NYBL Fabulous 50 Released

R. Barrett Jr., W. Moore, B. Koprivica, S. Lewis & J. Fraancis

In our continuing efforts to provide maximum exposure to our teams and players, the National Youth Basketball League (NYBL) has put together a list of the top 50 players in the league so far this season.  Many of the names on the list should come as no surprise as these guys have been spotlighted numerous times since the league tipped off in March.  Anytime you put together a list like this there’s a good chance players will be missed; however, we feel pretty good about the players selected for this honor based on their consistent performance over the course of 3 sessions. At the conclusion of the championship session in Columbus, OH in 2 weeks we will be updating the list for a final time. Below is a link to the NYBL’s Fab 50, and as we always say; nobody is doing the things the NYBL is doing!

NYBL Fabulous 50 (2020)

NYBL Fabulous 50 (2019)

NYBL Session #3 Leading Scores

J. Jones, B. Koprivica, E. Johnson, B. McCray & C. Elliott

One of the unique features of the National Youth Basketball League (NYBL) includes the tracking and highlighting of the top players in the league. In session # 3 in Louisville, KY, there were a number of players who put up big numbers in terms of scoring. In the 2019 division, guys like Upstate Elite ‘s Joe Jones (35), Team Florida’s Balsa Koprivica (33), Carolina Chaos’ Evan Johnson (30) and Arkansas Soldierz (30) joined the 30-point Club with big time performances. Only Chase Elliott (2020) with the Worldwide Wildcats reached to 30-point mark with his 31-point explosion against CBC Elite. Although only a handful of guys cracked 30, there were a number of 20-point games in both divisions.  Below is a link to the entire list of leading scorers.

NYBL Session #3 Leading Scorers

Session #2 Top Performers (2019)

R. Barrett, B. Sanders, C. Payne, B. Antoine & W, Moore

The second stop of the 2014 NYBL season took us to Atlanta, GA, where the team match-ups were off the hook, and the level of individual play remained extremely high. Although we were hoping to crown a fresh new MVP after Session #2, Brampton Warrior’s Rowan Barrett Jr. would have none of that. Barrett has emerged as one of the top players in the NYBL, and possibly the class. He followed up his MVP performance in D.C. with another masterful performance.  According to the scorebooks, Barrett dropped 32 points on Texas Express Elite, one of the better teams in the league, and another 24 points against the Arkansas Soldierz. In addition, in 5 games, Barrett averaged a little oover 20 points per game and for his efforts, Barrett repeats as Session MVP.

We do have some new names on the Session 1^st team. Like Barrett, Team Florida’s Bryan Sanders put up big numbers in Atlanta. In fact, in at least 3 games, Sanders scored in double figures, including 19 points against the Charlotte Rivals, 18 points versus Carolina Chaos and another 13 points against the Reach Higher Kings. All-Ohio’s Chris Payne is not always singled out as the top guy, but his lunch pale type production made him the leading scorer for the undefeated All-Ohio squad in the second session. Teammate Chris’Sean Stringer also put in work for All-Ohio and was rewarded with a 5^th Team nod.

A. Nembhard, BJ Mack, M. Pierre, J. Gary & K. Sturdavant

We’re not sure anybody had a hotter hand from the perimeter than Team Rio’s Byran Antonio.  Against the 9-1 Team CP3, Antoine was deadly from beyond the arc to the tune of 16 points. He followed that up with another impressive shooting performance 1 game later, where he had to have drained 5-6 treys. His performance in session #2 has earned him a spot of the 1^st team. Team CP3 is so loaded with talent; it’s often difficult to select a top player. At given point, any of about 4 players can lead this team in scoring. We gave the edge to Wendell Moore, who not only delivers buckets; he rebounds and defends at a high level. Moore had another solid outing in the ATL.

The 2^nd Team is well represented in terms as talent. Team United’s BJ Mack emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the post, while Andrew Nembhard continues to make a case as the top PG in the league. Myles Pierre put up gaudy numbers again, and Juwan Gary paced a talented S.C. Hornets team. The Memphis War Eagles are brimming over with nationally ranked players, but we are giving the nod to Kyle Sturdivant for 2^nd Team honors. Several players took turns running the show (DJ Jefferies, Chandler Lawson and a couple of others), but Sturdivant caught our eyes when it mattered. Below is the official Top Performers list.

Session #2 Top Performer List

Session #2 Photo Gallery

NYBL Session #2 6th Grade Recap

S. Morrow, K. Walker, D. Stevens, P. Dawson, J. Harris, M. McNeal, Agbo  & B. Williams

A couple of days ago we published a Session #2 recap for the 7^th grade division.  The recap outlined the top teams and several standout performers.  Well, the 6^th grade division may be smaller in numbers, but by no means is there less team or individual talent! At the very top of the division sits the Oakland Soldiers, who after a 5-0 run in Atlanta remain perfect at 10-0.  If the Solders were not already stacked enough, with studs Shemar Morrow and Kyree Walker, they will be even tougher to beat with the addition of Dylan Dupina (6’0 PF LA) who comes over from the City Stars and the emergence of Kendell Munson (6’2 C Kent, CA). Due to a slight philosophy change in Atlanta, there were a few teams than challenged the Soldiers, but at the end of the day, nobody could take them down. Team Glory was the stiffest challenger, but Oakland still got by them 67-54.

West Coast All-Stars-9-1 After 2 Sessiona

 Arguably the second best team in the league is the West Coast All-Stars, who ran the table in Atlanta with a 5-0 record. This team is also loaded with talent with guys like Jason Harris, Paris Dawson Tyrone Washington, William McClendon, and the only reason they might not be considered the dog in the league right now is their loss to Team Takeover in Session #1. Although West Coast beat the Soldiers in Portland earlier in the year, that was without Walker, plus, Oakland defeated Team Takeover in an instant classic in D.C. Make no mistake, West Coast was challenged in Atlanta, just ask the Leesburg Basketball Club (2-3), who had a chance to get the win, but went down 49-48. Some observers are predicting an all-west coast championship in Columbus.

The Worldwide Wildcats had to feel pretty good about their weekend, finishing with a 4-1 record, with the only loss coming against a very talented San Diego Select (49-41), who was filling in for the weekend. The Wildcats had to fight back the Mansfield Cavs, who so far this NYBL season has surprised some teams with their toughness. Worldwide held on to get the 48-42 victory. Their next biggest challenge was the Carolina Kings (2-3), but again, they held on to win 48-36.

Worldwide Wildcats

Congratulations to San Diego Select for their 5-0 record in Session #2.  Although Steve Wade’s team worked hard to join the league this year, they simply could not make it happen.  However, they did make a cameo appearance in Atlanta, and boy did they look good! Great guard play, wings that can score, a big and aggressive frontcourt make this team very difficult to beat. Worldwide was their stiffest test, but they beat them by 8 points (49-41).

CBC Elite deserves some props, finishing 4-1 on the weekend. CBC had no cake walk either, as they had to get by the Mansfield Cavs (58-69), Brampton Warriors (49-55) and Flint’s Finest (59-69). They hung in there with San Diego, but eventually fell to them 63-48. The God First Crusaders continue to improve, and their 3-2 record is a reflection of that. The Texas based team is powered by Isaiah Leblanc who has led the team in scoring in 2 sessions. Last weekend, they beat Team Glory (44-34), Leesburg (52-49) and Go Hard in the Paint (64-37). Their 2 losses were to the Banneker Kings (62-70) and the West Coast All-Stars 89-49).

The Banneker Kings got 3 wins in Atlanta (3-2), over the likes of God First Crusaders (62-70), Enplay Elite (49-54) and Go Hard in the Paint (62-31).  They were defeated by West Coast (41-72) and Oakland (21-53). When you go 2-3 or worse in a session it’s difficult to get much ink, but there were some very competitive games, and a few teams who had a chance to better their record in Session #2

R. Harris, J. Banks, LeBlanc, C. Ellis, L. Stankavage, C. Harris, T. Notarainni & L. Gonzales

In terms of individual talent, there were a number of players who logged in impressive performances in Session #2.  The following is a short list of the kids we saw: Isaiah Leblanc (6’0 WF Houston), Dimingus Stevens (5’8 SG Washington D.C.), Montez McNeil (6’3 C Baltimore), Jahmal Banks (5’8 WF Washington D.C.), Luke Stankavage  (5’3 SG Charlotte), Jordan McPhatter (4’10 OG Charlotte), Logan Howe (5’6 SG Mansfield, OH), Chance Mott (6’2 C Mansfield, OH), Devon Smith (5’4 PG Snellville, GA), Rakiea Herbin (5’11 C Burlington, NC), Chase Ellis (5’9 PF Dougsville, GA), Jeremy Roach (5’6 SG Leesburg, VA), Chuck Harris (5’6 PG Leesburg, VA), Thomas Naarainni (5’10 WF San Diego), Brock Williams (5’2 PG Burlington, NC), Paris Dawson (5’7 SG Long Beach, CA) Shemar Moorow (6’2 WF Aurora, OH), Kyree Walker (6’2 WF Atlanta), Rico Harris (4’11 PG Flint, MI), Dylan Dupina (5’10 C LA), Karsen Perkins (5’10 C Concord, NC), Jason Harris (6’3 C Chandler, AZ), Tyrone Washington (5’5 PG Tempe, AZ), Zawdie Jackson (5’3 SG Snellville, GA), Jordan Toles (6’0 SG/WF Baltimore), Chibuzo Agbo (6’0 C San Diego), Obinna Anyanwu (6’1 C San Diego) and Alex Wade (5’0 PG San Diego).  Session #3 in Louisville, Kentucky will give teams another opportunity to bolster their record and raise their seeding for the championship session in Columbus, Ohio in June.

Current League Standings

League Website

NYBL Session #2 2019 Recap

Rowan Barrett Jr., Balsa Koprovica, Chandler Lawson, Brian Antonie & Wendell Moore

If there were any lingering doubts about the significance of the NYBL, what went down in Session #2 in Atlanta last weekend squashed all of that. The NYBL is hands down the best thing to hit middle school basketball in decades. The amount of team and individual talent amassed in the second session is unmatched. In terms of elite teams, the addition of the Memphis War Eagles and George Hill, the emergence of the Brampton Warriors and Team United; the discovery of Butler Elite and the known juggernauts like All-Ohio Red, Team CP3, S.C. Hornets, Team Rio, Texas Express as well as other elite teams, the NYBL is a force to be reckoned with.

In terms of individual talent, 9 of the top 10 ranked players in the country were ballin out in the ATL. When you talk about top 100 ranked players nationally, it’s safe to say 90% of the most elite players are in the league, and they hooped last weekend. Names like Balsa Koprovica (6’8 C Florida), Chandler Lawson (6’7 WF Tennessee), Scottie Lewis (6’3 WF New Jersey), Wendell Moore (6’4 PF North Carolina), Jeremiah Francis (5’11 PG Ohio), Jordan Mitchell (6’3 WF Ohio) and Kobe Langley (5’9 SG North Carolina) were all established top 10 players when year #2 of the NYBL tipped off in Washington D.C. in March, but guys like Rowan Barrett Jr. (6’4 WF Canada), Nobal Days (6’8 C Wisconsin), Isaiah Moseley (6’0 SG Canada), Andrew Nembhard (6’0 PG Canada) and BJ Mack II (6’6 C North Carolina) have all burst onto the national stages since their teams joined the NYBL.

All-Ohio Red Sits 10-0

This past weekend featured early season match-ups that could not even be imaged 2 years ago. Team CP3 vs Memphis War Eagles; All-Ohio Red vs Texas Express Elite; Team Rio National vs S.C. Hornets; Memphis War Eagles vs S.C. Hornets and Team CP3 vs Memphis War Eagles our just a few of the elite match-ups that were offered in Session #2. With those types of battles, some teams that are not accustomed to loosing at all, let alone this early in the season were going to take some “Ls.” All-Ohio Red went undefeated for the second time in 2 sessions, including a surprising blowout (41-62) win over Texas Express Elite, and now sits at a perfect 10-0 in league play. All-Ohio is playing some of the best basketball in the league.  Not only are they bringing the full court pressure for 32 minutes, they bring a fresh 5 players off the bench to maintain that pressure.  Most teams simply can’t hold on for an entire game.  We no their top guns (i.e., Francis, Mitchell & Reynolds), but guys like Chris Payne, Chris’Sean Stringer and Amri Davis have been leading the team at times. According the score books, Payne was the big dog in Atlanta.

Team CP3

Keyford Langley’s Team CP3 faced one of the toughest schedules of the weekend and came out unscathed (9-1 overall) with wins over Team Rio (54-47), Memphis (57-52), Team Takeover (67-39), 6^th Man Warriors(63-43) and Academy Prep Hawks (50-45). Wendell Moore had another good weekend as did Chaz Gwinn, the Langley twins and Mike Green. The upstart Brampton Warriors solidified their place among the elite teams in the league with a 5-0 record in Atlanta. That unblemished recorded included a lopsided victory over Texas Express Elite (62-41) on Saturday. A virtual unknown in the U.S. prior to Session #1 in Washington D.C, Brampton’s Rowan Barrett was killin it in Atlanta. Multiple 20 point games, dunks and athletic demonstrations finally convinced some folks that he’s the top guy in this class. Speaking of tops in his class, his running mate, Andrew Nembhard, is quietly building a case as the top PG in the class. He’s not flashy, but he runs the point like a poised college guy.

Andrew Nembhard, Isaiah Moseley, Myles Pierre & BJ Mack

Although the Ohio Hoopsters left D.C. 0-5 in the opening session, their ride home from Atlanta had to feel much better packing a 5-0 record. Now that’s a serious turnaround! Speaking of turn arounds, with the addition of Balsa Koprovica, who is a big who is super skilled, and the continued physical play of Bryan Sanders, Team Florida has a new look, a new swag, and 5-0 record coming out of Atlanta. They are now a legitimate threat to upset somebody in Columbus in June. Over the weekend, Team Florida took down the Charlotte Rivals, D-Wade Future Stars, Team United, Reach Higher Kings and Carolina Chaos. In 2 sessions Team Rio has only lost 2 games (8-2 overall) and has played a very competitive schedule.  We know they have top 5 Scottie Lewis on the roster, but Brian Antonio was the story this weekend, as he knocked down a boatload of treys in several tough games. Team Rio continues to get better, and could find themselves in the final 4 in Columbus in June.

Other impressing showings included Team United’s 68-67 overtime victory against the Memphis War Eagles on Sunday. In that game, North Carolina’s BJ Mack silenced some of his many critics with a big time, 30 point performance. Butler Elite had to be happy with their 4-1 showing last weekend. Their only loss came at the hands of Texas Express Elite, who had to overcome a double digit deficit to pull out the 58-60 win. Noble Days was hurt on day one, but returned on Sunday. In his absence, Demonta Hudson put together a great weekend, and was his team’s leading and most consistent scorer.

Juwan Gary, Chris Payne, DJ Jeffries & Joe Jones

Fresh off a great showing in a big tournament their home country, the Northern Kings logged in a surprising 4-1 record in Session # 2.  Their lone loss came against DC United, another Canadian team (33-30). Their best win of the weekend was a 39-37 nail bitter against Texas Express Elite Saturday afternoon. A big shout out goes to the Georgia based TNBC, who got out of Atlanta with a surprising 4-1 record. You can’t blame it on a soft schedule, as TNBC beat a very competitive Team Takeover (59-57), the Academy Prep Hawks, DC Assault and Upstate Elite.

There were a number of 3-2 teams after last weekend, most notably the Memphis War Eagles. Rodney Newsome’s bunch has rarely lost 2 games in a season, let alone in 1 weekend! But hey, that’s what happens in the NYBL. It was hard getting him here (the league), but it was clear his team enjoyed the competition and are very much looking forward the Session # 3 in Louisville, Kentucky in 2 weeks. The S.C. Hornets were initially flying high after the opening session with a gaudy 5-0 record; however, in Session #2 they took 2 body blows and the hands of Memphis (60-69) and Team Rio (48-51). No shame in those losses, as they came at the hands of 2 of the league’s top teams.

Now that Session #2 has been put to bed, all eyes turn to Louisville and the third stop of the league. Teams are starting to think about seeding and the championship session in Columbus, Ohio in June. With a crystal trophy, and national championship rings up for grabs, teams are starting to feel the heat! Can’t wait for Louisville!

Session #2 Photo Gallery

NYBL League Standings