The Four Can't-Miss Pool Play Matchups To Watch At Peach Jam
Getting the Peach Jam pools set is one thing. Breaking them down is a completely different story. There are so many intriguing storylines and matchups to keep an eye on, but here are the top ones in each pool heading into the annual showdown July 12-16 in North Augusta, SC.
POOL A: Daniel Oturu (Howard Pulley) vs. Marvin Bagley III (Nike Phamily)
This battle of the bigs was a double-double slugfest in Session IV, and it’s bound to get heated again. Playing without EYBL MVP Tre Jones, Howard Pulley leaned on Oturu to battle Bagley, and he did more than hold his own by posting 22 points and 10 rebounds. The No. 1 prospect in the country got the last laugh, though. Bagley’s 36-point, 11-rebound performance was good enough to get one of Nike Phamily’s two wins of season and perhaps some momentum and confidence heading into this matchup in July.
POOL B: Coby White (Team CP3) vs. Team Takeover
What happens when one of the circuit’s best playmakers meets a team with a reputation for stingy defense? It should be fun to watch, right? Well, if recent history is any indicator, this matchup should be more about revenge for Takeover than it would be a challenge for White. In the first meeting, White absolutely torched this squad for 26 points on 70 percent shooting in an 80-67 win, and Takeover has to find a way to stop this All-EYBL player if they want a big win to help get out of this pool.
POOL C: Keldon Johnson (Boo Williams) vs. Chandler Lawson (Team Penny)
It might seem like forever ago, but these two wings went at it during Session II. Johnson posted 24 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, and Lawson, who was playing just his second game of the season, dropped 26 points and 11 rebounds. Boo Williams ended up hanging 105 points to get the win. This matchup should be a treat to watch once again.
POOL D: Cole Anthony (PSA Cardinals) vs. Darius Garland (Bradley Beal Elite)
These two elite floor generals never met in the regular season, which will add some suspense. Both of these prospects are the highest-ranked point guards in their classes at the moment, and in a league filled with top guards, it doesn’t get much better than this during pool play. Be sure to circle this one when the schedule drops.