As a coach, fan, scout, or interested observer, it is always a pleasure to watch guys that seemingly can score baskets at will.  We found a couple of those players this summer in a variety of age groups.  The following players stood out above the rest.

17U: Willie Burnett, Team Breakdown – The 6’4 guard heading to Gillion Academy in Virginia was considered the best offensive player on the New Balance circuit this past spring by one outlet.  If we are talking raw ability and pure, natural talent, we aren’t sure that we saw a more talented guard.  Burnett is a long, creative and bouncy guard who can handle the ball and put points up in a hurry – especially from deep. Great footwork, creative ball-handling, and deep shooting range allow Burnett to score against almost any type of conceivable defense.  He scores from all three levels, doesn’t shy away from contact at the basket, and is athletic enough to finish well above the rim.  Burnett showed that he can tone down his game and get teammates open looks and good shots when the defense comes to help or double-team.  Defensively, he always seems up for a challenge, covers a lot of ground quickly, and does a good job of keeping his opponent in front of him.

16U: Aaron Britt, Tre Mann Elite – The 6’2 guard from The Villages is a downhill threat that puts pressure on a defense. Very fast, he has counters and finishes with a blend of power and finesse. He scores well in the lane with floaters, mid-range jump shots, and at the rim through contact.  Britt is also solid shooting the basketball behind the arc as he can make shots equally well off either the catch or the dribble.  His plus-court vision and ball skills allow him to be a solid distributor when the defense is too worried about his scoring skills.  Defensively he is active in the passing lanes and works hard defending the ball.

15U: Jah’mir Wallace, FL Rebels – A 6’4 freshman at Bartow, Wallace is simply a tough cover.  He is big and strong enough to overpower smaller defenders while agile, quick and skilled enough to get past bigger defenders.  Wallace scores well once in the paint but is also a willing and capable passer to teammates for open shots when the defense collapses on him.  With his physical gifts, he can pretty much play and defend any position on the court and is productive with or without the ball in his hands.