The annual NY2LA Basketball Association saw a number of quality 2020 prospects perform at a high level this past spring and summer but they also saw some solid performances from underclassmen in the 2021 and 2022 classes.  We continue our coverage of the annual high school platform with a look at the top underclassmen from this past spring and summer…

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2019 NY2LA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION – FIRST TEAM
2019 NY2LA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION – SECOND TEAM
2019 NY2LA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION – THIRD TEAM
2019 NY2LA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION – FOURTH TEAM
2019 NY2LA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION – FIFTH TEAM
2019 NY2LA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION – OFFENSIVE POY
2019 NY2LA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION – UNDERCLASSMEN OF THE YEAR

2019 NY2LA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION – TOP UNDERCLASSMEN
Anton Brookshire – 2021 – PG – Kickapoo (MO) – Yanders Law Blue 2021
Selected as Co-Underclassmen of the year along with fellow rising junior Brandin Podziemski, Brookshire is a highly skilled and talented guard who already holds multiple Division 1 offers.  A potential top 50 guard nationally, he was also a 2019 NY2LA Basketball Association Second Team Selection.

Brandin Podziemski – 2021 – SG – St. Johns NWMA (WI) – Wisconsin RAP
As mentioned herein Podziemski shared top underclassmen honors with fellow rising Junior Anton Brookshire.  A talented left handed guard with range, toughness, instincts, etc. Podziemski is a legitimate Division 1 prospect who was also a 2019 NY2LA Basketball Association First Team Selection.

Omar Zeigler – 2021 – G/F – Martin Luther King (MI) – Michigan Playmakers
A 2019 NY2LA Basketball Association Third Team selection, Zeigler is a do it all wing with an ability to fill the box score and put the ball in the basket.  He was solid in the spring but his performance in July elevated substantially and he was a huge part of the Michigan Playmakers run to the 17U NY2LA Association Championship.  Still developing, Zeigler is another legitimate Division 1 talent on the rise in the 2021 class.

Maurice Anderson – 2021 – G – Arbor Preparatory (MI) – Michigan Warriors
A 2019 NY2LA Basketball Association Fifth Team selection, Anderson was the catalyst for the Michigan Warriors run to the 16U NY2LA Basketball Association championship.  He has nice size, length, and athleticism and he pairs that will handles and an ability to score at multiple levels.  Really like what he brings to the table and he’s another of the talented prospects in the 2021 class to watch very closely as he’s really just starting to take that leap forward.

Jordan Rice – 2021 – PG – Rock Island (IL) – Quad City Elite
Another 2019 NY2LA Basketball Association Fifth Team selection, Rice is an ultra-quick skilled instinctive lead guard with handles, an ability to break down defenders to create and score, and he has an ability to knock down the perimeter jumper with solid range that extends well beyond the arc.  He makes an impact on both ends of the floor and he was exceptional and impressive in various stretches this past spring and summer during NY2LA Basketball Association play.

Omarion Henry – 2021 – F – Normandy (MO) – Team Ramey CCM Red 2021
A multi-dimensional forward who brings intangibles and skill to the hardwood, Henry quietly had a stellar campaign during NY2LA Basketball Association play.  An NY2LA Basketball Association Honorable Mention selection, Henry showed and ability to score at multiple levels, solid rebounding, etc. and when you pair that with a plus length 6-6 plus frame it’s easy to see why he’s very intriguing as a prospect big picture wise.  Still developing and growing, Henry is another to watch closely in the 2021 class.  

Tyson Edmondson – 2021 – PG – Huron (MI) – Michigan Warriors
A sharpshooting guard who was side by side with teammate Maurice Anderson in helping the Michigan Warriors to the 16U NY2LA Basketball Association championship.  He has excellent range and rips the nets with both consistency and dominance at times.  A 2019 NY2LA Basketball Association Honorable Mention selection, Edmundson had a stellar performance during the July session.

Colton Roderick – 2021 – SG – AAHS (MN) – Gain Elite
A long lean wing with an ability to score the basketball at multiple levels, Roderick has a smooth stroke and his performance during both sessions was solid to say the least.  Equipped with nice raw physical tools, Roderick is a very intriguing prospect and his instincts combined with his skill make for another solid Division 1 prospect potentially depending on his development over the next 12-18 months.  He was a huge reason for the Gain Elite run to the 16U title game before eventually falling short in a thriller to the Michigan Warriors.  Highly impressive with a nice ceiling, Roderick was one of the best at the 16U level this spring and summer.

Tamin Lipsey – 2022 – G – Ames (IA) – All Iowa Attack Red
One of the prized up and coming 2022 prospects in the Midwest, Lipsey had an exceptional opening session while playing up at the 17U level during the spring.  He showed handles, an ability to attack the rim off the bounce, finishing ability at multiple levels, and he filled the box score with rebounds, assists, and steals.  Was forced to sit in early July due to injury but regardless he was as advertised and his floor impact and ability to impact the game is and was highly impressive to see.  A high major impact guard on the rise in the Class of 2022 is one to know and watch closely.

Joshua Strong – 2021 – PG – Champlin Park (MN) – MN Comets Elite Servaty
A quick skilled lead guard with an ability to impact the game on both ends, Strong scores at each level and he has the ability to create offensively.  He handles the ball well and he sees the floor well.  On the other end he can create positive chaos with his activity and athleticism defensively.  He was solid in the spring and stellar at times in July as he helped power his team to an impressive final four finish in the 16U division of the 2019 NY2LA Basketball Association championships.