FITCHBURG, Mass. — July is the biggest month of the travel basketball season, with circuit championships and “live” scouting periods for college coaches highlighting the apex of the recruiting calendar.
The Hoop Group New England Jamfest, held in Fitchburg from June 29-30, represented the final local stop for several AAU teams and a tune-up before they hit the road to national showcases. This tournament was not open to Division 1 colleges, but coaches at the Div. 2 and Div. 3 levels could attend, and many did.
For a smaller showcase, New England Jamfest brought a strong group of teams, particularly in the 17u Platinum Division. Connecticut-based program iBelieve Elite captured the 17u Platinum championship with a 59-45 win against NY Extreme.
I watched five 17u Platinum games on Sunday: the two semifinal matchups, the championship, and two additional consolation matchups. Here’s who stood out during the competition.