The annual NY2LA Sports Generation Next Basketball Association “GNBA” tipped off its 2019 campaign on Friday with teams from Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota making the trek to Wisconsin for Session 1 of the prestigious middle school proving grounds platform.  With a past history that includes a plethora of state champions, Division 1 prospects, etc. the next generation took to the courts looking to make their presence felt.  Here’s a quick look at some 7th graders that stood out on opening night

Note – Not listed in any particular order

Nas Beamon - 2024 (Team Takeover) - Beamon was very impressive in the opening night of the GNBA. His strength and athleticism to go along with his ability to finish around the rim made for a very tough matchup for anyone on defense. As one of the tallest players on the court at 6 foot 1, Beamon was still able to handle the ball very well getting to the rim with ease. Beamon recorded a double-double by halftime and a triple double for the game. Beamon finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. 

Kon Knueppel - 2024 (Closed Gyms) - Closed Gyms was led by Kon Knueppel on Friday night to a 56-31 victory. Knueppel and his team plays a very exciting, and fast paced style of basketball which, includes lots of three point shots. Knueppel is a very smart basketball, player who has great court vision and awareness. He showed his scoring versatility by being able to hit shots from deep by hitting 3 three pointers, and also getting to the rim.  Knueppel’s hustle and effort make the difference for a very talented Closed Gyms team. Knueppel finished with a game high 13 points. 

Grayson Young - 2024 (WI Phenoms) - Grayson Young scored 17 points in a loss to a very talented Mac Irvin Fire team to open up GNBA league play. Then Phenoms found themselves down by 20 points until early in the second half. Young was able to score 11 points to lead a comeback. Unfortunately for Young and his team, the late surge was not enough to defeat Mac Irvin, losing by 6 points. Young showed great athleticism along with an ability to finish around the rim. 

Dorien Beatty - 2024 (Mac Irvin Fire) - In a very fast paced and chaotic game Dorien Beatty was able to find a way to take care of the ball and facilitate for his teammates. Although Beatty is not the tallest player on the court, he is able to control the game through his court vision and ability to set up his teammates to hit shots. Beatty’s playmaking ability was on full display during the 56 to 50 victory over the Wisconsin Phenoms in which Beatty finished with 10 points and 7 assists. 

Daniel Freitag - 2024 (Team Getshook) - A good player is able to effect the game in a majority of ways and that is exactly what Daniel Freitag of Team Getshook is able to do. Freitag is active on both sides of the ball and has a motor that does not stop. Freitag scored 12 points in his opening matchup against Chapman Basketball Gold but his ability to score was not the most impressive aspect of his game. Rebounding and defense proved to be a key component to Freitag’s game and helped Team Getshook earn a 58 to 28 victory. 

Caden Wilkins - 2024 (Quad City Elite Orange) - Caden Wilkins started the 2019 GNBA season with a solid performance in a 54 to 47 victory over Howard Pulley on Friday night. Wilkins used his strength and size to muscle his way to 12 points. He was able to get to the rim at will, along with grab a handful of boards. Wilkins plays very hard and his energy is hard to match. 

Blake Dalluge - 2024 (Howard Pulley) - Blake Dalluge proved that he is one of the top scorers in the GNBA. Despite a 54-47 loss to Quad City Elite Orange Dalluge was able to score 19 points by pouring in 14 points in the second half. Dalluge can get hot quickly and score points in a variety of ways. His ability to shoot the long ball makes him a prospect to watch in the coming years.