The annual Generation Next Basketball Association saw its third installment come to an end last month in Wisconsin as teams competed for league supremacy at the 5th-8th grade levels. The 7th grade division featured a number of quality teams and young prodigies but the Kansas Pray & Play Players once again proved to be superior as they captured league championship honors. Bolstered by Stevie Strong and Daylan Jones the Kansas Pray & Play squad defended their title in impressive fashion.
SEE ALSO
2016 GNBA 8TH GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP ROLL CALL & LEAGUE MVPS
2016 GNBA 7TH GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP ROLL CALL & LEAGUE MVPS
2016 GNBA 6TH GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP ROLL CALL & LEAGUE MVPS
2016 GNBA 5TH GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP ROLL CALL & LEAGUE MVPS
2016 GNBA CO-MVPS – 7TH GRADE
DAYLAN JONES – F – KANSAS PRAY & PLAY PLAYERS
A plus length versatile forward with instincts and skill, Jones paired with Strong to form a lethal 1-2 punch that presented all types of matchup problems for opposing team. Jones can score in transition, finish around the basket, and he’s developing his mid-range game and all of that is impressive enough. Add to his evolving skills an ability to clean the glass, block shots, defend, and at times create and you have the recipe for an advanced multi-dimensional young forward on the rise in the 7th grade class. There’s a lot to like about Jones and this past season he once again impressed in dominant fashion and did so while helping his team achieve the ultimate success in capturing a league championship.
STEVIE STRONG JR. – PG – KANSAS PRAY & PLAY PLAYERS
An ultra-quick instinctively talented guard who can dominate a game offensively or defensively, Strong was exceptional at times this season and he served as a catalyst to a strong and deep attack for champions from Kansas. Strong can hit the jump shot, score off the dribble on a variety of runners and floaters, and he has the ability to attack and finish at the rim. Defensively he’s exceptional both on the ball and off and his quick hands combined with excellent instincts and quickness create dominant havoc on the defensive end of the court. Add to the mix solid handles, vision, and an ability to contribute across the board and Strong is a good solid young talent on the rise.
2016 GNBA CHAMPIONSHIP ROLL CALL – 7TH GRADE DIVISION
GNBA CHAMPIONS – KANSAS PRAY & PLAYER PLAYERS
GNBA RUNNER-UP – ALL OHIO PURPLE
GOLD CHAMPIONS – MINNESOTA PHENOM
GOLD RUNNER-UP – YANDERS LAW
SILVER CHAMPIONS – KESSEL HEAT BLACK
SILVER RUNNER-UP – OSA CRUSADERS
BRONZE CHAMPIONS – ALL IN ATHLETICS
BRONZE RUNNER-UP – WISCONSIN PLAYGROUND WARRIORS
ELITE CHAMPIONS – GEORGE HILL RISING STARS
ELITE RUNNER-UP – WISCONSIN SHOOTERS
BLUE CHAMPIONS – TEAM GET SHOOK
BLUE RUNNER-UP – WISCONSIN SWING
Stay tuned to GNBABASKETBALL.COM and GENERATIONNEXTBASKETBALL.COM for continued coverage of the 2016 Generation Next Basketball Association…