With the spring behind us and July on the horizon, it is time to look at the standings to sort out who the favorites are and which teams could play the spoiler. Our first look will be at the 17U division, which has been quite competitive. There is a case to be made for several teams at the top. And there are even more teams who have rosters and resumes ready to take aim at the title in July.

Favorites

Sunshine Elite

Sunshine Elite sits atop the standings with the most wins (18) and the best winning percentage (86%) in games played this spring on the circuit. John Elgani’s group returns after winning the 16U championship last July. Point guard Whitfield Bynoe and wing Bryce Hoffert continue to be two of the best players this season. Their depth is something that should not be overlooked. Cory McPherson is a tremendous two-way player with terrific athleticism. Jeremiah Williams is developing into a reliable interior defender, rebounder, and scorer in traffic.

Charlotte Aces

The Aces ended the spring red hot. They won the Carolina Memorial Day Classic with a perfect 5-0 record. Jayden Gunby was named Player of the Month. He is a 6-foot-7 forward who by all accounts is a late bloomer. He is certainly a player college coaches need to look at closely given his youth, upside and production. Class of 2028 forward Jackson Reed is one of the best underclassmen on the circuit. He is versatile with good size at 6-foot-6. Coach Kevin Ligon’s backcourt provides steady production. DeShawn Coulter is a big reason for the Aces’ 16 wins this spring.

Team Gold Coast

Team Gold Coast got off to a blazing start this year. They were named Program of the Month in March while their star guard, Donovan Swain, was named Player of the Month as well. Swain is joined by Gavin Reed to make one of the most lethal guard tandems in the 17U division. Coach Steffan Whittingham does not leave it to talent, he pushes to get the most out of his kids. Players such as Nate Accius and Ethan Jeaniouis are examples of players buying into a system and starring in their roles. They finished the spring tied with the second most wins on the circuit (16). They will be a tough out next month.

Atlanta Kings

The Kings feature one of the best scorers in the state of Georgia, if not all of the Southeast, in Kevin Rogers. He is joined by a wave of other talented players who all give full effort defensively and can put points on the board in a hurry. David Williams is capable of leading a team with the ball in his hands. Promise Palmer is electric in the open court. Start paying attention to the names of Landen Render and Alan Mapp as well. Coach Corey Harper will have his guys ready next month.

Bracket Busters

Sewer South

The fact that Coach Spencer Dixon’s group is listed as a bracket buster and not a favorite should speak to the quality of play in this circuit. They are as well-balanced a team from backcourt to frontcourt as any team we have evaluated. Armond Smith is the captain who handles, sets the table, and makes plays consistently for this team. Tim Johnson is a 6-foot-10 post who anchors the lane and should be in consideration as a top defender in the division. And they are joined by one of the best wing scorers in Landon Grundy, who can deliver when needed most. No one will want to face Sewer South at any point along the way next month.

Team EYA

Coach Brad Martin has formed a group that is ready to go toe-to-toe with anyone suiting up this summer. Guards Quintin Clopton and Braylon Robinson are as good off the bounce as any guard you can list this summer. And Agei Aguelet has proved he is a double-double threat each time he laces up. Add in Jackson Ushery who gave defenders fits at the Sweet Sixteen and that lineup is built for tournament play. EYA checks in with 11 wins, but with a 73% winning percentage, which is a reason for optimism come July.

Team S.M.A.S.H.

Byron Lee and Iverson Freeman are underrated on this circuit. They deserve more attention given their talent and production. Lee is a 6-foot-7 wing capable of scoring above the rim and with jumpers from the perimeter. He is picking up recruiting interest this summer after some solid showings in front of college coaches. Freeman is a reliable playmaker who can play with flair as well. This duo will be tough to contain in July.

Team Person

Last year’s 17U champions got off to a slow start, but they ended on a high note with all their pieces in place. Lorenzo McCorvey appears to be one of the circuit’s emerging gems from the spring. The 6-foot-6 guard took over lead guard responsibilities and opposing defenses did not know how to adjust to his combination of length and playmaking. He is flanked by one of the better shooters on the circuit in Jahmai McClure, which gives this team adequate weapons to compete at the top. Add in the experience and knowledge of legend Chuck Person at the helm and this team is a squad ready to win.

Sleepers

Griffin Grasshoppers feature one of the premier scoring guards in the state in Keelan Day. He has the rare blend of size, athleticism, and knack for scoring the ball all over the court.

TWU finished the spring with 12 wins. Coach Neto has several pieces to work with on this roster. We have our eyes on 6-foot-7 forward Reece Styles. He has had some huge games with TWU.

All Georgia Elite will sneak up on someone next month. Guard Xion Evans is one of the most talented scorers on the circuit. He averaged better than 20 points per game in the month of May. He is far more than a one-dimensional player, however. Scouts have noted him for his instincts and willingness to make the winning play.

Warriors Life Elite features point guard Kasyn Chase who is talented and heady on the court. Coach Green relies upon Chase to push the tempo and set the table, but he has a number of guys who step up as well. Guys like Alijah Miller, Seven Pounds, and Gavin Vause have been steady all spring.

Rare 1s were a few points away from taking home the Carolina Memorial Day Classic Championship last month. They have an athletic roster paired with some talented guards. KJ Taylor has made believers out of many scouts and fans. When he gets in rhythm, he can light up the scoreboard.

If Triangle Offense Elite returns at full force in July, they could easily be in consideration as one of the best 5-6 teams on the circuit. Chase Mohn, Will Gause, and Aiden Aponte have been consistent performers.

We have not seen the best of the Georgia Canes yet. They have been working out some kinks and filling in some gaps. However, they have one of the best point guards on the circuit in Nigel Broome and one of the best interior defenders in Zech Preston. Guards Carmelo Williams and Tyson Sharper are finding their stride at the right time.

Only1Elite features scoring dynamo Essien Lockleer. He can fill it up against anyone. Coach Riggs has added Qua Watson to the mix, making the North Georgia squad a threat to any bracket.

Gold Elite features their own 1-2 punch in Michael Wright Jr. and Fortune Hicks. However, the addition of Zi’on Thomas just made things interesting. Coach JaQuez Motley has a roster full of guys ready to work and make their opponents uncomfortable.

Coach Julian Nyemeck has a star scorer in Khalil Prather. The 6-foot-3 wing has been a standout at every event NGU has competed at. Do not expect Prather and NGU to let off the gas just yet.

Jonathan Hemingway has been a National Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2013. He has been involved in the basketball community since 1995 as a coach, camp director, and evaluator. You can reach him at CoachHemi@gmail.com