2023 HoopSeen Tip-Off: 17U Standouts Pt. II
SUWANEE, Ga—The 17U division at the 2023 HoopSeen Tip-Off was deep. From future pros to stockrisers to sleepers across the south to freshmen playing up, there’s no shortage of players to talk about.
As we continue to empty our notes from the weekend, here are five more standouts from the 17U field.
Related: Top Performers | 17U Standouts I
There is something to be said about a prospect playing up to grade levels. 2026 lead guard, Isaac Ellis, the younger brother of 2025 prospect Eli Ellis showed that he belonged with his play during our HoopSeen Tip-Off. When I was talking with Head Coach, Jeremy Ellis, he told me Issac was a general, when we watched him play, we saw that firsthand. He controls the tempo, he is vocal, and he understands the game at a high-level. He has a great handle and keeps the ball on a string all the while directing his teammates on where to be out on the floor. He has a knack for putting the ball in the hands of teammates when they are in scoring position. - Justin Byerly
The Mountain View (GA) backcourt didn’t have far to travel to get to the HoopSeen Tip-Off, and they showed out for their respective teams. Mike White did a little bit of everything for Team Smash this weekend. He was a strong defender, a savvy playmaker and passer, and he shot the ball well. His weekend falls in line with that he did when we saw him with Mountain View this season. He’s stacking his resume and could continue to emerge as a stockriser this spring. - Josh Tec
Let’s move from one Mountain View (GA) guard to another. Bronson Blair was hooping for Team Smash Blue this weekend. He was hitting tough shots and putting points on the board consistently. A 37-point outburst was his shining moment. When you need to be face guarded after a certain point, you know you’ve had a great game. Look out for Blair to torch more nets this spring. - Josh Tec
Gold Elite’s 17U squad took care of business this weekend. They ran a perfect 4-0 weekend that woke us up. While they used team balance to fuel their success, one guy that caught our eye was point guard Darrius Thomas. He’s not the biggest guy on the floor, but he impacts the game in one way or another. Whether scoring, passing, defending, or helping out on the glass, Thomas is a guy that will do things to help a team win. Gold Elite is a team to look out for this spring. We learned that over the weekend.
Ready for some shocking news? South Georgia Elite has another football star that can also hoop. Coleman has several offers to play on the gridiron at the D1 level, but he’s one fantastic point guard as well. He did a great job at leading his team this weekend. Steady, poised, Coleman runs this group well and makes terrific passes, and can shake his man to create open looks. This group is built on toughness and defense, and Coleman provides plenty of that as well. - Josh Tec
