With all the great depth and talent this year on the 16U level of the NY2LA Association, there was great debate for this list. While a number of players could have earned their way onto it, here are the five players that made the first team. 

Stevie Elam – 2025 – G – The Academy

In addition to making his way on to this first team list, he was also named Most Valuable Player at the 16U level. Regardless of level, Elam was one of the best scorers throughout the spring and summer. Whether it was playing on or off the ball, knocking down shots, or getting to the rim, Elam is an incredibly skilled guard that has only continued to get better. While he had a great year with The Academy last year, his game took great strides this year. With his improvement, Elam has received his first scholarship offers recently and has gotten on the radar of numerous other programs. 

Drew Murphy – 2025 – SF – Wisconsin Swing

As well to being one of the top scorers on the NY2LA Association, he was also one of the most consistent. The 6’5” wing forward has such a versatile scoring ability and beat top defenders all season long. He is a true three level scorer who can get it done efficiently from all over the floor. Whether it was spotting up from the outside with his smooth jumper, pulling up in the mid-range, or using his solid build to score down on the block, Murphy was consistently putting up twenty plus points a game. Following the summer, he picked up an offer from Michigan Tech. 

Corey Pittman – 2025 – PG – REACH Legends

While Pittman came into the spring a bit under the radar, that did not stop him from earning his way onto this list. With his ability on both ends of the floor, Pittman was a lock for the first team at the 16U level. Game after game and tournament after tournament he was one of the best, if not best, on ball defenders. With his quickness and defensive intensity, he was able to change games and wreak opposing teams’ offenses. Much more than just a defender he was also one of the better scorers at the 16U level of the association. 

Robert Smith – 2025 – PG – D Rice Elite

Smith only continued to greatly improve throughout the year and was a big reason for all the success of D Rice Elite during the summer. At both the Summer Jam and Final Chapter, D Rice Elite was one of the best teams at the 16U level with Smith leading the way which included a runner up performance for the NY2LA Association Championships. Not only is an incredibly skilled point guard with a great ability to create for himself and others while playing on the attack, but he can also turn up his game a level when needed. 

Lewshawn Stowers – 2025 – G – MidPro Academy

MidPro Academy was able to capture the NY2LA Association championships at the 16U and Stowers was a huge reason for all their success. It was a breakout grassroots season for him picking up some division one offers following the season and he emerged as one of the top guards in Illinois’ 2025 class. He is a very unique talent in the backcourt at 6’4” with his strong build to go along with his versatile skill set. All season long he was able to impact the game in so many ways consistently making winning plays. Whether it was running the point, defending guards and forwards effectively, excelling on the attack, Stowers was always making plays.