Session 2 of NY2LA Sports GNBA came to a close on Sunday from Waukegan, Ill. Finishing up 7th grade division action, the St. Louis Clippers put away Yanders Law thanks to a terrific performance from their backcourt. In 6th grade, Ethan Kizer of the Illinois Irish showed why he’s one of the top up and coming post prospects in the league…

GNBA SESSION 2 DAY 3 TOP PERFORMANCES
Chase Bonder – 7th Grade – F – Kessel Heat
Versatility and skill are a big part of Bonder’s game. The 6-foot-0 forward is a matchup problem with his ability to take people off the dribble and his vision with the basketball. Bonder made some impressive passes, threading the needle that led to scores. He’s able to grab rebounds and go coast-to-coast or break down defenders from the perimeter. In traffic, Bonder had some impressive spins and pivots en route to a few impressive finishes at the rim during Saturday’s loss to Net Gain Sports. 

Greg Galloway – 7th Grade – PF – Playground Elite
Galloway showcased some solid footwork and finishing skills during Sunday’s win over the Wisconsin Blizzard. The 6-foot post prospect that moves well for his size and frame, Galloway has a high post IQ and sets himself up to be successful by sealing and pinning defenders. Galloway has great hands and made some tough catches in traffic. He’s also versatile enough defensively to switch on the pick n’ roll and cover the perimeter. 

Ryan Grimmet – 7th Grade – SG – St. Louis Clippers
If you held possession of the basketball during Saturday’s Clippers vs. Yanders Law game, chances are it was stolen at one point or another by Grimmet. The 5-foot-7 guard was picking pockets like nobody’s business as he put the game away early with a number of steals and finishes. Picking people up the length of the floor, there were times when Grimmet would simply not allow his opponent to cross half court. Despite making a ton of plays, Grimmet was unselfish and passed on a lot of good shots in favor of great ones as the Clippers cruised to an easy win. 

Kaeden Osterman – 7th Grade – SG – Ray Allen Select
The ball was in Osterman’s hands late and he delivered for Ray Allen Select. Osterman connected on the game-winning 3-pointer from the corner to lift his team past the Illinois Irish. Following a defensive stop, Osterman then sealed the game from the free throw line with two cold blooded foul shots. A dynamic shooter, Osterman was able to create a ton of space off the dribble with his smooth handles. In what was a closely contested, low-scoring game throughout, Osterman was the difference as he provided a big offensive spark in the final minutes. 

Kellen Thames – 7th Grade – PG – St. Louis Clippers
He only scored 11 points in a blowout win over Yanders Law, but had he played an entire game with a closer score, it was obvious Thames was about to go off. A skilled offensive talent, Thames was getting any shot he wanted from the field. Using his excellent handles and quickness with the basketball, Thames couldn’t be contained as he mixed it up with a flurry of transition buckets, dribble drives, and 3-pointers. After his quick offensive spurt, the game was well in hand for the Clippers. 

Jamauri Winfrey – 7th Grade – F – Illinois Irish Elite
Winfrey is a physical player that brings it on both ends of the floor. He set the tone immediately with a few blocked shots and wouldn’t allow opposing post players to back him down on the block. In a win over Net Gain Sports, Winfrey was very active across the board and even helped in transition. Able to push the ball up the floor, Winfrey delivered some nice passes ahead to open teammates. A good blend of finesse and power, Winfrey can give him team a lot each time out. 

NEW FACES TO KNOW
Jake Hamilton – 6th Grade – G – Springfield Predators
Hamilton had 14 points in a win over the Illinois Irish. As always, Hamilton was a consistent shooter that gets to his spots and creates a lot of rhythm looks for himself. Besides being a scorer, Hamilton does the little things well too. He’s a willing rebounder and facilitator. Offensively, Hamilton has the ability to finish in traffic and convert some tough looks around the rim. A smooth jump shooter as well, Hamilton has a unique, do-it-yourself-kit that allows him to control that end of the floor. 

Edward Harrison – 6th Grade – C – Made Men
Liked Harrison’s versatility and hustle, especially for his size. An imposing 5-foot-11, 150-pound post, Harrison is tough to score on and can also do some special things with the basketball. He’s willing to run the floor and can handle the ball in transition. When he gets a head of steam, Harrison’s still got his head up and hits teammates in the open floor. Harrison also displayed some tools on the block in a loss to Net Gain Sports and can do some things with his back-to-the-basket, including a powerful drop step. 

Ethan Kizer – 6th Grade – C – Illinois Irish
Kizer is an imposing presence in the paint, but also looks much more polished away from the rim this year. Kizer had a couple of instances where he was able to go coast-to-coast in transition or attack from the high post. Already 6-foot-0 with some plus-length, Kizer runs the floor very well for his size. Defensively, Kizer does an outstanding job of playing vertical. He challenged a number of shots successfully without fouling. When blocking shots, his times his opponent very well, not leaving the ground until the shooter is airborne. Kizer also played up in the 7th grade division and did some nice things on Sunday as well. 

C.J. O’Hara – 7th Grade – F – Net Gain Sports
O’Hara closed Sunday with a big performance in a win over Made Men. Scoring 18 of the team’s 53 points, O’Hara was big down the stretch as Net Gain held on for a four-point victory. O’Hara used his length to finish around the rim and collect offensive rebounds. He also protected the paint well on the other end, aiding a strong defensive effort for his team. 

J.J. Ware – 6th Grade – F – Net Gain Sports
A prospect with a lot of promise, Ware is a long, athletic forward with a high motor. A 6-foot-1 post, Ware was very aggressive around the rim and powered his way to some tough finishes Saturday morning in a win over Kessel Heat. He can play on the block and the high post effectively. Ware also showed promise as a passer in the high-low game, dumping down nice passes to the opposite post. On the offensive glass, Ware fought for and converted a number of second chance opportunities. Defensively, Ware moves his feet exceptionally well for his size and was difficult to score over on the interior.