There’s not an atmosphere quite like it…Opening night of the NY2LA Sports Summer Jam. Featuring some intriguing matchups with some of the nation’s top prospects, opening night will be electric from start to finish. Here are the top games to watch when action tips off on Wednesday…
17U Opening Night Games to Watch
Kingdom Hoops Elite vs. Wisconsin Playground Warriors – 6:05 PM – Court 5 – Homestead HS
Two tournament sleepers meet Wednesday night. Wisconsin commit Kobe King and his sidekick Luke Loewe look to shake off an early exit from a week ago. It won’t be easy as Kingdom Hoops features some of the best hidden talent in the Midwest, including 6-foot-8 small forward Jal Biljiek.
Playground Elite vs. Omaha Elite – 6:05 PM – Court 2 – Homestead HS
Two top NY2LA Association teams will square off on opening night. Both made deep runs in last week’s Next Level Invitational and were Division leaders during the regular season. Omaha Elite is loaded with sleeper talent, including intriguing big man Isaiah Chandler. One of the nation’s top wing prospects, Terrence Lewis is one of the most difficult matchups in the country.
AUSUA Platinum vs. Wisconsin Swing – 7:10 PM – Court 2 – Homestead HS
Both teams feature prospects who could blow up this week. The trio of Ryan Krueger, Chris Knight, and Alex Arians led the Wisconsin Swing to the 17U NY2LA Association title last week. Promising and intriguing big man Jacob Epperson won’t be a secret much longer if he continues to play well.
All-In Y&R vs. UPLAY Canada – 7:10 PM – Court 3 – Homestead HS
The guards in this game should put on a show. All-In Y&R’s 1-2 punch of Teyvion Kirk and Demarius Jacobs is one of the most difficult tandems to handle on both ends of the floor. Led by Abu Kigab, UPLAY Canada will try and shred the fast, athletic defense of All-In Y&R.
MBA Hoops vs. Las Vegas Prospects – 8:15 PM – Court 2 – Homestead HS
Size and athleticism. MBA Hoops will deal with a lot of that when they take on the Las Vegas Prospects. K.J. Hymes, Troy Brown Jr., O’Shae Brissett, and Charles O’Bannon are all top notch prospects at their positions. MBA Hoops has some studs of their own, including Nick Weatherspoon, who can shoot the lights out.
Meanstreets vs. Dreamvision – 8:15 PM – Court 3 – Homestead HS
One of the more underrated guards in the country, Christian Popoola will try and lead Dreamvision past a gritty Meanstreets team. His hands will be full with one of the best on-ball defenders in the nation in Nojel Eastern. Always a crowd pleaser, five-star small forward Brian Bowen will be on display as well for Meanstreets.
Mac Irvin Fire vs. Team Bradley NW Panthers – 9:20 PM – Court 2 – Homestead HS
Featuring some of the top talent in the Northwest, the Panthers always produce at a high level and this well-coached bunch can compete. Mac Irvin Fire has a little bit of everything on their roster. DaMonte Williams, Justin Smith, Ayo Dosunmu, and Christian Negron is about as talented of a starting five as there is.
Q6 All-Stars vs. King James – 9:20 PM – Court 3 – Homestead HS
The talented group from King James was really starting to gel last time we saw them. King James has a number of other guards who can step up when called upon and as always they play hard on both ends.. Featuring some of the best talent in Orlando, the Q6 All-Stars are capable of pulling off the upset on opening night.
16U Opening Night Games to Watch
Dreamvision vs. Wisconsin Playground Warriors – 7:10 PM – Court 1 – Homestead HS
This has the potential to be a title game matchup as it won’t be a surprise if these two programs meet again later in the elimination round. Dreamvision has some studs such as Joseph Bush, J’Raan Brooks, and of course touted class of 2019 guard Pierre Crockrell. Always a title threat, the Wisconsin Playground Warriors will counter with their outstanding guard duo of Jordan McCabe and Tyler Herro, as well as rising small forward Keshawn Justice, DePaul commit John Diener, and seven-footer Adam Trapp.
Mac Irvin Fire vs. MBA Hoops – 7:10 PM – Court 5 – Homestead HS
2019 guard Kahlil Whitney is a must-see and one of the top players in the country. Mac Irvin Fire rounds out its star-studded lineup with the likes of Talen Horton-Tucker, Bakari Simmons, and others. MBA Hoops also has a deep lineup with a handful of prospects who names will soon be better known, including small forward Michael Barber.
Iowa Barnstormers vs. SYF Players – 8:15 PM – Court 1
The three-headed monster of A.J. Green, Joe Wieskamp, and Joey Hauser makes the Iowa Barnstormers a tournament favorite. Three pieces that fit well together and are capable of explosive performances, the Barnstormers are primed for a deep run. Don’t sleep on this SYF Players team though. Zion Young and Chase Adams are two high-scoring guards while Devonire Glass and Orlando Allen can clean up on the inside.
UPLAY Canada vs. Jets/Ramey United – 8:15 PM – Court 5 – Homestead HS
Jets/Ramey point guard Courtney Ramey is a must watch this week. One of the top all-around floor generals, few run the show better than this kid. His running mate Torrence Watson forms a dangerous 1-2 punch. They’ll get UPLAY Canada from the EYBL. This team is loaded with size and skill, including guards R.J. Barrett and Nembhard.