AAU season ramps up with the Battle of the Brands. This event is known to have some talent and this year was no different. Battle of the Brands had some high-level players and programs ready to perform. While the main stage was CE King High School Court 1, we were able to find talent in other gyms as well.
Standout Players
Class of 2025
Aiden Law – Saint Thomas Episcopal – Scored 38 points and a walk-off bucket to beat Trae Young Texas in an instant classic. Law just woke up the state with that performance.
Kam Newsome – Travis – Athletic point guard who can score on all three levels. Every time we see Newsome, his shooting efficiency increases. Major upside.
Montana Wheeler – Houston Christian – One of the best point guards in America, consistently got downhill, created gravity, and then made the right read.
He’s a Power 5 point guard, nothing else to say.
Julian Cuillier – Shadow Creek – Point guard with great size, patience, pace, and an efficient midrange shooter.
Dylan Baker – Friendswood – Baker’s leadership, IQ, and efficient shooting were all on display this weekend.
Bryan Bernardez – Westbury – Big strong guard who can get downhill and finish above the rim regardless of who’s in the way.
Caleb Jordan – Shadow Creek – Smart player, knows his role, efficient shooter 17 feet and in, with a good touch around the rim.
Class of 2026
Brody Thornton – FT Bush – One of the best players we saw all weekend. Thornton is a 6’5 SF who can get to his spots and score on all three levels. If Thornton continues to grow in his game, he could be a top SF / CG in the state before it’s all said and done.
Jeremiah Sims – Legacy School of Sports Science – High IQ point guard who makes good reads, scores on all three levels, and an elite defender who gave the opposing point guards fits all weekend.
DaTerrick “DT” Buckner – Empowering Others Preparatory – Smooth High IQ point guard, Great in halfcourt set, pride defender.
Jeremiah Moynihan – Fulshear – One the fastest players in the open court, makes good reads, and solid defender. Looking forward to seeing this kid play more, high ceiling.
Elijah Hart – Houston Heights – Big strong kid, walking double-double, huge upside.
Class of 2027
Chase Richardson – Friendswood – The most electric player we saw this week. Strong Freshman who can get to his spot whenever he wants, reads the floor very well, and can score on all three levels. If he stays the course, Power 5 future for this kid is in the cards.
Most Impressive Team
Gulf Coast Blue Chips UAA 15u // This is a team led by two electric point guards, Christian Brown and Chase Richardson. Their most impressive game was an 11-point win over 16u Texas Takeover UA Rise, a team I would consider a top ten 16u team in the state.
Good Games
One Time Legends 3SSB 17u vs Cooz Elite Pro16 17u
This game got out of control in the first half, One Time dominated and took advantage of Cooz Elite’s poor shooting, but in the 2nd half, Cooz Elite made a run to close the gap.
Houston Defenders vs Trae Young Texas 17u
This game was back and forth with runs on both sides but Aiden Law’s 38 points and buzzer was the highlight of the event.
