The opening night of the 2019 NY2LA Sports Spring Extravaganza saw some solid performances in front of a large number of college coaches from all levels.  Sharpshooting guard Baylor Hebb delivered as did fast rising lead guard Wendell Green.  Here’s a quick look at a handful of talented performances from the opening night…

Baylor Hebb - 2020 - 6’2 - 3D Empire
3D Empire started off the NY2LA Association with tough 53-50 loss to the Michigan Playmakers. The score went back and forth for most of the game and 3D Empire had their chance to tie it up and send it into overtime with a failed late three point attempt. Despite the loss, Baylor Hebb played extremely well. Hebb wasted no time putting the ball in the basket Friday night as he finished with 25 points on 10 of 17 shooting from the field. Although Hebb is primarily a shooter, he showed glimpses of playmaking abilities as he contributed 5 assists to go along with 3 rebounds. Hebb is a tremendous shooter who has a motor that does not quit. 

Micah Johnson - 2020 - 6’8 - All Iowa Attack Red
After starting the game on a 10-0 run All Iowa Attack Red looked as if they were going to roll over the Phenom University NY2LA squad. However, late in the second half they found themselves down with 4 minutes to play. It took a team effort to fight back and win a close 53-49 opening matchup. A standout from this game was Micah Johnson for All Iowa Attack Red. Johnson stands at 6 foot 8 and is extremely long. He uses his body well and is able to hit shots from the perimeter along with his ability to finish in the lane. All of these attributes that Johnson possess’ makes him a very complete player. Finishing with 11 points and 7 rebounds proved to be a big difference maker in the opening night of the Spring Extravaganza. 

Marcus Skeete - 2020 - 6’5 - H.I.T. Basketball
Marcus Skeete is a very explosive guard for H.I.T. Basketball. In a 66 to 42 victory over SYF Players Skeete poured in 15 points and added 3 rebounds. Being a 6 foot 5 guard who can handle the ball, is physically strong and very explosive combined with his ability to finish around the rim was a tough matchup for his opponents. Skeete will be an interesting prospect to watch this spring and summer as he continues to improve his game. 

Wendell Green - 2020 - 6’0 - Michigan Playmakers
Based off his performance on Friday night Wendell Green proved his is one of the top guards in the NY2LA association. The Michigan Playmakers found themselves down for most of their opening game but ended up victorious in a 53-50 battle with a very talented 3D Empire team. Green is a very strong ball handler who can control the game on multiple levels. A very valuable trait that Green has is his ability to command and lead his team. Green is a very poised player who is able to get to the rim and score as well as create for his teammates. In the Playmakers victory, Green had 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. 

PJ Hayes - 2020 - 6’5 - Minnesota Comets DLR
One of the most impressive stat lines of the night was created by PJ Hayes of the Minnesota Comets DLR. Hayes might be one of the most underrated players in the NY2LA Association this year and has a huge season ahead of him. Hayes has great length along with his 6 foot 5 frame and is a very intelligent player who plays to his strengths. Hayes did all he could in the opening round game on Friday night scoring 23 points, which included 4 three pointers and contributing 8 rebounds in a 52-49 loss. The strongest aspects of his game include his solid fundamentals, shooting ability and decision making abilities. 

Joshua Govek - 2020 - 5’11 - Phenom University NY2LA
Even in a 53-49 Joshua Govek of Phenom University had a very impressive performance Friday night against All Iowa Attack Red. Govek is a very shifty guard who is very athletic and explosive. His ability to handle and push the ball up the floor makes him a very valuable asset for his team. Govek had 13 points and 4 assists leading his team in both categories. His shiftiness and ability to get to the rim makes him very challenging for defenders to stay in front of. Govek is a very smart player who you can always count on to play hard and fast. 

Brandin Podzeimski - 2020 - 6’4 - WI Rap
The Wisconsin Rap is one of the top teams in the NY2LA association and it is because of how well this team plays together. It is obvious that each player knows their role and wants to be successful as a team more than individuals. This team is very balanced and is a very exciting to watch because of the style that they play. Every player on this team contributes however, one of the standouts for this team is Brandin Podzeimski. Podzeimski is a solid all around player with a tremendous amount of upside. In a blowout victory on Friday night Podzeimski scored 10 points on 6 shoots including 2 three pointers. His efficiency and ability to do many things well help a very talented and successful WI Rap team. 

Marcus Kartes - 2019 - 6’1 -Young Legends
It seemed like every time Marcus Kartes shot the ball it was going in on Friday night. In a tight game with Kessel Heat, the Young Legends prevailed to win 59-56 and Kartes was a major reason for the team’s success. Kartes does one thing extremely well and that is shoot the ball from deep. He connected on 5 three point shots which were his only made baskets on the night. Although shooting is his best attribute, Kartes also contributes in many ways for his team. On Friday it was his rebounding as he pulled down 5 rebounds. Kartes is a strong player who hustles constantly and will be interesting prospect to watch throughout this NY2LA Association season.