The annual NY2LA Sports Swish N’ Dish hit the hardwood earlier this month and after a two year hiatus from its usual set up due to Covid-19 the prestigious platform was completely back to normal this year with a load cast of talent across the age groups.  Here’s a quick look at a handful of 7th and 8th graders that took the courts in Wisconsin earlier this month…

Rashad Davis – 2026 – Point Guard – Phenom University - Davis is an absolute pit-bull on the floor. He is a dynamic playmaker that is a nightmare for defenders. He was controlling the tempo for his team and picked his spots to showcase his scoring ability. Davis is a prospect that I look forward to following this spring. 

Bilal Yusuf – 2026 – Dual Forward – Martin Brothers – Much like his younger brother, Yusuf, is a long, rangy athlete who can score the ball. He showed good ability to get to the basket and a soft touch around the rim to finish in the midst of contact. He plays with a great motor and was very active throughout the tournament making plays on both ends of the court. 

Yusef Gray Jr – 2026 -  Combo Guard – Phenom University – A high IQ guard with a good all-around game, that can control the game with his scoring or playmaking ability. Gray is very smart with the ball in his hands and distributed the ball well. Led his team to the 14u platinum championship, avenging a Friday night loss to Martin Brothers.

Fami Yusuf – 2027- Dual Forward – Martin Brothers – While still only 12 years old, he was one the most impressive player of the entire 13U division. The lengthy 6’2” wing is an incredibly versatile player with a great scoring ability. He has great moves off the dribble attacking and could not be stopped from to his spots. His length caused issues on the defensive end of the floor. A huge piece of the Martin Brothers team that won the 13U platinum championship, winning by an average of 23 points per game.

Jaden Burrell - 2027-Combo Guard – MKE Ballaz Elite – The big guard could not be stopped at times attacking the basket. He can lure defenders in with his improved shooting ability as well as use his physicality and strong build to battle his way to the basket and finish. Burrell was the best player for the Ballaz in a tough lost to Martin Brothers in the 13u platinum championship game.

Oliver Belot – 2027 – Shooting Guard – Chapman Basketball Academy Gold - A smooth guard that plays well without the ball. Belot can run the offense but is also a sniper from the outside. He has in the gym range and can hit shots at a high percentage off the catch and attack the basket and finish with soft floaters over taller defenders. One of the more skilled scorers at the 13U level of the tournament, averaging 17 points per game in 4 games.

Blake Basich – 2027 – Combo Guard – Closed Gyms Walz - A playmaking guard with plenty of swagger and skill. The younger brother Phenom University 16u player Bennett Basich, Blake showed a good ability to both score and distribute the basketball. He has a good handle and was able to get into the paint often to create for himself and teammates with smart decision making. He can also knock down the three and plays extremely hard on defense.

Justin Speed – 2027 – Hybrid Post – MKE Ballaz Elite – Speed was a strong presence inside and outside all weekend.  He was overpowering defenders on the offensive glass and getting downhill and finishing at the rim. Speed was more than just a force inside, he stepped away from the basket hitting a few threes over the weekend.