16s and 17s tip off at adidas
Florida Elite, Atlanta Celtics both win
One of the biggest events on the circuit, the adidas Invitational, started off Wednesday with upsets, statements and college coaches looking on in awe.
At the 16U level, the No. 18 Louisville Magic blew out the Compton Magic, 83-53, while Florida Elite held off the Rens, 63-51 in Pool 41. Pool 42 saw the Atlanta Celtics beat the Eric Gordon All-Stars and No. 12 Dream Vision beat Ohio Basketball Club.
Many of the top 16U teams didn’t start play until today, including No. 8 Team Thad. This morning, they blew out Fieldhouse Elite, 77-43. Leron Black and Chris Chiozza both stood out for Thad, who can leap in the Five-Star Power Rankings by winning the tournament this week.
In the 17U field, all eyes were on Florida Elite, playing their first game since enduring some turmoil last week. They dismantled Urban DFW Elite, 76-56 even without the services of Brannen Greene.
Greene’s new team, the Atlanta Celtics, beat Noah Vonleh and Mass Rivals by a final count of 71-63.
But the big upset on the first day of the adidas Invitational came from the other game in the Celtics’ pool. Collin Hartman and the No. 15 Eric Gordon All-Stars lost by three to Memphis Magic Elite. Both teams will certainly be under a lot of scrutiny as pool play continues — Eric Gordon to see how they rebound and Memphis Magic to see if they can follow up a good win with a few more.
And with games going on all around in Indianapolis, top college coaches have made the trip and so far have been treated to some fine performances. Jeff Rabjohns, from Peegs.com, reports that Indiana, Kansas, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, St. John’s and Tennessee all made the trip to see Vonleh, Greene and Solomon Poole (Atlanta Celtics).
Florida and Kentucky were watching D’Angelo Russell (Louisville Magic), and three members of the UConn coaching staff caught glimpses of Dream Vision’s Isaac Hamilton.
Complete and up-to-date pool play results can be found here. Stay with Five-Star throughout the month for more coverage on the circuit’s top events.
