The first game of the day featured four of the best players in the country. The Colony features Dakari Spears, a 6’4″ shooting guard Class of 2026 who stood out for 16U Drive Nation on the EYBL this past year. The other standout they have is Bryce Dixon, 6’5” Small Forward, Class of 2026 who was a standout for 16U Team Trae Young Elite 3SSB. Melissa High School featured players where Austin Goosby 6’5″, Small Forward Class of 2026 who was a standout for 16U Drive Nation EYBL, and Trey Edwards, 6’5”, shooting guard class of 2028 and a Standout for 16U AB Elite EYBL.
Dakari Spears scored 18 points on 61.5% shooting and had 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Throughout the game, he displayed his ability to consistently get to the bucket and finish through contact. He logged the most minutes this game out of all his teammates, and his stats showed that he was consistent on the glass.
Bryce Dixon had 23 pts on 56.3% shooting, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal. Throughout the game, he displayed his ability to knock down three-pointers by going 2- 4 from the arch. What stood out to us offensively was his ability to get to his spots in the mid-range and consistently knock down contested shots. He was the leading scorer this game and every time Meliss went on a run he would make a play to kill the momentum.
Austin Goosby had 23 pts on 56.3% shooting, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. He always played very relaxed under pressure and his being able to stop on a dime and pull up is a next-level attribute that is hard to stop. Goosby hit just as many shots in the mid-range as he did on the three-point line throughout this game. He understands pace and how to manipulate the defense to get to his spots.
Trey Edwards had 17 points on 61.5% shooting, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. Although he is the youngest of the group, you couldn’t tell by the way he carried himself. He didn’t seem rushed and/or out of place throughout the game. Even when the game was tight, you could tell the coach trusted him to make plays that would make a difference. He doesn’t need a bunch of dribbles to get his shot off and understands angles to get to the basket.
The game was a very competitive one with the dynamic duos from each team battling possession after possession. The Colony eventually pulled away at the end with the final score being 66 – 57.