2026 17U Takeaways - EYBL

Thursday, July 23rd, 2026

Continuing on with some grassroots standouts, here are some guys who have played well this spring/summer in the EYBl and have New England ties. 

City Rocks

There’s a ton of guys on the City Rocks team who I’ve gotten to see this spring and summer, whether it was out in New York or with their scholastic teams. 

Michai White leads the charge for the team in the class of 2028 and put on some impressive performances throughout the season. The point guard is among the top of the national class of 2028 at the position for a reason with his scoring and advanced playmaking ability while his time in New England comes to a close as he announced his transfer to Prolific Prep. 

Jalen Taggart continues to be one of the top shooters in the region as he moves over to Woodstock Academy for his final season. He was the second-leading scorer throughout the year for the Upstate-based EYBL team, continuing to develop his game off the bounce. 

Stetson Merritt capped off his season with a massive 39-point performance in the Peach Invitational event. Back in June, I was very impressed with his development as he scores the ball from all over the floor and will be a big piece for New Hampton once again. He could really rise. Davon Maloney has continued to ascend with some big moments on the wing. His ability to create off the bounce has caught my eye while he brings some tough rebounding and has played his way into some A10 looks.

Some other 2027 names to know include Treddy Faison, a tough and physical lead guard who plays hard on both ends, Landon Washburn and Henry Fox, Rochester-based wings with some polished scoring skills, and Constantine Johnson, who can jump out of the gym.

Expressions

In terms of guys who have really improved their stock as of late, Nalajah Christopher has done a very nice job of doing just that. He’s received a few scholarship offers in the past few weeks as he has shown just how electric he can be as a scorer. He’s really fast off the dribble to get to the rack, makes shots from outside, and brings contagious energy to his team.

Chance Finlayson made his 17u debut in July and averaged about 14 points. He’s got early physicality and strength to flourish above the rim that goes well with his speed off the bounce. The 2029 big wing has built a name for himself locally and looks to continue on that in the coming years. 

Reece Ayala’s another one we’ve seen plenty of over the years and continues to come into his own as time goes on. At 6’5”, he can play all over the floor with his ability to defend and rebound the ball. He’s really quick off the bounce to get to the rack and sees the floor as a playmaker. 

Josiah Adamson was a focal point for the team once again with his game-changing two-way physicality. Elijah McNair offers some strong secondary scoring ability while guys like Benjamin Van Bulck, Filip Mozoul, and Ater Maker Bol make a big impact as well.

NJ Scholars

With Joe Chatman coaching the NJ Scholars crew once again this season, the team boasted a number of New England natives on their roster.

Jonathan White Jr was their guy for the length of the season, leading the team in scoring while running the point as well. A small but quick guard, White can make things happen off the dribble shaking defenders and making shots at different levels. He averaged 5 and 5 for rebounds and assists, showing off other ways he can make an impact.

Jalen Rogers and Jackson Lockett stood out in the frontcourt this spring/summer for the team in the EYCL. Rogers has come along nicely, developing his post scoring and toughness around the basket, while Lockett has improved too as a finisher inside who can really rebound it.

Aiden Holness from BB&N was another good piece this season as the crafty scorer can make shots at different levels of the floor and looks to have a big senior year ahead.

More Names

Buffalo’s Dane Brown jumped in with the NY Lightning for the final sessions in July and played very well. The 6’7” wing made shots from outside, attacked the rim off the bounce, and rebounded the ball. He’s reportedly mulling options to play at a prep school in the coming fall.

Jelani Middleton recently committed to Brown in the midst of a strong stretch for the NY Rens. The 6’5” wing is as versatile as they come defensively with some athleticism in the lane to score the ball. Middleton’s Rens teammate Josh Charlot had his best session thus far at Peach Jam, most notably with a 10 point outburst off the bench in a win over Cayden Daughtry and the Florida Rebels. 

Two names we’ve seen over the years from the PSA Cardinals locked in Ivy League spots in the past few weeks in Blair Academy’s Ray Fernandez (Cornell) and St. Luke’s Peter Uzgiris (Brown). Fernandez will step into a larger role with Blair in his senior season, providing essential outside shooting to the team. 

Team Final’s Mekhi Robertson announced his commitment to newly formed, Masters Academy International, this fall. The 6’4” guard has garnered a ton of HM looks with his smooth scoring ability in the backcourt.