Even while a couple years out from high school, there was some good talent at the 12U level of the Generation Next Invitational. Here are the players that made the largest impact over the weekend.
Brian Bridges – 2030 – PG – Reach Legends
Even while playing up a level, the point guard more than fit in playing at a high level during multiple games. He has great burst of quickness to often get all the way to the basket and finishes there. He shined brightest in a quarterfinal game on Sunday. When his team was down to just four players in the game in the second half, Bridges took over constantly making plays off the dribble getting into the paint creating to lead his team into the semifinals. He just has another gear to his game.
Ethean Davis-Lamb – 2029 – F – MidPro Academy
The forward already has good size standing at 6’0” with length to pair along with some guard skills. He is able to do so much on the floor with his combination of size, skills, and athleticism. On the inside, he is a tough big man blocking shots and rebounding everything but also plays well on the perimeter handling the ball and attack the basket plus being able to defend guards.
Bronx Ganaway – 2029 – F/C – Team Ramey
With his height and length, Ganaway towered over the opposition and was a force inside. He scored the ball with ease inside getting it done finishing over defenders on a high percentage of his post touches. Whether it was posting up or put back, Ganaway was scoring inside and can also handle the ball and make plays off the dribble. On the defensive end, he moves extremely well around the paint shutting down his man and deterring drivers.
Drew Lenz – 2029 – G – Wisconsin Swing
Lenz showcased a great scoring ability, especially in one single half going for 18 points. He is smooth off the dribble scoring the majority of his points going to the basket. Often getting into the paint and is a crafty finisher there but also can quickly pull up in the mid-range and knock down jumpers. A smart player with the ball in his hands who reads the floor well and quickly attacks gaps in the defense.
Triston Lowery – 2029 – G/F – Louisville Legends Porter
For his age, there are so many different aspects to like from Lowery’s game. He already has a nice blend of size, length, and athleticism, to go along with his advanced skills. A fluid wing with the ball in his hands that excels going to the basket. He was often getting all the way to the basket and finishing but can also create his shots in the mid-range and be one of the better defenders at his age group. Lowery was a prominent reason the Legends advanced all the way to the title game with his ability to do it all on the court.
Mac McMullen – 2029 – PG – Team Herro
Throughout the tournament, McMullen was one of the top playmakers at the 12U level. With his tight handle, shifty moves, and quickness, McMullen was continuously getting into the paint and wherever he wanted on the floor making plays but can also hit the three. In his first game of the tournament, the point game came up clutch down the stretch making a few big plays to help his team get the win.
Marcus Northern – 2030 – PG – Indiana Game
Even while playing up an age group, Northern was one of the more dynamic playmakers at the 12U level. He moves extremely well with the ball in his hands with his quickness, moves, and having the ball on a string. A crafty finisher all around the paint with his tools being able to finish in traffic or utilize a floater over the top. Northern can score the ball in bunches even with plenty of defensive attention on him as he also can stretch the court hitting some threes.
Kamari Riddick – 2029 – G – Martin Brothers
All tournament long Riddick played at a high level leading the Martin Brothers to a championship. He saved his best performance for the title game scoring 21 points. A young guard with some size in the backcourt with good length who is a standout on both ends. One of the top defenders at his age group being able to defend nearly anyone effectively. Offensively, he scores the ball with ease gliding to the basket maneuvering right around all defenders.
Semaji Pruitt – 2029 – G/F – Brew-City Pirates
The wing started the tournament strong helping his team to a dominant victory and continued the high level of play from there. He has a strong build for his age and uses it well powering his way through contact to the basket with ease to score the ball very efficiently. Once he got going downhill towards the basket, he could not be stopped with his strength and moves. More than just a strong body, he has a well-rounded game and knows how to play.