NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. - The Nike EYBL Finals are underway here at the Peach Jam. Players and teams take their games to a different level here. On Thursday, we were treated to some terrific outings. 

THE THINGS I LIKED 

I like the idea of Jaden McDaniels of Seattle Rotary as the No. 1 overall player in the country for the class of 2019. Sure, Vernon Carey, James Wiseman and Cole Anthony are worthy suitors for the top spot but McDaniels may be the best long term guy in the class. He showed flashes of such a claim in his team’s win over Houston Hoops. McDaniels fouled out early but his place in the game was certainly felt. McDaniels has the length of a NBA wing, a high release shot that is hard to defend and the smooth delivery of a star in the making. He’s similar to Michael Porter, Jr. in that regard. 

I like the idea of 2021 guard Terrence Clark as the best player here at the Peach Jam this year. The youngster has a special ability and has shown flashes of what could be a terrific week of work here in North Augusta. He has takeover ability, a rare trait for a player so young on such a platform like the Peach Jam. He’s a brilliant talent in the backcourt and could be setting the table for what should be a great couple years ahead. 

The stage. There is just something about the stage of the Peach Jam. It brings out the best in players. And when two teams from the same state match-up, you better believe greatness will happen. That’s what happened on Thursday night. 

Vernon Carey, my current No. 1 player in the class of 2019, took over the game with his mixture of incomparable strength and finesse from the wing. E1T1 had Nike Team Florida up against the ropes for a good majority of the game but never fully broke the game open. That’s when Carey took over. The South Floridian moved his game from face up to force. Carey punished the rim with terrific drives and power moves to the rim. No one wanted to stand in the way of a raging bull. It was a sight to behold. Carey was clutch down the stretch and ultimately helped his team bring home the victory. 

Earlier in the game, E1T1 forward C.J. Walker looked every bit the top 15 national prospect. He’s the modern day big man who can shoot, rebound, run the floor, guard multiple positions and can dig even deeper for takeover mode. Simply put, he had a dominant stretch. Walker, a top 50 recruit in the composite rankings, is better than that. He’s been one of the best trending big men this travel season. He’s a brilliant player who is just beginning his climb to the next level of talent. 

The match-up was on par with some of the best match-ups I’ve ever seen at the Peach Jam. It reminded me of one of the best games I’ve ever seen - also played on the same court - when Derrick Rose and Eric Gordon played Tyreke Evans. Things got historical on Thursday night between Nike Team Florida and E1T1. 

The guard play of Tre Mann was absolutely brilliant in the loss. Sure, the game was all about Carey and Walker going at it but Mann was outstanding. He’s a bonafide star in the backcourt. 

Sharife Cooper’s overall game. Cooper is a scorer. We know this about the 2020 point guard from Athletes of Tomorrow. But in the morning game against the NJ Playaz, the McEachern (GA) lead guard shined as the set up guy for his talented team. He was unselfish and played with great pace and poise. Cooper has been one of the best guards here at the Peach Jam. 

It seems like every game, Brandon Boston leans on one of his unique skill sets. In a morning win over the NJ Playaz, Boston was great as a scorer (21 points) but he also shined as a rebounder. He reeled in 13 boards and was a big time prensence on the defensive end. He may lead the event in deflections. As we continue to explore the class of 2020, Boston should be in the dialouge as a top five player in the class nationally. He's a special and unqiue talent. Boston is elevating his play on the Peach Jam stage. 

I like the way Zachary Freemantle plays the big man position. The NJ Playaz big man is a simple but incredibly effective post player. He’s a vertical guy on both sides of the ball and is a go-to bucket down low. Defensively,

The Houston Hoops backcourt duo of De’Vion Harman (Oklahoma) and Chris Harris (Texas A&M) were terrific in a tough loss to Seattle Rotary. Harman was the best guard on the floor throughout the game, shining as a scorer, passer and defender. His playmaking ability is just terrific. 

NOTES FROM THE NOTEPAD

Albany City Rock big man Isaiah Stewart is down to Duke, Georgetown, Indiana, Louisville, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Texas, Villanova and Washington. He’s a McDonald’s All-American level player and has played like that this week in Augusta. 

Marcus Tsohonis may have played in such a way where any Pac-12 level schools that were thinking about offering him could now offer him. He stepped up with Jaden McDaniels fouled out, converting on two second half four-point plays. He finished with 17 points and hit four three-pointers. 

Seattle Rotary 2021 PF Paolo Banchero is going to be a really good player. Heck, he's a really good player right now. The 6-foot-8 forward went for 16 points and six rebounds against the Houston Hoops and shined down the stretch in a hard fought overtime win. 

Nice game from Pro Skills CG Justin Webster. The 6-foot-1 guard from Texas scored 19 points in a loss to Expressions and hit four three-pointers. He's a nice primary option from the perimeter for a high-major minus school.

Yale has a nice player coming to town in Albany City Rocks SG August Mahoney. He's a terrific shooter.