CNIT 14U-17U; Top Standouts From Day 1

The first day of action from the CNIT in the 14U to 17U divisions are in the books. Over 20 coaches from NCAA and USports schools were in attendance for the action on the first day, with dozens of players hitting the recruiting radar for the first time, while others had a chance to up their profile. Here is a quick recap of today’s top performers on their quest to be crowned National Champions.

Top Players Of The Day

C/O 2019 Okay Djamgouz (UPLAY Canada)

We start off with the first player of the CNIT to receive a NCAA D-1 scholarship, from North Carolina A&T. Djamgouz proved his worth dropping 24 points, grabbing 3 rebounds and recording 6 assists. UPLAY will need plenty more of that production from their top guard if they are to bring home a national title.

C/O 2019 Jalen Menzies (Brampton Warriors)

Menzies has always been a speedy athletic guard throughout his prep career at Father Henry Carr, but he has been taking his leaping ability to a different level over this summer. The 5’10 guard attacked the rim relentlessly in his first CNIT game this year, finishing with 21 points. Menzies also displayed the dazzling, direction-changing speed, that has kept the undersized guard playing major minutes for any program he has laced up for these past few years.

C/O 2020 Keon Simmons (Mississauga Monarchs)

Simmons had two very impressive showings for the Monarchs on day one, earning MVP honours in their second game with a final stat line of 9 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks. A true “Three and D” wing, he was responsible for multiple steals in the open court that led to easy Monarch buckets. From the corners, Simmons was able to knock down a number of contested three’s, and could always be seen shifting along the perimeter maintaining space for the offence.

C/O 2020 Brandyn Talbot (Key Hoops)

Talbot’s summer just keeps on getting better. After picking up MVP honours at the latest NPH Showcase in Toronto, the Key Hoops guard picked right up where he left off in the GTA, with a 24 point performance on day one. Talbot has also shown an ability to shake defenders either in the open floor or in a half court set, while also finishing in traffic. All of these skill sets make him one of the fastest rising prospects in his class.

C/O 2022 Autrey Dawkins (UPLAY Blue)

Dawkins has a motor that any coach would love at the 14U level, with the size to match. At 6’3 with a solid build, his lateral quickness has made him a nightmare on the defensive end for opposing guards bringing up the ball. Dawkins has also shown the ability to knock down the mid-range jumper, and three with a silky smooth form. This is a weapon he can use consistently to exploit and break down defenders around the top of the key. Expect this vocal leader to play a major role if UPLAY Blue will be advancing to championship Sunday.