EAB 2021: The Future is Bright in our State

The final installment for the 15 and under age group features one of the top squads in the Southeast, EAB 2021

 

 

 

 

This squad features some of the top Class of 2021 players in the state. They played an epic game against Under Armour sponsored BMaze Elite in what would prove to be the showcase game in this age division.

 

EAB opened up against the talented Free Agents squad and took their best shot closing hard with a 61-53 victory. Matthew Schneider (Siegel) led the charge with 15 markers, followed closely by Matthew Sells (Livingston Academy) with 12.

 

Schneider broke out for 22 in the second game as EAB took care of Chattanooga Elite Grey 83-58. Sells added 13 while Grant Slatten (White County) finished with 11.

 

The showdown loomed and it lived up to all the hype as BMaze Elite edged out the victory 88-85 despite EAB having five in double digits led by Jaylen Wetzel (Siegel) with 16. Wetzel had a great event averaging around 10.7 per game.

 

Zion Swader (Siegel) had his best game of the tournament finishing with 14, Schneider added 13, Jordan Jenkins (Webb School) closed with 12 and Sells added 11.

 

Schneider showed why he is one of the top players in the state in this age group. Long and rangy, he has toughness, he has range as deep as he needs and he isn't afraid to mix it up and penetrate score or dish. Everybody at this age needs to get stronger that's a given but his intangibles are what catches the scouts eye. He sees the floor, he anticipates plays developing and he can cure with a finish of his own. He finished the event as one of the top scorers in the age group at 16.7 per game.

 

What a joy it was to watch Sells as he continues to advance his game. Outstanding from the perimeter, he has a feel for the game that's God given. He has a burst that belies a decent athletic prowess, his short game is dramatic, he finishes at the rim, near the rim and far from the rim. He's tough and competitive, he doesn't mind defending and he hates to lose. If he gets to 6'4 the ball game changes. He finished with an average of 12.0 per game for the event.

 

Swader is a small guard with a nice feel for the game. He can score and likes to hold onto the ball a bit too much. His decision making will really need to be addressed if he is to run the lead guard spot. He is not selfish but at this point he looks to score first and pass second. He is a solid defender and understands the game just need to make the next step with his basketball maturation. I feel confident this will not be an issue.

 

Riggs Abner (Mt. Juliet) was a solid contributor the entire weekend. He scored inside and out and was a beast on the boards. His length is impressive and his effort is even better. He obviously needs to add strength but he never shied away from contact and as he develops he will move out to the wing and increase his offensive output.

 

Jenkins is a talented athlete who has a quickness and a burst that makes him very effective in this age group. He tends to play to fast at times and turns the ball over a bit to much. He can score going to the basket and shows superior burst and quickness. His outside shooting is adequate and will improve as his practice reps increase. He has decent size and will be a force to reckon with as his game and body grows.