2012 Peach Jam tips off
Tyus Jones the top performer of Day One
The curtains opened at Peach Jam on Thursday as 24 17U programs took center stage, and it turned out to be quite a show. In front of over 300 Division I coaches and hundreds of fans, the nation’s top prospects displayed unparalleled talent. From acrobatic finishes above the rim to jaw-dropping individual performances and games that finished as upsets, Thursday was an excellent opening act.
Top Individual Performance:
Tyus Jones of Howard Pulley put on a dazzling performance up against Andrew Wiggins and CIA Bounce, arguably the top team in the field. While Jones’s 30-point effort came in a loss, the 6’1 lead guard proved why he’s one of the nation’s top recruits. In the first half, Jones would have you question if there were any better prospects in the class of 2014. The Howard Pulley star poured on 21 points on 9-11 shooting from the floor, including 2-2 from beyond the arc. While CIA Bounce pulled out the hard-fought victory, Jones stole the show with his ability to finish in traffic with ease and control his team’s offensive tempo.
Best Game:
In a back-and-forth affair, Meanstreets squeaked past Each One Teach One, 60-57. The college gym atmosphere added to the drama and excitement of the game. In the closing moments, Meanstreets would connect on a shot from beyond the arc, giving them a three-point advantage. It wasn’t until two defensive stops before the buzzer sounded, however, that they would walk off the court with their heads held high, winning their second game of the day by a combined 11 points. Against Each One Teach One, Meanstreets was led by Jaylen Tate, who scored 11 points, while future Kansas Jayhawk Joel Berry scored 14 points to lead E1T1.
What to watch for in Day Two:
Undoubtedly the most highly anticipated game of pool play is CIA Bounce vs. Texas Titans. Two of the top players in high school basketball, regardless of class, will be able to compete on the hardwood for all to see. While their supporting cast includes several talented prospects, the lights will be shining bright on Wiggins and Julius Randle.
