. Buffen, SF, EOTO, 2018: Buffen continued his strong travel season with EOTO at #Gibbons this weekend. The long, 6-foot-6 forward displayed his versatility and mismatching-making ability throughout the event. He caused problems on defense with his ability to guard multiple positions. Buffen also displayed some toughness when finishing around the rim, as he converted a number of and-1 opportunities. There’s a lot to like about Buffen going forward. - Garrett Tucker
Mandarius Dickerson, SG, Heat Check, 2018: What a weekend of work for the Decatur (GA) SW Dekalb guard. He averaged just over 15 points a game and was a consistent force for the bracket-busting squad. Dickerson has enjoyed a big time spring and is one of the Peach State’s best stock-risers. He cemented that train of thought with a brilliant effort on our biggest stage of the spring. - Justin Young
ZyTavian Hill, SG, Middle Georgia Raptors, 2018: With point guard Khalyn Weekly absent this weekend, the Central-Talbotton wing picked up the scoring slack. Hill put up a 16-point, 12-rebound, 4-assist effort on Saturday and rose to the occasion in a heartbreaking 75-73 loss against the Southern Stampede on Sunday, pouring in 18 points as he assaulted the rim and made a living at the foul line. At 6-foot-4, Hill brings a grown man’s game to the table with his prototypical Middle Georgia toughness. - Kyle Sandy
Cam Holden, SG, Middle Georgia Supersonics, 2018: Joining forces with the Middle Georgia Supersonics over his regular Team Georgia Magic, Cam Holden took on the role as super scoring sixth man for the Sonics. Holden provided energy off the bench with his knack for scoring the ball. Holden hit the offensive glass hard and wasn’t afraid to mix it up with his trademark trash talk. While he’s used to being the go-to go on offense, Holden fit into his bench role well and helped the Sonics to another great weekend in Suwanee. - Kyle Sandy
CJ Walker, Game Elite, F, 2019 (pictured above): Playing with the talented Game Elite 2019 squad for the first time, the Orlando forward went right to work and looked right at home with the adidas program. Walker was brilliant. Mix his length, versatility, size and skill with the passing of Ashton Hagans and match-up problem that is Christian Brown and Walker had plenty of one-on-one situations. He exploited them when the opportunity presented itself. He’s a no-brainer top 100 guy in the 2019 class and one of the more intriguing players we’ve seen this year on the travel circuit. - Justin Young
Brandon Younger, SF, Game Elite, 2018: If you haven’t already, buy stock in 2018 wing Brandon Younger. At 6-foot-6, the Wheeler (GA) product can play each spot on the perimeter and brings versatility and production to the table. He proved to be a mismatch problem for teams throughout the weekend with his combination of size and length. A point forward type, Younger competed on both ends of the floor, especially making things difficult for smaller guards on the defensive end of the floor. He also did a fantastic job of slashing to the rim and creating plays for his teammates. Younger is beginning to produce consistently and is a high-value guy heading into the summer. - Garrett Tucker
