The first annual Middle School Madness Tournament presented By Hoopfarm Mixtapez and 252Mixtapes brought together some of the top middle school teams in the 252 area under one roof.
*MVP 6’3 Griffin Cockerham Team Trezz 2027
Griffin Cockerham of Team Trezz 2027’s was a unanimous pick for MVP. Standing just shy of 6’4, with wide shoulders and a nice frame he checks the boxes you like to see of a middle school forward. Agile enough to guard and play on the perimeter while having the motor to handle his own on the glass and underneath the basket. Led the way with 13pts 6rebs and 2blks per game.
6’2 Jordan Hamm Carolina Swarm 2027
The top scorer from the 2027 age group was a tough cover for everyone trying to defend him. Jordan uses his strong frame to carve out space and finish through contact, while also doing his share of the work on the boards. Averaged tournament high 18.5pts and 2nd high 8.5 rebs per game.
6’3 Justin Blow Warrior Life Elite Parson
One of the few kids in the event that I had the luxury of seeing play in a middle school game was his usual self. Justin Blow used his good footwork on the block to carve out space for rebounds and get around defenders for buckets. He led the Parsons 2027 program with averages of 12pts 6rebs and 1.5blks per game.
6’1 Quay Batts Carolina Swarm
Quay Batts did his fair share to help the Swarm 2027s during the tournament. He has the traits of the ultimate glue guy, long-armed and high motor, a menace on the defensive end with the capability to score and distribute at a solid rate. Averaged 11pts 3rebs 2asts fit the event.
6’ Jayonta Blanchard Team Trezz
Not many kids in the 252 play with the enthusiasm that Jayonta plays with. Quick, shifty, and with a microwave scoring ability he’s always a threat to score when he’s on the floor. Aside from his scoring prowess, Blanchard makes tough passes and normally guards the opposing team’s best guard. Averaged 9pts 2rebs 3asts 2stls over the tournament.
6’ Damonyah Odom Team Trezz
Left-handed swingman Damonyah Odom has a nice knack for scoring the ball. Nice size and range when shooting jumpers and capable of finishing around the rim. Averaged 11.3pts 4rebs on the weekend including an 18pt 7reb performance to clinch a championship berth.
5’6 Monquavious Riggins Carolina Swarm
Every time Carolina Swarm needed a big shot from the perimeter Riggins answered the call. Small in stature standing about 5’6 with a big game and range out to the volleyball line. Poppa uses his nifty handle to set up teammates while creating space to get his own shots off as well. Averaged 10.5pts 2asts and 2stls over the tournament.