Hoop Group's Southern Jam Fest is one of the most anticipated events of the dead period. Coined the "Battle of the Brands", Southern is one of the only places to watch grassroots circuits battle head to head in pool play.
“The Southern Jam Fest is unique where you can find an Under Armour or Adidas unit play against a Nike bunch.
Pitting the two together, from a scout’s perspective and from a fan’s perspective, is as good as it gets.”
- Corey Evans, Rivals. ()
Player Standouts
Rodriguez Gayle | WeR1
Gayle showed flashes of his potential. The NY Guard made savvy plays all afternoon in his teams' win. Look for this name to become a household one in years to come.
Matt Dade | East Coast Power
Dade led East Coast Power to an upset win over Team Loaded NC. He consistently attacked the basket and had multiple big dunks to lead his team.
Dahmir Bishop | K-Low
Bishop started the weekend off hot with an all around offensive performance in game one. Bishop made shots at all 3 levels and used his length to finish everything at the rim
Isaiah Wong | WeR1
Isaiah has been the alpha dog for his team all afternoon. High Major schools love his length and feel for the game. One of the more promising prospects in Hampton this weekend.
Marcellus Avery | The Dream
Avery has been one of the most impressive breakout performers of the entire Southern Jam Fest. Leading the Dream to a 3-0 record through two days. An explosive athelte, Avery is quickly becoming a name to know in VA and beyond.
Cam Thomas | 6’4” WG | Boo Williams 17U
Thomas has been one of the top scorers in the country the past few weeks after averaging 30 points per game in last weekends EYBL session, and he has picked up right where he left off this weekend. He has picked up the slack with star Aundre Hyatt out with injury, and in their cross town rivalry game against Team Loaded 757 he poured in 30 easy points. He has the total package as a scorer both on and off the ball, and his recent growth spurt has helped him get his shots off easier.
Carlos Alexander | Team Thrill
Alexander put on a show for Team Thrill. With 16 points in the first half, he showed why he is one of the most impressive prospects in the Baltimore area. Alexander leads one of the most talented 14U teams in the country.
Caleb Dawkins | 6’2” WG | Team Loaded 757 17U
Dawkins shot the ball well throughout the weekend, but his best game was by far in Loaded 757’s win over Kenny Anderson Elite. The shooting guard started fast by scoring 12 points and hitting four threes in the first half, and he didn’t slow down throughout the game. He finished with 35 points and seven triples, continuing his hot shooting streak throughout the spring and he should see his recruitment pick up here soon.
Earl Timberlake | 6’5” WG | Team Loaded VA 17U
A two way impact player, Timberlake is really coming into his own for a young Loaded VA team that is finding their stride. He’s a much improved shooter that’s finding confidence in his shot, and he’s able to guard multiple positions at a high level and finish around the basket. His all around game is something that coaches rave about and was on full display at Southern JamFest.
Karim Coulibaly | 6’9” PF | New World 17U
Matched up with one of the top bigs in the country, Coliuby not only held his own but he excelled despite New World’s loss to New Heights. A super skilled and long big man, he’s able to score inside and out, and he gives good effort on both ends of the floor. He’s a walking mismatch that can bring shot blockers out of the paint, and he’s able to finish in the paint and above the rim when he gets a head of steam.
Javon Swinton | 6’1” PG | The Dream 16U
A two way star that gets it done on the football field as well, Swinton showed terrific poise leading his team to victory over a talented Team Durant group. The 6’1” point guard has good length and quickness, and he used that to get in the lane and finish with floaters, layups and dunks with ease. He finished with 19 points, but he did much more as he set the tone on both ends of the floor.
Lester Quinones | 6’5” WG | New Heights 17U
An all around wing with a good shooting stroke and some toughness to him, Quinones was impressive in a number of ways on Saturday of Southern JamFest. He has great size on the wing, and with that he can really shoot the basketball making him very tough to guard. He’s a guy who can attack closeouts and plays well in transition, where he can shoot the deep ball or attack and finish above the rim.
Anwar Gill | 6'5" CG | DC Premier
Gill has stretched out to be a 6'5 combo guard with an improved jump shot. He has always had a nost for the ball on defense and has hounded his opponents all game. The Gonzaga product is a great name for all coaches to know moving forward
