By Steve Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
MORGANTOWN, W.V. --- The Hoop Group's Triple "S" Harley Davidson Jam attracted some of the top talent from across the country, providing college coaches a chance to see some of the best grassroot teams and players before the NCAA evaluation period comes to a close.
Sunday's competition pitted pool play winners in a bracket-style tournament broken down by age groups.
There was certainly a Cinderella team in the 17 and under bracket. The Renegades of Pennsylvania knocked off two teams with more marquee names. Early in the day, they handily defeated the DC Blue Devils, a team loaded with big men, including 6-10 Frank Ben-Eze of Bishop O'Connell High School. In the afternoon, they edged Team adidas, despite 28 points from Jeannette two-sport star Terrelle Pryor.
The Renegades were led by Sam Givens, from the Academy of the New Church and Joe Hill, who will be a senior at Germantown Academy.
Blessed IJN, a team from Indiana, also had a nice run today. The squad boasts brothers Mason and Miles Plumlee, who roam down low and create havoc for opposing post players. The 6-9 Miles has already committed to Stanford, while Mason is mulling offers from a number of schools. Both brothers attend Christ School in North Carolina.
One of the more notable stories of the Jam Fest thus far has been the emergence of 6-5 shooting guard Thaddaeus Koruma. Koruma just came to the United States from Germany, and has been playing with team NOVA. He was instrumental in a victory over team Triple Threat, which boasts a roster that includes Chris Braswell (Hargrave Military), Maurice Creek (Oxon Hill), and Jason Burns (Henry A. Wise).
Koruma, who has yet to enroll in an American high school, has adapted well to the style of play here in the States.
"You feel more energy and passion, playing in front of coaches," Koruma said. "You don't have that opportunity in Germany."
Notes
Bob Huggins took full advantage of having the Jam Fest in his backyard. He and his staff were present at many of the games. Big East rival Rick Pitino also made an appearance. . .West Virginia's own Noah Cottrill, a rising sophomore at Poca High School, attended the Jam Fest, playing with the Morgantown Mohigans. . .Severe storms caused a short power outage, which briefly disrupted play.