LOUISVILLE, KY – The Grassroots Showcase tipped off on Friday afternoon inside the Kentucky Exposition Center. With 60 courts under one roof, there was plenty of action to comb through.

With that being said, here are the biggest takeaways on opening night from Garrett Tucker’s point of view…

STRONG 16U PERFORMANCES KICK OFF THE EVENT

Going into the weekend, my biggest objective was to see some 16U games. Looking back at things, I don’t know if I could have done any better with my choices on Friday. I caught a couple of impressive performances from individuals and teams to start the weekend.

2025 shooting guard Payton Waites stole the show for AE5 Gold 16U against the DMV Stags as he knocked down nine three-pointers en route to a game-high 34 points in a big win. The 6-foot-3 guard out of Woodward Academy (GA) was on fire from start to finish, making shots off the catch and off the dribble in rhythm. With a strong frame, he’s a guy that will project well to the next level.

Waites wasn’t the only standout for AE5, though. Fellow 2025 guard Mica Merriman also impressed with his vision and passing ability. The 6-foot-4 point guard did a nice job of spraying the ball around all over the floor to open teammates for scoring opportunities. 

A native of Gaston (AL), Merriman is yet another promising prospect to add to my ever-growing 2025 list in Alabama. The sophomore is skilled, makes the correct play each time, and can keep the defense honest with his shooting ability. He looks like a Division I prospect and it was nice to get eyes on him. 

I also got my first look at Florida Pro’s 16U bunch, and boy do they pass the look test. After a couple of minutes watching their game, it was easy to tell they could play. 

I came away most impressed by Christian Maxon and Terrence Walker. 

Maxon, a 6-foot-2 combo guard, played with a lot of flair in the backcourt. He has good ball skills and has no problem letting it fly from the perimeter, and that’s one of the reasons why he led the team in scoring with 21 points. He plays a fun style of basketball that players and fans alike will gravitate towards. Maxon also made five three-pointers to open things up. He’ll be a fun one to track going forward.

Another youngster to keep an eye on is Walker, a long, 6-foot-5 wing. There’s so much intrigue that comes with his game. The sophomore made some shots from deep and scored around the basket, but it’s easy to tell his best basketball is ahead of him. I like his offensive production and defensive potential – with his length and size, I think he can guard a lot of different players throughout a game. I’m buying stock in Walker going forward.

FAMILIAR FACES LEAVE THEIR MARK IN 17U DIVISION

Another impressive (and loud) performance came from 2024 Brentwood (TN) Ravenwood guard Rocco Lamuno. The 6-foot-4 was dominant in his team’s opening game as he finished with 28 points and eight rebounds, showing his well-rounded game and ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor.

It was nice to get my first viewing of Lamuno this year after catching him at the end of last summer. He isn’t going to blow anyone away as an athlete, but he plays with a motor and plays the game the right way. The shifty lefty has a lot of skill and basketball IQ in his repertoire, and I think he’s a solid plug-and-play guy that could help a college program in a variety of ways.

If tonight was any indication, 2024 Central Tuscaloosa (AL) guard Javion Taylor is going to be popular amongst college coaches this weekend. The 6-foot-3 guard flew around the rim and stuffed the stat sheet in a big win for the Alabama Celtics. There’s a lot to like about the energy and motor he brings while on the floor.

After averaging over 20 points per game for Central during the high school season, Taylor went out and got 18 points in his first game of the Grassroots Showcase. 

FINDING SOME HIDDEN GEMS FROM THE GEM CITY

I started off the afternoon watching Gem City Basketball Club 17U, a first-year program from Dayton, Ohio. I liked that team so much that I caught the 16U group to end the night, and I think I have a favorite program to track all weekend.

Both teams played a smooth, flowing style of basketball that was enjoyable to watch. The teams meshed well together and really performed well in their first games of the weekend.

For the 17U group, 2024 forward Kellen Solomon showcased his three-level scoring ability in a win over Kentucky Select. The 6-foot-4 wing rattled in a couple of three-pointers, but he also kept the defense on its toes with his ability to put it on the floor and make shots off the dribble. Solomon won’t blow you away with athleticism, but he understands where he excels on the floor and he gets to those spots with ease. He led the way with 21 points in the win.
I didn’t get to watch the 16U team as closely as I did the 17U group, but there were a couple of guards that caught my eye. I liked the 2025 backcourt of Jayce Rothwell and Bryce Haught and they will be some guys I track more closely for the rest of the weekend.