Spring Jam Notebook - Top Standouts
Our Mekhi McKinney was at the Spring Jam this past weekend. Here is what stood out to him...
Hidden Gem Ready to Shine
Ladainian Brooks – Team Wright
I won’t lie—I was surprised to see Ladainian Brooks on the court at Spring Jam. The 6’7” guard has all the tools to be a mid-major D1 player, and I believe the cards will eventually fall in his favor. The unsigned senior came out and dominated this weekend. Brooks did everything for his team, stuffing the stat sheet in every category. His shot-making was on full display, he plays above the rim, and he has true guard skills, even capable of running the point at his size. If any coaches are looking to fill those last few roster spots, they might just strike gold with Ladainian Brooks.
Second Half Killer
Mekhi Barber – Norcross Heat
It’s only a matter of time before Mekhi Barber starts picking up offers from next-level programs this spring and summer. The 6’5 guard brings everything to the floor every time he steps on it—he can handle it, shoot it, and he defends. This weekend, he came out with domination on his mind, taking over the second half in every game he played. He demanded the ball and made play after play on both ends. These upcoming live periods should be big for him and the rest of his Norcross Heat 2026 squad.
Athletic Floor General
Turner Clayton – 423 Elite
This was my first time seeing Turner Clayton play this spring, and I can definitely say I was impressed. The 6’3 guard has everything coaches look for in a lead guard—he has poise, makes timely shots, and can get to the rim to finish above the rim or find open teammates with the right pass. Clayton’s athleticism was second to none in the gym this weekend, and he showed it. Combine that with his smooth shooting stroke from three, and he’s a college prospect who definitely deserves more attention.
Consistent Two-Way Threat
Tristan Hall – Classic City Ballers
Tristan Hall continues to be a steady force for Classic City Ballers, helping lead his squad to a 2-0 start at Spring Jam. The versatile guard has been a tough cover all weekend, averaging 18 points per game and showing his ability to score in multiple ways. In their win over Hoops United (Chad), Hall poured in 15 points, attacking the paint with purpose and finishing through contact. His strength going downhill and knack for creating scoring opportunities around the rim make him a key piece in Classic City Ballers success.
Young Leader with Big Game
Kharmelo Morgan – Norcross Heat 2028
Kharmelo Morgan made a strong impression at Spring Jam for Norcross Heat 15U, showing that he can take over when it counts. The 6’0 guard showed great control in the backcourt, using his quickness and tight footwork to get by defenders and make things happen in the lane. He had a smooth rhythm to his game and consistently created offense when the team needed a spark. In their blowout win over Team Smash Pro, Morgan dropped 18 points and set the tone on both ends. He looked comfortable with the ball in his hands and proved he can be a key playmaker for this group moving forward.
Pure Shooter with Fundamentals
DJ Mitchell – BCB
DJ Mitchell was one of my favorite players to watch this weekend. It’s refreshing to see a young player with such a high level of skill and fundamentals. Mitchell scored in every way imaginable coming off pin downs with great body control and knocking down shots, finishing off cuts, and making smooth in-between plays throughout Spring Jam. In one standout game, he hit six threes on his way to 24 points, firmly stamping himself as arguably the best shooter in the gym this past weekend.
Bucket Getter in Crunch Time
Febian Journey – GA Pivot Black
Febian Journey delivered one of the best scoring performances of the weekend in GA Pivot Black’s overtime win over Team Smash Gray. He was unconscious from three, knocking down tough shot after tough shot and showcasing his ability to score at all three levels. Journey finished with 26 points, including six made threes.
Clutch Playmaker with Burst
Cherish Eric – Norcross Heat
Cherish Eric was a spark for Norcross Heat 16U this weekend. Eric is a strong downhill guard who can blow by defenders one-on-one, but he also has the patience to lull them to sleep before exploding to the rim for a finish. He took on most of the on-ball duties, making it his responsibility to get others involved—and he did just that. One of the most exciting plays of the entire weekend was Eric’s buzzer-beating three that secured a win for Norcross Heat as time expired.
Two-Way Star and Top Performer
Daylan Coleman – DH Vipers
Daylan Coleman made his presence felt at Spring Jam, earning Top Performer honors after a strong weekend showing. The DH Vipers standout averaged 20.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends. In a dominant 53–25 win over MNM Stars, Coleman led all scorers with 18 points, turning defense into offense with multiple steals and fastbreak finishes. His energy, production, and leadership set the tone all weekend.
