By Jordan Divens

Pool B of the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) Peach Jam features a strong crop of elite big men. This group showcases Phoenix Phamily, Pro Skills, and California Supreme, and Team Penny, St. Louis Eagles, and Albany City Rocks, who all rely on balanced efforts from their key contributors. This group is completely up for grabs, but look for Team Penny and California Supreme to earn a spot in the quarterfinal round out of a very difficult Pool B field.

Team Penny (TN)

Regular Season Record: 14-2
Players to Watch: PJ Washington, John Petty Jr., Khalil Garland, Isaiah Stokes

Team Penny won 12 consecutive games to end the regular season, led by elite duo PJ Washington and John Petty Jr. Washington was one of nine players to average a double-double during the regular season, and Petty was a spectacular late-season addition. Look for Team Penny to make a run in this year’s Peach Jam behind strong role players and their potent tandem leading the way.

St. Louis Eagles (MO)

Regular Season Record: 11-5
Players to Watch: Jordan Goodwin, Darius Garland, Tim Finke, Silas Adheke

The St. Louis Eagles were a surprise in the regular season. After losing their star big man Jeremiah Tilmon to a dislocated shoulder early in the year, Jordan Goodwin took the reins by leading the team in scoring, rebounds, and assists. The breakout guard carried the Eagles to a strong regular season in a tough Division D. Tilmon’s status is unknown for the Peach Jam, but expect a gritty effort from this team regardless.

California Supreme (CA)

Regular Season Record: 10-6
Players to Watch: DeAndre Ayton, Brandon McCoy, Cassius Stanley, Ethan Thompson Jr.

California Supreme has the most dominant frontcourt in the EYBL, and will rely heavily on their deadly duo—DeAndre Ayton and Brandon McCoy—to lead the way in their Peach Jam run. With their dominant frontcourt play, the only question heading into the postseason is the performance of their backcourt. If their primary ball-handler Ethan Thompson Jr. has a strong showing at the Peach Jam, this team will be a tough out.

Albany City Rocks (NY)

Regular Season Record: 9-7
Players to Watch: Anthony Gaines, Andrew Platek, Hameir Wright, Nahziah Carter

Albany City Rocks stumbled into the postseason after losing four straight games to end the season. They will look to break this streak in Peach Jam play behind breakout guards Anthony Gaines and Andrew Platek. They were the leaders of a balanced offensive attack for Albany City Rocks that featured four players averaging 10-plus points. Albany City Rocks will need other players to step up to succeed in Peach Jam play.

Pro Skills (TX)

Regular Season Record: 8-8
Players to Watch: Mitchell Robinson, Curtis Hollis, Marco Anthony, Jarrett Culver
Summary: Pro Skills come into the Peach Jam as a darkhorse team with the ability to advance out of group play. They finished the season with three consecutive wins and took down Howard Pulley in their final contest to show they can play with anyone in the EYBL. Pro Skills has a very talented roster led by elite big man Mitchell Robinson, who averaged a double-double and led the EYBL in rebounds and blocks per game.

Phoenix Phamily (AZ)

Regular Season Record: 7-9
Players to Watch: Marvin Bagley III, Cody Riley, Remy Martin, Adam Seiko

Phoenix Phamily snuck into the Peach Jam as the last automatic qualifier after finishing fifth in a weak Division C. Class of 2018 standout Marvin Bagley III will look to carry his Phoenix Phamily and continue dominant post play alongside Cody Riley in the paint. Phoenix Phamily have the pieces to compete in the Peach Jam, but are faced with stiff competition in Pool B. This first-year EYBL team will have their first chance to play on the big stage.