We are officially at the midway point in the Grassroots season, where we will be headlining our top players to watch in each class as we approach the high school Live Periods later this month. Here are 10 (ten) players to know in the upcoming senior class:
Jarvis Hayes Jr.- 6-5 SG, Woodward Academy (GA)/Atlanta Xpress UAA 17U
The 6-foot-5 shooting guard showcases a strong scoring package where he can be efficient off the catch as well as the bounce. His best offensive attribute is when he gets into the mid-range off the dribble, as well as having a strong knack for finishing around the rim. On the defensive end, he does a great job when it comes to controlling the glass with energy and effort. His playmaking attribute on both ends of the floor is what separates him from the rest of his peers, as he shows a great feel and understanding of the game. Hayes plays with poise, patience, and unselfishness on both ends of the floor.
Johnny Lackaff- 6-5 SG, Sarasota (FL), Austin Rivers SE Elite 3SSSB 17U
Lackaff is one of the top guards in the state for his class. On offense, he displayed a smooth jump shot with deep range, whether it was off the catch or bounce, as well as consistently stretching the defense and forcing defenders to make a split-second decision on whether to jump the passing gaps or stay disciplined on the ball. Overall, Lackaff impacts the game in multiple ways, where he doesn’t need to be the primary scorer in order to make an impact.
Nate Accius- 6-5 SG/SF, Coral Glades (FL), Team Gold Coast 17U
Accius played with a ton of energy and athleticism, whether it was in the half-court or in transition, finishing at the rim as well as expanding his game into the mid-range on the offensive end. His size as a floor spacer played a huge role in the win over Triangle Offense Elite. Defensively, his ability to guard multiple positions with his length and athleticism is what separated him in this matchup. I expect Accius to have a breakout summer where colleges will begin showing interest.
Lorenzo McCorvey- 6’6 CG, The Walker School (GA), Team Person 17U
McCorvey is a long and athletic guard who was lethal when it came to running the floor in transition. He displayed highlight-reel dunks as well as altering shots at the rim on the defensive end. His body control and ability to play with poise and length speak true volume about his overall game. He is going to be an intriguing prospect to watch as we head into the summer.
Whitfield Bynoe IV- 5’11 PG, Oak Ridge (FL), Sunshine Elite 17U
Bynoe continues to have a great feel and understanding of the game, as well as playing under control from start to finish. He stays aggressive as a scorer as well as a facilitator on the offensive end. Defensively, he stayed active when pressuring the ball as well as being active in the passing lanes.
Ayaan Bhadouria- 6’5 SG/SF, Carrollwood Day School (FL), PSB Tampa Bay Robbie 17U
The 6-foot-5 rising senior wing does a great job when he runs the floor in transition, staying active around the rim and finishing effectively through contact, converting on opportunities created by his positioning. He showed a good feel for timing when cutting to the basket on the offensive end. On defense, he used his length and athleticism when cutting off the passing gaps, as well as being active on the boards. He is starting to hear from Division II schools as of last month’s Live Period.
Myles Graves- 6’2 PG, T. Wingate Andrews (NC), Team Global Select 17U
The 6-foot-2 rising senior is a dominant guard who displays a smooth handle when he is able to get into a rhythm on the offensive end. He shows true poise and unselfishness, where he gets his teammates involved at a high level. On the defense end, he competes, rebounds the ball, and contests shots at the basket while making an impact near the rim for his size. Look for Graves to make an immediate impact as the summer season approaches.
Bryce Hoffert- 6’6 SF, Windermere (FL), Sunshine Elite 17U
The 6-foot-6 rising senior small forward helps control the pace and is unafraid when it comes to stretching the floor on the offensive end. Hoffert shows that he knows how to play the game the right way by consistently making the right reads, keeping the ball moving, and staying patient within the offense. On defense, he can guard multiple positions with his length and athleticism, whether it’s altering shots at the rim or spacing the floor to defend out on the perimeter. Expect a big summer season for Hoffert where he could emerge as a two-way factor heading into his senior season.
Brandon Pitts- 6’6 SF, Coral Glades (FL), Team Gold Coast 17U
The 6-foot-6 rising senior small forward continues to show confidence and composure on the offensive end. He can score on all three levels, consistently pushing momentum towards his side, as well as playing with consistent energy that feeds off his teammates. On the defensive end, he stays active as a floor spacer, high-level rebounder, and is unafraid when it comes to jumping the passing lanes, where he can generate steals, which lead to scores on the offensive end. Overall, he has established himself as one of the top two-way wings in the state of Florida for his class. Pitts holds an offer from Cleveland State but expect that list to grow as we approach the summer Live Periods next month.
Justin Wise- 6’4 CG, North Oconee (GA), JET Academy EYBL
The 6-foot-4 combo guard is a Top-100 nationally ranked recruit who displays a strong IQ and a great feel for the game on both ends of the floor. On offense, he has emerged as a vital three-level scorer where he can play as the primary ball handler and get to his spots off the ball. He possesses great size and strength and plays under control from the opening tip to the final buzzer. On the defensive end, he is quick to jump the passing lanes, apply pressure when guarding the ball, and is unafraid to utilize his athleticism to be active on the glass, limiting opponents from getting second-chance scoring opportunities.