The annual Generation Next Basketball Association hit the hardwood this past spring and summer and the middle school providing grounds did not disappoint as quality teams took to the court chasing championship hardware at the 5th-8th grade levels.  The final horn sounded at the 7th grade division with Martin Brothers out of Iowa hoisting the team trophy, but a number of solid prospects from other teams and programs made their presence felt in the process.  Here’s a quick look at our All-GNBA teams for the 7th grade division where Fami Yusuf of Martin Brothers secured MVP honors…

FIRST TEAM ALL GNBA
Fami Yusuf – 2027- Dual Forward – Martin Brothers – The lengthy 6’3” 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. For his size he has a pretty smooth handle and attacks the rim with a purpose. 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 and only lost one game the entire circuit.

Jack Kohnen – 2027 – Dual Forward – CBA Gold Elite – Kohnen does it all for his team. He scores at times, He makes the correct passes when needed, He initiates the offense in some of their sets, He rebounds at a high rate. Offensively, he is a match up nightmare at this age. He can post smaller players and take bigger players off the dribble. The young wing is ascending and has the tools to make an impact on the varsity level once he enters high school.

Reece Jordan Jr. – 2027- Dual Forward – NESYB – The lengthy wing was one of the more versatile players that I watched throughout the GNBA. Jordan flashed some great abilities all season. Whether it was rebounding, shooting it from deep, or distributing the ball, he was able to do anything to help his team out on the floor. Played extremely well in the GNBA Finals leading his team to an overtime lost in the final four.

Jamier Montgomery – Point Guard – Meanstreets – A very skilled guard that was one of the top players of the GNBA. He is a playmaker that can both score and distribute the ball based on what his team needs at the time. Montgomery already shoots the ball extremely well from deep and can use his dribble to create his own shot or dish to the open teammate. The guard has good feel and knows where to go with the ball. He is the engine behind the Meanstreets team that made a run to the Final four before losing to the eventual champions.

Stevie Hall – 2027- Combo Guard – The Family – Hall is a do it all combo guard. He contributes in numerous ways for his team. He ran point guard getting others involved, he rebounded the ball and played with tempo in the open court. He hit big shots all GNBA. The lengthy lefty has good range from deep and hits a high percentage from midrange when defenders run him off the 3-point line. Hall appears to be in line as one of the top guards from The Family.

SECOND TEAM ALL GNBA
Tayte Cordova – Small Forward – Illinois Central Elite – Cordova is a pure scoring machine. He can shoot it, He can drive it, He can attack the basket. He plays with an intensity that not many his age can match. As much as he scores, he also distributes the ball to open teammates once the defense collapses on him.

Jayce Cook – 2027- Shooting Guard – 24:UP – Cook can flat out shoot the basketball. Many times this year on the NY2LA GNBA circuit he hit 3 or more 3-point shots during a game. He’s a smart guard who is hunting his shot but doesn’t force the issue. He moves well without the ball and doesn’t shy away from contact. 

Oliver Belot – 2027 – Shooting Guard – CBA Gold - One of the more skilled scorers at the 13U level. Belot can flat out score the ball. He has a quick release and consistent form range. Once teams attempt to run him off the 3-point line, he attacks the basket with soft floaters and making the right pass to his teammates. A very underrated rebounder as he had many offensive rebounds for his CBA Gold team throughout the GNBA.

Griffin Karchinski – 2027 – Dual Forward – WI Blizzard – Karchinski was outstanding all GNBA for the Blizzard. He scored at will from all levels and rebounded the ball well. He has a good handle for his size and took contact well at the rim and finished strong. He also showed some good decision making with drive and kicks to open teammates.

Darren Grandon – 2027- Small Forward – Martin Brothers – A highly active 6’2” forward with a versatile game.  He plays well with the ball in his hands but can also spot up for threes. A good finisher around the paint who also is a good passer. Grandon played a big role for the Martin Brothers team that won the GNBA championship