Nike’s EYBL had its first session this past weekend in Mesa, Arizona, just outside of Phoenix.  The EYBL does an excellent job of providing full box scores for all three age groups (17U, 16U, and 15U).  While Jet Academy is based out of neighboring Georgia, all three of its teams have a notable Florida flavor.  Let’s take a look at some notable numbers for Jet Academy.

17U

JA’s senior team failed to register a “W” this past weekend, the toughest one being a two-point setback to the NY Rens on the final day of the event.  In Game One vs Vegas Elite, JA shot the ball well but was unable to get enough off as Vegas took 70 shots compared to JA’s 40 according to the box score.  In the next two games, JA shot less than 40% overall from the field.

The four main players from Florida on the team are 6’5 junior Jermal Jones from IMG; 6’7 junior Keven Thomas from Weston Sagemont, 6’6 junior Keeper Jackson out of Columbus, and 6’3 junior Felipe Quinones out of IMG.  Each had their moments but none could put together three solid games in succession.

Jones averaged just over 10 points a game for the weekend but his overall shooting numbers were inefficient.  Thomas was arguably under-utilized in Game One with under twelve minutes playing time, resulting in only six points.  His minutes increased to 25+ each of the last two games and his production increased accordingly.  Thomas put up 10 points in Game Two and 15 points to lead the team in Game Three.  Shooting efficiency was also an issue for him.  Quinones isn’t listed in the Game Three box score.  Game One was solid with 13 points and 5 rebounds while shooting 50%+ from the floor.  He finished with 9 points in game two but the shot efficiency was significantly less.  Jackson may have had the most consistent performances of the weekend for Jet Academy: 10 points and 5 rebounds in Game One; 8 points in Game Two; and 11 points and 4 rebounds in Game Three.  His shooting was much more efficient than the majority of his teammates.

16U

This group finished 2-1 on the weekend.  They defeated both the AL Fusion and GA Stars but fell to the Florida Rebels.

Admittedly, the only Florida player we know for sure on this squad is Nolan Nelson, a 6’8 sophomore from Creekside near St. Augustine. Madden Gieger, a 6’8 sophomore from Clearwater Calvary Christian is listed but shows no minutes in any of the three box scores.

Nelson is not the focal point of the offense.  He had just four points in Game One and two points in Game Two.  Things changed in Game Three where he led the team with 15 points.  Nelson averaged a team-high 6 rebounds a game.

15U

The team finished 1-2 on the weekend as its only win came against the Florida Rebels.  Against the AL Fusion in Game One, JA simply couldn’t make shots, hitting 33.3% overall from the field.  In the final day vs. the Georgia Stars, JA gave up more shots from both the field and foul line, allowing the Stars more chances which they ultimately took advantage of.

This group has a significant Florida contingent.  At least four players that we are familiar with are from the Sunshine State and three of those got significant minutes this past weekend.

Ethan Knox, a 6’5 freshman at Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic, had solid outings of 9 pts/5 rbds in Game One, 12 pts/9 rebds in Game Two, and 8 pts/11 rebds in Game Three.  He got a bit three-point shot happy in Game One (1-6) but the next two games his field goal percentage was up over 50%.

Luigi Borio, a 6’4 freshman from Coconut Creek North Broward Prep made his presence known.  Game One had Borio with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals.  Game Two was a 12 point, 7 rebound effort and Game Three saw Borio tally 8 points and 8 rebounds.  He was 10-19 overall from the field over the course of the weekend.

Ezra Gelin, a 6’0 freshman at Weston Sagemont, also had some interesting numbers this weekend.  Game One was very good with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.  Gelin was even more productive in Game Two with 20 points, 7 assists (to 0 turnovers) and 4 steals.  He came back to earth a bit in the final game with 11 points and 4 assists.  Still, averaging just over 10 points and 5 assists per game at this level is more than solid.

Colton Nuualitia, a 6’6 freshman at Jacksonville Providence is the fourth Florida member.  He certainly doesn’t get as much court time as the others but he contributes with good rebounding numbers for his time on the floor.