Hoop Connect Staff | July 25,2024

From July 20-21, teams from the Northeast to the Midwest and Southeast converged for the highly anticipated Connect Basketball League Finals. This thrilling event marked the culmination of a season that began with intense competition and high stakes.

Cincinnati, Ohio: The Beginning of a Journey

The journey to the finals began on April 6-7 in Cincinnati, Ohio. This inaugural stop was a perfect showcase of talent and determination, as teams battled fiercely for their seeding positions. The atmosphere was electric, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable season.

17U Division: The Spotlight

The 17U division was the heart of the tournament, delivering multiple hard-fought battles, including three overtime games. The standout player of the weekend was Jayse Johnson from Team Locked In (CT). Despite playing up two divisions, Johnson averaged an astounding 34 points per game. His exceptional performance, alongside 6’5 Lennox Serrano and 6’10 Christian Wilson, propelled Team Locked In to the championship.

Tennessee Run emerged as the runners-up, finishing the league with a 7-1 record. Their only loss came at the hands of Team Locked In. Key players for Tennessee Run included 6’1 guard AJ Gray, Justice Watson, and the 6’5 unsung hero, Kaden Ison.

Contenders

Vision Elite had a remarkable journey, finishing in the final four. Led by point guard Nate Richardson, they became the dark horse of the weekend. 6’10 Mou Riiney was a defensive powerhouse, while Markeece Mitchell consistently put up big numbers.

Craig Porter Elite also made it to the final four, thanks to the clutch performances of Aden Wallace, Jarek Kirk, and John Pratt, who secured crucial wins down the stretch.

Indiana Jazz, led by guard R’mello Watson, had a strong showing but ultimately fell in the Elite 8.

Notable Performances and Teams

Hopson Elite did not meet their expectations but saw strong performances from Brandon Ingram, Ki’jyere McAlister, and Justin Haralson.

NME Select was driven by 6’6 Adrian Scott and 6’0 guard Donovan Kirkwood.

Southern Indiana Shock’s Taeshawn Tungate earned a spot on the first team all-tournament, averaging around 25 points per game. The Shock endured several hard-fought games throughout the weekend.

Leaders of Tomorrow, featuring standout James Burnett, were formidable opponents in every game.

Lincoln Basketball faced early injuries, affecting their performance, but Iyan Bremer and Logan Darragh remained consistent.

Drive Elite was kept in contention by Jordan Hogue, with significant contributions from rebounder Ethan Slone, who averaged nine rebounds over the weekend.

Craig Porter Select Had a good weekend behind Ty Hardin.

Looking Ahead

The Connect Basketball League Finals delivered an exceptional weekend of basketball, showcasing top-tier talent and intense competition. With talks already underway for the 2025 season, anticipation is building for an even bigger and better league next year.

Stay tuned for more updates and coverage on grassroots basketball action from Hoop Connect!