AAU is where the top high school players will make or break their careers. This weekend we will only cover those that are on the COME UP! Nothing but positivity when it comes to possible future stars of tomorrow. Plus, this is the first weekend of a very long AAU season.

The NY2LA has always been great exposure for high school players. To be honest...NY2LA has been one of the few platforms outside the shoe circuit that routinely expose high school athletes to division-one college programs. This weekend, NCAA Division I and II coaches did not attend because of NCAA regulations. They will depend on highlights from media outlets such as Rivals.

The NY2LA SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA pitted top teams from the EYBL, Adidas 3SSB, and UA against one another in a platinum bracket. The games did not disappoint. There were some good performances by players that have them on college coach's radar for a reason.

2025 6’7 Dietrich Richardson – MidPro Academy 17U NY2LA

Dietrich Richardson is a name to remember from this weekend. Got a chance to watch him and look forward to seeing him more this AAU season. Richardson is very athletic and has a smooth game. Capable of handling the pill and make plays. His size and athleticism make him a problem. At 6'7" Richardson could be very elite. Would love to see this kid play more of a shooting guard due to his ability to guard positions 1-3 where he undoubtly have a size advantage, especially on offense. He can get to the rack and has a nice pull up game. When he becomes more confident from three point range he will be a problem. Already holds major division one offers.

2025 6’2 Myles Herro – Team Herro 17U EYBL

I gotta a chance to watch Herro. He reminds me of his older brother when he was at the same age before he left Wisconsin United to join the EYBL. Myles is a very crafty PG with a good size. Had great wiggle with the pill and good athleticism. He is a very good basketball player with a ton of confidence in his abilities on the court. He is definite prospect to watch as the AAU season progresses. Herro looked the part of Division 1 guard and I expect his recruitment to expand big time this spring on the EYBL.

2025 5'11 Jalyn Patterson - Jsizzle 3SSB 17U

Where to begin with Patterson? He might be an anomaly. He is unassuming, but if you love basketball and pay attention Patterson impresses! I Have watched this kid over the basketball season and Patterson is one of the best players in his class in the Midwest. Patterson played prep school basketball for Minnesota Prep on the Grind Session. I knew he was going to be a problem when the diminutive point guard was the best player on the floor against La Lamuiere. All facts! This weekend was no different, just a little reserved. It was if he was trying to find his place on a very good Jsizzle team. When he settled in Patterson left no doubt he was a nationally elite prospect! Patterson defended very well against much bigger players. At times he had ball handlers confidence shaken. Patterson averaged 4 steals per game while getting to the rack and knocking big shots. Patterson has a very nice pull-up game and great athleticism. Patterson already holds division one offers with a ton more in the works.

2026 5’11 Lamont Hamilton – Power 5 16U 3SSB

Lamont Hamilton is a competitor. His game gives you an old-school feel where he wants to win and will do anything to do it. It's the mentality needed when leading a basketball team that college coaches will covet. He plays with passion and intensity which is rare these days. Against Team Herro Hamilton put on a show! Hamilton can go right or left to the cup and finish through contact. He has nice pull-up game which makes him hard to defend. On defense he is relentless.

2026 6'0 Jayden Moore - JSizzle 17U 3SSB

Jayden Moore is definitely one of the most underrated PGs in the country. This kid has never played his age bracket which could be one reason he has limited exposure in the 16U class. Moore is already one of the top PG's on the 17U circuit which probably makes him one of the top in his class of 2026. Moore is a special talent. A true PG that makes everyone on the floor. Moore constantly makes the right play as the premier ball handler for JSizzle 17U. He has a dizzying array of floaters in his bag. A very crafty ballhandler who is capable of getting anywhere on the court he desires. Moore can score from all over the floor. His best attribute is making players better and putting them in the correct areas to score. Please do not get me wrong. Moore can go out and give you buckets on any given night. He already holds major division one offers.

2026 6’3 Deuce Burkes – Team Herro 16U EYBL

Deuce Burkes was electric for Team Herro EYBL on Sunday helping lead his team to the 16U platinum championship. Burkes has a non-stop motor and left everything he had on the floor – including fighting through cramps down the stretch of the championship game matchup with Power 5. Burkes is a big time shot maker, can create his own offense, make jumpers off the dribble and in catch and shoot, and plays with elite pace with the ball in his hands. In a final 4 matchup with Midwest Renegade which was one of the best games of the weekend, Burkes put his team on his back in the second half to secure the win, finishing with 26 points and some clutch buckets.

2026 5’10 Torrence Tate Jr – Midwest Renegade 16U NB

Torrence Tate Jr of Midwest Renegade was one of my favorite 2026 prospects I saw. Don’t let his size fool you at 5 ’10, Tate was impossible to stay in front of, can finish over and around bigger defenders at the rim, knocked down jumpers and is a great on ball defender – constantly harassing opposing ball handlers.

2025 6’0 David Bolden – Power 5 17U 3SSB

David Bolden is the glue that keeps it all together and was one of the top-floor generals I saw over the weekend besides Jayden Moore. Bolden is competitive. He picks up full court defensively and plays with high energy. He does not want his opponent to score. Bolden has "that old school" mentality which is appreciated by college coaches. As the summer progresses Bolden will pick up offers. His game translates to low to mid-major division 1.

2025 6’1 Isaiah Mellock – 24Up 17U UA Rise

Isaiah Mellock had one of the most eye-opening performances of the weekend for 24Up 17U in a matchup with WI Playmakers on Saturday. 24Up dropped a close one but Mellock scored a game high 28 points and had his best game I have seen in person. Mellock handled the ball at a high level, created for teammates, and was able to get his – attacking the rim, knocking down jumpers off the dribble and getting out in transition. Mellock is a strong on ball defender with good lateral quickness and is a prospect D2 schools in the Midwest should be tracking this spring and summer.