2025 Bama Jam: 17U Top Performers, Part I
HOOVER, AL – Another Bama Jam is officially in the rearview mirror for us here at HoopSeen and like the previous renditions, the 2025 edition of action has plenty to talk about.
We’re kicking off our event coverage by looking at the top performers from the 17U division, headlined by some of the best overall players in the event.
Without further adieu, here’s our first installation of the top performers from the 17U division…
Kaleb Carson, JSI Elite Gold: Looking back at the weekend of action, I think Kaleb Carson was my biggest revelation. The Homewood (AL) product has a reputation as a quarterback on the football field, but, make no mistake about it, he was one of the best guards I saw in the 17U division. The 5-foot-10 lead guard did a phenomenal job pushing the pace in transition and getting to his spots on the floor. I was impressed by his patience and intentionality in the lane. Whether he was probing around or attacking off of straight-line drives, Carson had a plan in mind. His heady plan led to a number of easy buckets for big men around the rim or open shots for shooters on the perimeter. Carson knocked down a couple of three-point shots each game, too. I think you’ll see some Division II programs start poking around before too long. - Garrett Tucker
Gage Mayfield, Pro One UA: I’ll get straight to the point: I think Gage Mayfield is a top 100 player in the 2026 class nationally. Very rarely do you see a 6-foot-8 prospect with the skill, fluidity, and overall raw talent that Mayfield possesses. All of that was on display at the Finley Center, as Mayfield put on a show with his athleticism above the rim. However, he’s more than an athlete that dunks the basketball. The junior made a number of shots off the dribble this weekend, showing his comfort with the basketball in his hands. He even assumed the role of primary ball-handler in some instances. If Mayfield can consistently make shots from the perimeter – and I think he can – to go along with his slashing and versatility, Power 4 programs are going to be flocking to Hale County and Pro One games by the dozen to see him. - Garrett Tucker
Lawson Gillespie, Shockers 2026: Gillespie was one of the standout performers at BamaJam, helping lead Shockers 2026 to a strong 4-1 showing at the Finley Center. He averaged 12 points and 3.5 rebounds against solid competition, showing why he’s everything coaches would want in a next-level prospect. Lawson played within the team system, made smart reads, and never forced anything — he let the game come to him. He shot it well off the catch, finished tough at the rim (including a couple dunks), and was a physical secondary rebounder. On defense, he accepted the challenge and took on the assignment of guarding the other team’s best player. He brings toughness, effort, and attitude every time he steps on the floor. With his production, IQ, and two-way value, I fully expect Lawson to be a stock riser as soon as coaches get a chance to see him. - Mekhi McKinney
Jackson Sheffield, Team Thad: Simply put, Jackson Sheffield is nasty. In an era where big men are obsessed with playing on the perimeter and becoming the next Nikola Jokic or Kevin Durant, Sheffield embraces what he truly is: a force in the paint. The 6-foot-10 big man asserted his dominance early and often at Bama Jam, burying opposing players on the block and dunking everything around the rim. Don’t be fooled, though. Sheffield’s physical transformation over the last calendar year has been incredible and he can run the floor and compete as an athlete, too. He’ll be an intriguing prospect for high-major programs looking for an anchor big man and I expect him to catch a bump in his recruitment this spring. - Garrett Tucker
Grayson Childress We Play Basketball (HSA): Childress was dominant all weekend at Bama Jam, playing up in 17U and making it look easy. The 6’7” forward from Pelham High School (AL) didn’t just hold his own — he took over games. In a 74–60 win over Team ALL IN ‘26, Childress dropped 19 points, scoring from all three levels and showing off his full offensive bag. His fluidity at 6’7” is rare. Whether it was leading one-man fast breaks that ended in dunks or stopping on a dime for step-back jumpers, Grayson made high-level plays consistently. He defended and rebounded at a high clip, handled the ball with poise, and played with a mature pace that you don’t often see from a 6’7” sophomore prospect. He’s a smooth operator who plays the game the right way — size, skill, feel, and confidence all in one. College coaches need to take notice now — Grayson’s a high-upside name that will keep rising. - Mekhi McKinney
