Advancing through bracket play, we have a lot of familiar names left in play as well as some new ones. Here are a few quick notes about the day’s action:

Jacksonville Magic Backcourt Earns Respect

The 16U Jacksonville Magic have been one of the most impressive teams at Best of the South. Their backcourt has been absolutely phenomenal, with Zachary Bryant and Tyriek Railey proving that they can stack up against any other backcourt in the field. Bryant is an elite level athlete who changes speeds very well and finishes at the rim with the trees. Railey is a knock down shooter who has the ability to create his own shot by putting the ball on the floor. Together, they are a very formidable duo.

Jordan Shepherd Comes Up Big

PSB Select is no stranger to advancing in bracket play at Best of the South. This year, guard Jordan Shepherd help continue their trend of making it to Sunday by connecting on a game winner against Travelers in what was arguably the best game of the night. However, it was not just the game winner where Shepherd looked good. The lengthy guard showed a savvy and understanding of the game combined with a skillset that could make him a very solid Division I prospect.

Connor Mannion Proves Himself

One name that has been very popular with Division II coaches over the course of the travel ball season has been that of Lambert and Atlanta All Stars forward Connor Mannion. Though not a physically imposing forward, Mannion proved that he has a Division I caliber skill level. He has shown that he can play tough and rebound, but where he shined today is with his shooting. Mannion shot the ball lights out from deep, including five threes in an opening round bracket play win. At 6-foot-7 with the skill level and shooting ability he has, he could very well leave Best of the South with a couple of new offers.

Trent Frazier Shines

Despite a Wellington Wolves loss to the Atlanta All Stars in bracket play, Trent Frazier solidified himself as a high major point guard for me. Where Frazier really stood out today was in his passing ability. He consistently made great reads and found teammates time and time again, creating easy buckets for them. Combine that with a knack for playing well in ball screen situations and his ability to put the ball in the basket, and you have yourselves a very tough player to stop.

Pro Wells Stacks Up Well

Team Speights wing Pro Wells was one of the more interesting prospects that I saw today. Despite Team Speights losing, Wells proved that he is a really good prospect for Division I coaches. A strong bodied force, Wells has the ability to bully guards around while also still having the quickness to take advantage of bigs in the high post. He was a force around the rim today, and it will be interesting to see where his reruiting goes. Wells currently holds offers from Buffalo, Bowling Green, and Chattanooga.