Over this past weekend, 252 Mixtapes and I had a chance to showcase some of the top talent from the 252 and surrounding area codes. The #252Invitational brought some of the top teams and talent from the east side of the state to Snow Hill, NC, where they battled for the illustrious championship in year 3 of the event. Over the next couple of days, I will be dropping selections for top performers/all tournament teams.
6’2 Shimere Garris, Warriors Life Elite *MVP*
When the final buzzer went off there wasn’t much debate over who would walk away with the MVP. After an impressive 31 point performance that included an array of buckets that came from all over the floor, Garris bumped his averages up to 19 points and 8 rebounds for the tournament. Known for his ability to score the ball the stout lefty also has a nice handle that helps him get to his spots with ease.
6’5 Justin “Jut” Bridges, Warriors Life Elite
For the 2nd Warriors Life Elite, all tournament team members could’ve gone to a few different players but we chose the leader in blocks for the 16U division Jut Bridges. Jut has a unique skill set that allows him to play on the perimeter on the offensive all while being the back line of defense on the other end. On top of leading the division in blocks, he chipped in 8 points and 6 rebounds per game.
6’4 Charlie Thomas, NC Invasion
NC Invasion got two big wins on their way to the championship over Trezz and BSM in large part because of the play of Charlie Thomas. Listed at 6’4 Thomas has a nice nose for the ball and bounce that makes him a handful around the rim when scoring or grabbing rebounds. He finished the weekend averaging 20.3 points 7 rebounds and 2 blocks per game.
6’4 Brennan Chambers, NC Invasion
Like his contemporary mentioned above Brennan Chambers was one of the better athletes in the 16u division. He repeatedly used his bounce and length to corral rebounds and finish around the basket through contact. Chambers also chipped in 11 points per game and had his biggest output 21 points in the championship all while coming off the bench.
6’4 Christian Phelps, Team Trezz
A balanced attack navigated the Trezz 16U squad to a 2-1 weekend, CP was their man in the middle and was the one tasked with leading the squad this weekend. Phelps led the charge with a nonstop motor and good all-around defensive play that led to just under a double double with 9.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
6’3 Colin Lamb, TSG Hoops
One of the two people in the 16U to finish averaging a double double Colin Lamb had an impressive weekend. Coming into the tournament with only 6 players the left handed sniper filled the stat sheet in just about every way possible. He ended the tournament on 15 points 10 rebounds 3.3 assists and knocked down a plethora of 3 pointers.
6’3 McCoy Williams, Bricksquad Monopoly
After missing the first game, due to being at camp, McCoy Williams showed the 2-5-2 why he’s one of the top scorers in the state for the 26’ class. He stepped into game one and hit 4 three pointers including an 18 point 2nd half. Then followed that up with another 4 three point performance in the fifth place game all while leading his team in rebounds at 6.5 per game and points at 20.5 per.
6’4 Jarryn Payne, Team Copper
The other member of the 16U double double club probably had the best weekend of any player regardless of class. Jarryn Payne was a force in every way imagined, he attacked the glass, he had highlight dunks, he had big blocks, and even knocked down a few 3 three pointers for Team Copper 2026. He left the event averaging 21.7 points 10 rebounds 2 assists 2 steals and 3.3 blocks per game