UA Summer Jam: Names to Remember

Four days down in Milwaukee and the well known teams, players, and coaches are starting to drop like flies. In a day full of playoff action, the stands were light on big name coaches but the games were still competitive. Going into the final day the 17U Final Four has a definite Midwest flavor with three of the four remaining teams all within driving distance of the gym. While there is one day left in the second live recruiting period, here is a look at some names that are a bit under the radar: 

Names to Remember:

Michael Tucker Jr., 6’6”, G, 2017, Atlanta Xpress

One of the few upcoming freshmen playing in the 16U age group, Tucker put on a show in both of his games on Day 4. In the morning he was the team’s leading scorer in a win over Dream Vision. Tucker hit several first half three’s and had impressive lift on all of his outside shots. In his second game against the Wisconsin Playground Warriors, Tucker attacked the basket off the dribble in pick and roll’s and in isolation. He showed nice body control on his drives and appears to be a solid all around athlete. Expect Tucker to make his mark as a freshman at Alcovy High School in Covington, Georgia this year.

Travon Bunch, 6’11”, C, 2014, DTA

Bunch is a long and lean center that is pushing 7 feet. While he did not make much of an impact on the offensive end, he was dominant on the defensive side of the ball. With his team trailing in the second half, Bunch turned the paint into his own personal playground. Anytime a player drove the lane his shot got blocked and anytime a jumper bounced off the rim, Bunch was there to grab it and ignite the fast break. He ended up with six blocked shots and had at least 10 rebounds in the second half. This performance was one of the most impressive non-scoring stretches seen in the tournament so far.

Lamont Turner, 6’2”, PG, 2015, Atlanta Xpress

Turner is a smooth 6’2” point guard that can score and create in a multitude of ways all while playing under control. He helped lead his team to the 16U quarterfinals with his strong play as he routinely hit open jump shots and baskets in transition. On a team stocked with small guards, Turner impressed the most.

Ryan Kreklow, 6’3”, SG, 2015, KC Run GMC

In a big win over Diamond Stone’s Young Legends team, Kreklow put on one of the more impressive shooting displays on day four. He hit four three pointers in the game and scored 18 points in total as he caught fire in the second half when he scored 15 of those points. He hit back to back three’s from the wing to keep the game out of reach and made sure his shooting stroke was on display for the coaches in attendance.

Brevin Pritzl, 6’3”, SG, 2015, WI Playground Warriors

While it’s usually point guard Nick Noskowiak who gets the attention, Pritzl played a key part in a win over the Atlanta Xpress which propelled his team to the final four. He led the way in a close affair and finished with 18 points. Pritzl is a tough guard that can knock down an outside jump shot or throw down a dunk in traffic. A lot of his baskets came in the paint as he exhibited a nice knack for avoiding the taller defenders and finding a basket.

Championship Sunday:

In the 17U Final Four, the Wisconsin Swing take on another Wisconsin team in Ray Allen Select. The Swing won their Sweet 16 match-up on a tip-in and then took apart the Milwaukee Rebels and Kevon Looney. The Swing are led by athletic guard Lamonte Bearden while Ray Allen is led by the shard-shooting duo of Riley LaChance and Reed Trimmer.

The other semi-final features the Iowa Barnstormers vs. DC Assault. The one non Midwest team has been destroying its competition thanks to the strong play from point guard Romelo Trimble. The Barnstormers are a gritty team that needed overtime to advance to the quarterfinals before dismantling the Houston Defenders and top scorer Joe Burton. Wyatt Lohaus leads the way for this team.