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8, Apr 2026

2026 The Main Event : 17U Top Performers

 

Suwanee, GA - The Main Event is officially in the books. The three-day event at Suwanee Sports Academy was an event filled with some of the best independent teams around and also some top shoe teams for showcase games. 

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…

 

Jarvis Hayes Jr.

Atlanta, GA

Class
2027
|
Position
SG
|
Height
6' 6"
|
School Team
National
WL
National Pos. Rank
WL
State
4
State Pos. Rank
2

 

Jarvis Hayes Jr., Atlanta Xpress - There aren’t many scorers in the state who are smoother or more athletic than Jarvis Hayes Jr. His creation off the bounce sets him apart, as he can pour in buckets from all three levels while also making timely plays and getting his teammates involved. He makes plays on the defensive end as well, goes and gets it off the glass, and is an active on-ball defender. He had a few really strong performances over the weekend. - Mekhi Mckinney 

 

Tre Keith

East Point, GA

Class
2027
|
Position
CG
|
Height
6' 3"
|
School Team
National
WL
National Pos. Rank
WL
State
5
State Pos. Rank
2

 

Tre Keith, Anthony Edwards - The 6-foot-2 lead guard from AE5 was one of the best guards we saw at The Main Event. Keith has the ability to score from all spots on the floor and understands his role of getting his teammates involved or taking the scoring load. Tennessee, Xavier, Florida State and Seton Hall are the programs that are in contact the most right now. - Justin Byerly 

 

Kobi Jackson

Franklin, TN

Class
2027
|
Position
PG
|
Height
5' 9"
|
National
WL
National Pos. Rank
WL
State
WL
State Pos. Rank
WL

 

Kobi Jackson, Red Line UA Rise - We have become familiar with Jackson over the last couple of seasons and him dominating our HoopSeen stage. He is a legitimate threat to score 30-points anytime he steps out on the floor. He is one of the best shooters we saw on the weekend and at this point in his career he could do some damage at the low-major and Division II level. High basketball IQ guard that can penetrate the lane and demands respect when he has the ball past the three-point line. He can get hot and make a lot of shots. - Justin Byerly 

 

Dalton Black

Trussville, AL

Class
2027
|
Position
CG
|
Height
6' 4"
|
National
WL
National Pos. Rank
WL
State
WL
State Pos. Rank
WL

 

Dalton Black,   - It’s almost like a broken record with Black at this point. Black is a pure scorer who has yet to be stopped. He averaged a smooth 20 points over the weekend at the Main Event. Black is soon to see offers roll in as the live periods approach. Not many coaches will want to miss the opportunity on a 6’4 guard who can create, shoot it with range, and isn’t afraid to get after it on the defensive end. - Mekhi Mckinney 

 

MJ Curry

Augusta, GA

Class
2027
|
Position
SG
|
Height
6' 5"
|
School Team
National
WL
National Pos. Rank
WL
State
6
State Pos. Rank
1

 

MJ Curry, Atlanta Celtics - The first thing that stands out with Curry is his length and his ability to cause problems on the defensive side of the ball. He is an effortless scorer all out on the floor. He can get out in transition and attack the rim coupled with his shooting ability and Curry looks the part of a high-major recruit, ranked by many services as a top-100 player, nationally. - Justin Byerly


 


Justin Byerly
State Editor

Justin Byerly has spent the past 15 years covering North Carolina prep and grassroots basketball. He has previously worked with The Recruit Scoop and Rivals.com. In addition to that he has contributed to The USA Today, Charlotte Observer, The Asheville Citizen-Times and The Sun News. He has held The Justin Byerly Upstate/WNC Showcase the past two years and has helped student-athletes from North Carolina and South Carolina receive college scholarships. He owns The Byerly Report scouting service that has over 100 college subscriptions. Justin resides in Asheville, North Carolina with his wife Danielle and four children.