We are officially at the midway point in the Grassroots season, where we will be highlighting our top players to watch in each class as we approach the high school Live Periods later this month. Here are 10 (ten) additional players to know in the upcoming junior class:
6-8 PF Leon Lowman, Lake Brantley (FL), Sunshine Elite 16U
The 6-foot-8 rising junior power forward is a long and athletic forward who runs the floor exceptionally well in transition as well as in the half-court. He also displayed strong hands and was active around the rim, finishing with two hands off the catch and bounce. On the defensive end, he is versatile, which speaks volumes about his ability to guard multiple positions, where he is active in the passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and snatching down timely rebounds. He is one of the top elite shot blockers in the state for his position in the class. College coaches are going to want to know this prospect early on in the summer Live Periods.
6-0 PG Bivindy Jean, Coconut Creek (FL), Future Stars 954 Elite 16U
Jean is an efficient scorer who plays with incredible speed and patience in the open court on offense, where he can get to his spots off the catch or dribble. On the defensive end, he uses his burst of speed and energy to cut off the passing gaps and make timely reads on the glass to secure timely rebounds. His overall two-way playmaking skills can open up some eyes for Jean as he heads into his junior season.
6-2 CG Ezekiel Carrethers, Sylvian Hills (AR), Arkansas All Red 16U
The 6-foot-2 rising junior guard is a versatile playmaker who can make plays happen with and without the basketball in his hands. Carrethers can knock down perimeter jumpers off the catch and bounce at an efficient rate, showing his ability to attack downhill without fear, and is an efficient passer in transition. He also makes great decisions on the defensive end, whether it’s cutting off the passing gaps or staying disciplined in the paint, where he challenges shots with his length without fouling. Overall, his ability to change pace and direction has set the tone for the two-way guard where he could have a huge summer heading into his junior season.
6-2 PG Legend Frisby, Western (FL), South Florida Elite 16U
The 6-foot-2 rising junior point guard is an excellent decision maker when it comes to initiating the offense. His ability to create paint touches and set up his teammates for success is what makes him one of the underrated guards in the South Florida area. He also excels off the ball, where he gets to his spots and can score on all three levels at an efficient rate. On defense, he plays with quick feet and is very active when applying pressure when guarding on the ball and reacting into the passing lanes. He forces turnovers with his physicality and uses his athleticism to his advantage when crashing the boards.
6-6 CG Tjay Brunson, Cleveland (NC), 1of1 Elite PRO16 16U
The 6-foot-6 rising junior combo guard has started to gain some national attention, where he picked up offers from Wake Forest and Washington State during last month’s Live Period. He has been impressive to watch this spring, where he can score in a variety of ways, whether it’s off the catch or bounce. He is coming off a sophomore season where he averaged 21 points per game this past season for his high school team, which reached the second round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Class 7A playoffs. His defensive presence is worth noting as well, where he has long arms and can battle on the glass with any of them. His overall energy, toughness, and ability to compete on both ends of the floor say a lot about Brunson as he still has two years of high school remaining.
6-4 CG Hunter Collins, Heathwood Hall (SC), Carolina Pressure NXTPRO 16U
The 6-foot-4 rising junior combo guard is unafraid when it comes to dictating the offensive flow with his creativity off the catch and bounce. He can score on all three levels with his smooth release, attack downhill finishing above the rim, as well as getting his teammates involved on the offensive end. He has a smooth balance and is creative, taking advantage when being double-teamed. On the defensive end, he is versatile, where he can guard multiple positions using his length and elite foot speed when it comes to challenging shots at the rim, as well as staying disciplined on the perimeter.
6-6 SG Xavier Skipworth, Montverde Academy (FL), Team Takeover EYBL 16U
The 6-foot-6 rising junior guard can knock down tough shots off the catch and bounce, as well as finish through contact when attacking downhill. His size and length on the defensive end also make an impact, where he can guard all five positions, as well as staying in front of his man by applying constant pressure and staying disciplined. With noticeable size, length, and strength Skipworth could make a ton of noise in the national rankings as he is already receiving interest from several Power 4 schools.
6-7 SF Laron Mack, Riviera Prep (FL), ALLBALL 365 16U
The 6-foot-7 rising junior small forward uses his size and length to make an impact on both ends of the floor, scores efficiently around the rim, finishing through contact, and uses his frame to create separation. On defense, he contests shots, alters attempts around the basket, and uses his length to be a factor in the passing lanes. Mack also does a great job when it comes to running the floor in transition, finishing at the basket, attacking gaps, and creating opportunities off the bounce for himself and his teammates.
6-5 SG Gavin Gorman, North Broward Prep (FL), Ball By Design 16U
The 6-foot-5 rising junior wing makes an impact on both ends of the floor, where he plays with constant energy and unselfishness. On the offensive end, he can be efficient with and without the basketball in his hands as he can score on all three levels, attack the front of the rim, and has a smooth mid-range game. On defense, he can guard multiple positions, whether it’s altering shots around the rim or challenging shots from the perimeter. His two-way playmaking skills could provide a huge role for Gorman as he heads into his junior season.
6-5 SG Dallas Montgomery, Christ School (NC), Atlanta Xpress UAA 16U
The 6-foot-5 rising junior guard is an efficient scorer with limitless range when it comes to shooting from the perimeter. He is unafraid when it comes to attacking the basket, finishing above the rim while absorbing contact. Montgomery has major upside as he continues to develop himself as a vital threat on the defensive end, where his length and athleticism can play a huge role. He picked up his first D-1 offer from Eastern Kentucky during last month’s Live Period, but don’t be surprised if he picks up several more as we head into the summer Live Period.