AAU
Nike Peach Jam: Naz Long is Clutch, Takeover DC upset, and CIA Bounce to Face Destiny
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NORTH AUGUSTA, GA–It has certainly been everything that the big show was expected to be, and then some. The EYBL will shortly becoming to a close, but not before a team is crowned king of North America. Could it be the first Canadian champ? Will it be a repeat for Takeover DC? Or what about an Unusual suspect?
All these questions will be addressed by Friday Night in North Augusta, as well as ESPN [where finals will be broadcasted].
However, in the meantime, lets explore what has unfolded up to this point at the Nike Peach Jam! I will give you a look at 10 headlines that I have been able to collect on both Canadian representation from a player and team standpoint.
NPH Top 10 Headlines
- Dyshawn Pierre Coming out Party: I have been preaching the good word of Dyshawn Pierre, AKA “The Secret Weapon” for some time now, and if you have been following along you would have caught on by now. After having a stellar performance in Latvia at the World Championships, and Picking up his first offer from Jacksonville, Pierre is certainly primed for a HOT summer where he will see the letters pile up. ESPN’s Dave Telep reported on Pierre’s brilliance earlier today.
- Naz Long, AKA “Nasty Naz” is clutch: If it wasn’t enough that Long sunk the game-winning shot to provid Bounce with a much needed W over All Iowa Attack; he also drove the lane for a clutch floater to take the BABC game to Overtime. Naz Long has had a breakout week, and is by far his best session in the EYBL. In addition to his late game heroics, Long has truly evolved into a leader, a trait you will hear more about in the NPH Player Evaluations.
- Stefan Jankovic, Top 5 List: The Serbian stud has narrowed down his schools to five (from the programs that have offered) however things can change. At this point, his list looks like this: Michigan, Georgetown, Wake Forest and Florida State.
- Junior Lomomba Recruiting Update: In addition to previous NCAA interest that Lomomba has received such as NMSU, Nevada, West Virginia, Cincinatti and Minnesota; Junior has some new schools monitoring him such as Dayton, UMass, & Boston.
- Isaiah Watkins, posterizes Corbin Jackson: Watkins was the most impressive player on the floor in the U16 Match up between CIA Bounce and Boo Williams. The versatile forward threw down a massive two hand jam right in the face of Corbin Jackson, a highly touted prospect an athlete in his own right.
- Tyler Ennis, Slicing and Dicing: In addition to Watkins, Ennis was impressive in managing the game and displaying his top-notch slashing abilities, getting to the hoop with ease to create for himself and teammates.
- U16 CIA BOUNCE, Gold Hunting: This squad has had a very successful summer thus far collecting various tournament victories. However, none will be sweeter than the prestigous honour of being crowned Nike EYBL Champions. Talent, discipline and chemistry is all present with this unit, there is no reason that they cannot achieve their goal, and bring back EYBL hardward to the great white North!
- U17 CIA BOUNCE, Digging Deep: With a current record of 2-2, the 17’s EYBL hope are still alive, but just barely. They will have to defeat the Mac Irvine Fire in addition to having Howard Pulley drop a game to BABC.
- Takeover DC No Longer Undefeated: The mighty squad that entered their game against the Georgia Stars, owned a 17-0 EYBL record. Yet, the home team came through in the final minute to seal the deal for Canadian Jonathan Tshibuy and his DC squad.
- Jonathan Tshibuy, Impacting the Title Contender: The aformentioned Takeover DC team is loaded with High-Major D1 NCAA talent and with the Quebec native, Tshibuy has served as the glue that helps keep the team tangle into one unit. He provides multple benefit to a his team and if Takeover DC is to capture the crown, Jo will need to be at his best.
