Day One HoopSeen Tip-Off Notebook from Justin Byerly
Welcome back. There is nothing quite like being back in the swing of the travel season. We start things off every March at The Tip-Off at Suwanee Sports Academy just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. The weather is starting to warm up and the start of travel basketball is here. Let's take a look at some of the highlights from opening night.
Best Game
Overtime and then sudden death. A great way to start out the travel season with two teams that were not willing to take the L to start off the season. The North Carolina Jayhawks and Metro Elite was a nail-bitter and the NC Jayhawks one the sudden death with a basket down in the paint to seal the victory. Leading the way for them was Jared Barbee with 20 points including six three-pointers. Jakaree Byrams also chipped in 12 points in the win. Landon Dolhancyk had 16 points, Jake Bell with 11 points and Robert Hartford with 9 points for Metro Elite.
Unsigned Senior Alert
As myself and Justin Young talked about in our late night rundown from the event earlier, Jacob Tiller, a 6-foot-3 guard for Team Swish is a guy that needs to recruited. He is one of those prospects that just changes the game with his desire to win the game. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and affects the game in so many ways. He had what will probably go down as the dunk of the weekend with a one-handed slam in transition over a defender for HYPE Hawks. Tiller finished with 18 points but beyond that, it was his play on the defensive end of the ball and his aggressiveness and willingness to do the little things to help his team win.
16- and Under Team Huncho vs Norcross Heat
This 16-and-under battle was another game that went back and fourth for the entirety. Kyle Carpenter led the way for Huncho with 12 points. He is a crafty guard that can score from multiple spots on the floor. Another option for Huncho was Mekhi Ragland. The big man is skilled with footwork and a soft-touch around the rim. He has good hands and can even stretch the floor with his shooting. Jamari Mosely was impressive for Norcross Heat with 9 points.
Brotherly Love
We have been accustomed to seeing Nate Brafford for Team Swish quite a bit over the past few years. He is now at Georgia Southern. His younger brother Devin Brafford looked like a college prospect tonight for Team Swish. The younger Brafford had a huge dunk in traffic with two hands, rebounded really well and something that stands out to me that he does as well as anyone is his ability to pass the ball off the rebound. He always fins the right guy and makes passes that you don't see guys his size make.
Other Standouts
Blake Wilson, Pivot Elite - Long and muscular forward that can do a little bit of it all out on the floor. Good timing with his shot-blocking and rebounding ability. Showed he can knock down some shots from the outside and can score in the post with a college-ready body.
Raquan Massenburg, Team Raleigh - He has good handle and the ability to finish. Massenburg knows how to score and is quick with the ball in his hands. He is able to score in a variety of ways and plays with toughness.
Ty'Reon Shivers, PXI Elite - Shivers scored 17 points for PXI Elite. He scored in a variety of ways and showed he can make shots from outside. He has a natural scoring ability and is quick with the ball in his hands.
