Via Ohio Basketball's Carley Whitney

LOUISVILLE, KY – The annual spring stage of the Grassroots Showcase was once again loaded with teams, prospects and storylines. With states from all over the country and Canada represented, there were plenty of notes to go through. 

Our partners at Ohio Basketball caught the action and roll out some of their top performers from the action at the Grassroots Showcase. 

Let’s take a look at our top overall performers from the action, starting with the 17U age group.
 

Ty’Ron Jackson, Peak Vision Elite (pictured above) 

Electric athlete! He's very skilled, and has a very nice jumper, smooth even in transition. As a high flier, you better not give him any turnovers in transition because he's flushin! His teammates eyes light up when they get into the paint, they know they can toss it up to him for the highlight lob!

Jaylen Jeter, Island Extreme

Crafty guard with quick handles. He showed the ability to handle late game pressure and he plays the game with his eyes up. His game doesn’t stop at his ability to handle, this kid is a great scorer, he can get to the rim, he can finish through contact and he can shoot with pressure in his face. You won’t see many kids get box and 1’d or double teamed in AAU, and even with the pressure he shows the ability to score and create for teammates. 
 

James Kalala, EG 10 

Big, long, athletic post. Lefty. Could easily be a 4 and play on the perimeter if needed to. He demands control of the block and has a variety of moves with his back to the basket. He runs the floor like a 3 guard and has good soft hands. He does everything you want a big man to do with the ball, he keeps it high, his eyes are always up and he is a good passer. His length and athleticism gives him the ability to defend 1-5 and affect shots from every spot on the floor. And if that isn’t enough he showed the ability to score away from the paint. 
 

Landon Gilliat, Kyle Guy Elite

Playmaking PG that is very good in transition. He makes some dazzling passes and has the ability to make them at exactly the right time. He attacks defenders with numbers and he waits until the perfect time to score or dish. Handles the ball very well, his ability to use both hands to pass is helpful against bigger defenders. He sees plays develop ahead of time and makes some amazing plays for teammates. Very nice shooter from deep as well.

Niko Downs, OPS Ervin

This dude plays so intense and so focused, all the time. He is the catalyst of a team that puts up points in bunches. He is so dangerous because he can play either guard spot at a high level. He pushes the ball in transition to perfection, or he can carve up the defense in the half court. Scores the ball from all over the court. What sets him apart is his intensity on defense! He will dig in and pester the ball, whether it’s in the half court, or he can pick up 94 feet and make your life miserable.