The start of the NCAA Division One live period and session one of the NY2LA Association brought plenty of talent out. With several marquee games Friday night, there was spectacular basketball to start the tournament. 

The gym was electric from the first tip with coaches from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue, Iowa State, Texas, Iowa, Houston, Notre Dame, and a long list of others. Here are a few standouts from day one of the tournament. 

Nazir Brown – 2022 – PG – 3D Empire

The unsigned senior excelled on both ends of the floor in 3D Empire’s thrilling victory. Brown is a quick and active on ball defender that is very tough to get by. On the other end, he scored 18 points getting it done mainly from three and the free throw line. He came up big when it counted most hitting a game winning three point shot in the final seconds for his team’s win. 

Antwan Burns-Jones – 2023 – G – MTXE Premier 

Burns-Jones played an end-to-end great game tonight to help MTXE out to a dominating opening night victory. Not only was he shooting it well from the outside, knocking down three threes’ but also played well on the attack getting into the paint often to score and distribute. 

Marcus Hall – 2023 – G/F – Wisconsin Swing

One of the more impressive performances of the evening. He scored 20 points in a win up against a big and athletic TJ Ford Academy squad. Hall is a very versatile player that did so much on both ends of the floor for his team in this one. He has good length, shoots it well from the outside, and can make plays off the dribble. 

Jamar Lampley – 2023 – PG – Cream City Chosen

After a good start to the spring season last weekend, Lampley was back at it tonight playing even better. The junior was shooting the ball extremely well hitting from the outside at a high percentage but was also getting to the basket with his quickness. He is a tough and aggressive on ball defender that was constantly putting pressure on the ball and creating issues for opposing guards. 

Robert Miller – 2024 – PF – TJ Ford Academy

A highly intriguing sophomore with an array of tools. Even at 6’9” with his great length he moves so well. He was locking down the paint blocking and altering everything inside but can also defend well out on the perimeter. Miller can also knock down threes and put the ball on the floor. An incredibly high ceiling prospect to watch. 

Ty Pence – 2023 – G – Mid Pro Academy

Another player who came up with a game winning bucket in the final seconds. This one with a two-hand slam to grab the victory in an overtime thriller against a very talented George Hill All Indy team. Pence was just one player from Mid Pro with a big outing as Zack Hawkinson, Owen Freeman, and others all impressed in a game that had a baseline full of division one college coaches.