During our HoopSeen travel season, we see a ton of players, in some moments that we will never forget. With the platform that so many of the top teams around play on, we wanted to take the time to reflect on many of the things that stood out to us this season. 

Best game: Atlanta Celtics vs Team Charlotte

I’ll never forget it. At our Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions, I witnessed a 4 vs 5 overtime game where the winner would eventually go on to win the championship at one of the most prestigious events in the country. The atmosphere was electric. Court 4 often gets mistaken for the “main court” but on that day there was no denying that it was, in fact, the court to see. Several players were fouled out due to some overzealous officials but that didn’t stop the game from being as entertaining as any. Ask any of the coaches and players their opinion from that game and I’m sure you’ll get a different account from all of them. What they won’t say is that they forgot about the moment.

Breakout Player: MacKenzie Mcfatten

I heard the loud whispers this season about how much talent there was in South Georgia and my introduction to the area started with a handful of talented players. The rise of Devin Butts has been well documented but the ascension of Team Power forward MacKenzie Mcfatten has been just as interesting. After picking up his first offer from the University of North Alabama at our Atlanta Jam, Mcfatten has been a known name amongst many of the low to mid-majors in the south-east. With a quiet demeanor, he has allowed his game to do the talking for him, going from a small buzz to a large following. With some visits already on tap, it will be interesting to see who lands this once unknown four man.

Best Program: EAB

Winning BAMA Jam, ATL Jam, and Bob Gibbons TOC solidified them as the best program to come to an HoopSeen event this season. From the 15u-17u, all of the programs had their fair share of success. Even a runner-up trophy was noteworthy in the Best of the South as they went head to head against top independents and sponsored teams alike. The EAB Tigers win-loss record along with their ability to get their players recruited all played a factor in them being crowned as the best program from this season.  

Best Underclassmen: Eric Dailey

My trip down to IMG Academy for our Florida Jam gave me a name that I am sure to be writing about in the future by the name of Eric Dailey. Midway through a 17U game, I wondered who this 6’6 do it all prospect was that I hadn’t seen or heard of up until that point. He was the best player on the court. Easily. Is wasn’t until the last few minutes of the game that I found out this same kid that was dominating a bunch of rising seniors was only 14 years old. Growth, maturity, and the situation are all things that make projecting young prospects difficult to do. Despite all of this, Eric Dailey has a chance to garner national attention in the 2022 class should he stay his current course