Once again, the entire DMV hoops community came together to help shine light on arguably the top high school showcase event in the DMV and east coast, the DMVelite 80. In it's third year, the staff at DMVelite, as usual, put together a loaded roster of some of the best high school talent from DC, Maryland and Virginia. Although what made this year's crop unique from the first two, was that the underclassmen stole the show. From crowd pleasing dunks, to vicious crossovers to big time blocks and scoring runs, the class of 2017 and 2018 came and sent a strong message that they are indeed classes we need to keep a close eye on. As with every year, there are players who raised their game and stood out above the rest. And here they are.......
Daquan Bracey - St Francis/ 2016/ 5'11
If there was an MVP awarded at this event I would vote for St Francis senior point guard Daquan Bracey. He was a one man show the entire event. His combination of speed, quickness and deadly ball skills made him unguardable the entire time. Bracey can finish at the basket, make difficult passes look routine and a handle that would make Kyrie Irving proud. If there is a better pure point guard in the area I would like to see who it is.
Jared Bynum - Georgetown Prep/ 2018/ 5'8
Bynum caught my eye due to his efficient style of play. A prototype point guard, he always makes the correct play. He displayed leadership and a maturity in his game that are beyond his years. He can shoot from college range with consistency already, will break you down off the dribble to either finish at the rim or to make plays for his teammates and is a savvy defender. With two years left to develop, things will get very interesting when evaluating the top guards. Expect Bynum to be at the top of the list for sure.
Elijah Clarance - St Maria Goretti/ 2017/ 6'2
Clarance is an aggressive relentless player on BOTH ends. He plays much bigger than his listed height of 6'2.
The only knock is he's a streaky shooter, with improvement in that area he will move up the rankings for sure.
Justin Milstead - IDEA/ 2016/ 5'9
Milstead is built like a running back but he can play. He may not have the quickness and speed of Bracey but he is a gamer. A solid point guard who just oozes with confidence has the ability score in bunches and defend most guards due to his strength and willingness to accept the challenge.
Amanze Njoku-Ibe - Riverdale Baptist/ 2016/ 6'8
An atheltic freak. When Njoku-Ibe (center) gets the ball in the paint, best believe he is putting the ball and whoever that is brave enough to jump with him in the basket. High motor forward with an improving offensive arsenal which he showed, knocking down 15 footers and a 3-pointer. His bread and butter is rebounding, and being a force in the paint however. A very talented prospect.
Ejike Obinna - Virginia Academy/ 2017/ 6'10
Was thoroughly impressed with Obinna's polish on the block. He displayed "Pro" moves that left his fellow high school competition standing still and watching him dunk the basketball. He even stepped out and hit mid range jumpers as well. A true big man that realizes he belongs in the paint, runs the floor, block shots, can pass, has a high IQ and is unstoppable on the block, its clear why Obinna has a long and growing list of DI offers to choose from. In my opinion, he was the best big man in attendance.
LJ Owens - Severn School/ 2018/ 6'2
A smooth shooting guard out of Severn School. His jumper is as much a thing of beauty as it is deadly. You have to guard him as soon as he crosses halfcourt and then he has the ability to break defenders down and finish at the basket or get the ball to teammates to make plays. Has to get stronger and become a dedicated defender, once he does that he will be as complete as they come at guard.
Qudus Wahab - Virginia Academy/ 2019/ 6'11
Relentless on the offensive boards, a raw athletic forward who has good hands and is a solid finisher. An x-factor with the potential to become a force for Virginia Academy in the future and higher levels beyond.
Chyree Walker - Bullis/ 2017/ 6'4
Arguably the most explosive player in the gym in which he validated CONVINCINGLY with a dunk over AAU teammate Jelani Williams that shut the gym down. The knock on Walker in prior years, is that he doesn't possess the skills to compliment his athleticism to make him a force at guard. That knock may go away fairly soon. Walker showed poised as a ballhandler, making the correct play time and time again. He knocked down jumpers off the dribble and in a spot up situation at a better rate than I have seen from him in the past which says he has been in the gym working on that aspect. Add in his competitve streak and never say die outlook on the game, Walker could be on his way to being not just the best guard but best player in the DMV when it is all said and done. Stay Tuned!!!!
Jelani Williams - Sidwell Friends/ 2017/ 6'4
To say Williams came to play is an understatement. Deadly off the dribble, can shoot it and has good athleticism and size to make him a problem at either the point or off guard spots. Not afraid of the "moment" as he routinely made big plays on both ends to help push his team into the DMVElite 80 championship game. A prospect to watch closely moving forward.