Grassroots Showcase: 17U Top Performers, Part I
Louisville, KY - The Grassroots Showcase held at The Kentucky Expo Center was filled with independent teams and shoe-sponsored programs throughout the weekend. The annual event we partner with Ohio Basketball was another success. The teams came to play and we took it all in. Here is a look at our first team of Top Performers from the 17-and-under division.
Cutter Sisk, Tennessee Tigers - The Tennessee Tigers big man was probably the most dominant player we saw from an independent team during the grassroots showcase. He was a double digit rebound double digit point guy every game he played he helped the Tennessee Tigers go 5-0 on the weekend and capture the Gold bracket Championship. Sisk has good footwork, can start the break off the rebound, block shots and can take guys off the dribble. His footwork in the block was very impressive.
He can score over either shoulder and he has a surprisingly quick second jump. They allowed him to corral Over 20 rebounds in the championship game his recruitment right now consists of a couple of division two offers and some division one interest. I think college coaches should look during live period, because of his size and skillset and how that translates at the next level. – Justin Byerly
Trey Thompson, Tennessee Impact - Tennessee Impact's Trey Thompson was the top overall prospect at the Grassroots Showcase. The big man from Greeneville High School in eastern Tennessee can hurt the opposition in so many ways. Whether he is stepping out and knocking down jump shots, catching lobs for easy dunks, or using his rebounding ability to score near the rim.
I think Thompson is a guy that can impact the college game as a freshman with his size and his fluidity, he will be able to earn some minutes quickly at the high major level of college basketball. Thompson ‘s play allowed Tennessee Impact to go to 5-0 and claim the Platinum bracket of the Grassroots Showcase. His offer list consists of Tennessee, Purdue, Villanova, and more. He has already visited Purdue. – Justin Byerly
Brendon Watley, Durham Hurricanes - Watley was on my short list of top guards that we saw over the weekend. Whatley thrived at breaking down defenders and getting into the lane and finishing. The strong bodied guard out of Durham (NC) Hillside High School scored 23 points against Adidas 3SSB squad Tennessee Impact.
Watley can score from the outside, he can break down defenders and get into the lane, and he can handle the ball. He helped the Hurricanes get to a 4-1 overall record on the weekend. – Justin Byerly
Tate Robinson, Griffin Elite UA Rise- Robinson was probably one of the top two or three shooters we saw on the weekend. He connected on eight three-pointers during a game on Saturday night and finished with 29 points.
The 6-foot-four shooting guard was a threat to score from the perimeter every game he played. He has a high basketball IQ, can handle the ball under pressure, and can get to the rim. – Justin Byerly
Logan Wring, Southern Illinois Select – The 6-foot-6 wing was the biggest piece to the puzzle for his squad this weekend. He is a knockdown shooter that when he shoots you almost always feel like the ball is going to go in. He rebounds very well for his size, and he competes.
He currently already has a Division One offer from Alabama A&M, and I think when the live period approaches, college coaches are going to have to look. He is a 1,000-point scorer for his high school program. – Justin Byerly
