Grassroots Finale Day 1 Notebook from Justin Byerly
It's the last live period of the travel season and we are in Virginia Beach, Virginia for The Grassroots Finale at The Virginia Beach Sports Center. This is my second time at this event and it is a premier complex right at the beach. We have two events going on this weekend, The Grassroots Finale and Florida Jam in Tampa. Follow along with Garrett Tucker and HoopSeen on X and our website to read about both. Let's get to the day one action.
DB Elite Dominates
Camden Scott's program out of Raleigh, North Carolina came out clicking on all cylinders and dominated a good Grassroots North Carolina program, 56-25. It was the usual suspects for DB Elite, Kaden Drumgo, an athletically built prospect who can score from all over finished with 12 points and a hot name this travel season, Champ Lando finished with 12 points including knocking down three from deep.
He has been one of the hottest shooters over the past few months in the regional travel circles. This game was never really close and DB Elite dominated throughout. The Grassroots NC program has some pieces and we will see how the do over the rest of the weekend.
Hi My Name Is
Isaiah Green was impressive tonight for All-Carolina. The Antonio Watson coached program always has some guy and it has been a while since we have seen them but it was great to see this program back in action. Green, a 6-foot-2 guard out of Knightdale High School outside of Raleigh, North Carolina has good size and knows how to score. A lethal combination at the next level. He scored 16 points in their win to open things up for their program here at The Grassroots Finale.
I also really liked Justin Brown from All-Carolina. The 6-foot-7 forward prospect out of Thales Academy has some game. He is long, causes problems on the press and can rebound. He had a few breakaways that could have sent the crowds into some heads turns.
Jordan Clayton Shines
Team Richmond guard Jordan Clayton had an impressive start to our Grassroots Finale. The 6-foot-1 point guard is a strong defender and when he has the ball on the other end of the floor, he is not turning it over. A handful of college coaches were at his game tonight and I think he is a next-level player. Clayton and teammate Jalen Deloatch combined for 37 points in their win tonight. Clayton is set to attend Fork Union Military Academy next season and do a post-grad year. With the COVID year going away for college athletes, I think Clayton is a guy to take a good look at.
Wynn Win
In the first game I saw tonight, Team Loaded 757 took on Team Curry - East and one guy that stood out was 6-foot-5 wing Jaylen Wynn. He scored 15 points in the win but it was his motor and defensive effort that pulled me in. He has the athleticism, the physicality and a lot of the tools that would make him a next level player. Chowan University Head Coach Rob Burke liked what he saw and made an offer to Wynn after his play tonight.
