With the spring behind us and July in front of us, it is time to take a look at the standings to sort out who the favorites are and which teams could play the spoiler. Our final look will be at the 15U 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

Flo Elite

Coach Marq West has a squad that is mature, physical, and competitive. They finished the spring months with a 21-3 record and a title from the Heart of Georgia and Run for the Cup. This squad is balanced with strong guard play and interior scoring ability. Guards Jherel Gibson and Micah Joyner have been consistent playmakers. While Robert Adams and Ernest Townsell anchor the middle with rebounds, blocked shots, and paint scores.

Team Person

Coach Chuck Person has a youth movement bubbling within his program. They finished 18-6 for the spring. They are led by promising 6-foot-9 forward Devin Melton. His agility, strength, and scoring touch make him a matchup nightmare for most opponents. Keep Ari Thomas on your radar as he is a promising backcourt ball handler.

Atlanta Standard

Coach Dan Garza’s group finished with the second-most wins in the 15U division with 20 wins. They are an impressive group with a deep roster. Their bench is loaded with kids who could start for most other teams. Guard Liam McTeer has been the leader both as a floor general and a scorer for Garza’s squad. Keep the name Bear Bridges in mind for the summer months. He is a potent scorer in the backcourt as well.

Georgia Stunners

The Stunners have earned the reputation as one of the top 15U teams in the city this year. They have only lost two games on the circuit. Their roster is athletic and skilled. Coach Anton Jackson looks to 6-foot-6 guard KJ Reed to carry the scoring load often. But he is flanked by capable guards such as Ethan Moore, Terrance Piggot, and Sevon Jackson as well. Their big man, 6-foot-10 center Derrick Williams, is an emerging star from Alexander High School who will certainly become a name that college coaches pursue consistently in upcoming years.

Bracket Busters

There are a number of teams outside of the top four who could easily make a run and potentially grab the title this July. PNP is an obvious team to point to. This group finished with a 15-10 record, but did so while competing several weekends in the 16U group. Omari Alleyne, Ashton Burt, and Miles Thornton have all proven to be some of the best prospects on the circuit regardless of age. Everything Earned Elite is another talented squad filled with players who can get buckets. They check in with an 18-6 record. Kingston Allen has been a popular name among scouts. He is joined by Caden Lowe and Symeon Watson as guys who are ready to take the next step in their development.

Looking toward the Florida groups, Sunshine Elite recorded an impressive 14-3 record. They were led by Jeremiah Gordon who is a 6-foot-6 wing who has been described as one of the top athletes on the circuit. The Florida Blue Chips have not been hyped as much as other teams in this division, but they should not be ignored with a 15-5 record.

One of the emerging teams to come out of the Heart of Georgia tournament back in April was 478 Elite. Hypesouth Media described them as a “smart, skilled, and seasoned group.” Their guard play should not be overlooked. Twelve Time from South Carolina carries a deep bench that is led by point guard Chubb Skinner. Wing shooter Owen Veihman is liable to get hot and be the X-factor for this group.

Sleepers

AEBL has shown promise with a deep roster and plenty of talented guard play to get upsets. Guys like Nolan Bone, Kelvin McCoy, and Keyon Bush have earned attention this year. Wood Elite’s guard duo of Chase Pickens and Deshawn Wilmington is as good as any duo on the circuit. Ryders Basketball has a strong squad that features athletes and shooters. Amir Ali has consistently earned praise each time he suits up. Do not sleep on Hoopgrind and DPC, teams we feel have not shown their full potential 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