The Adidas Exclusive Run is back for its second year and off with a bang in 2013 and after a restless night of watching too much CNN, two flights and a terrible layover, I’m out here in Dallas for all of the action. After a very successful tournament last year in Las Vegas, the Exclusive Run decided to split the difference between the two coasts and come out to Dallas for what looks like another promising event.

Friday night started off quick with a couple of close 16U games in Indiana Elite defeating the Memphis Magic Elite 70-69 and the Colorado Hawks taking down Dream Vision 41-39. Dream Vision’s Nick Blair (SF, 2015, Bishop Gorman) had a decent outing as he continues his comeback from a broken wrist suffered early in the 2012-2013 season. Blair has a great bounce in his step, is running the court better and continues to demonstrate his athleticism on both ends of the floor. After a great start from the 16U division the 17’s took the spotlight in some solid matchups to start pool play. Florida Elite took on Stephen Zimmerman (Center, #2 2015, Bishop Gorman)* and Dream Vision in both teams’ first contest. What seemed like an initial blowout by Florida Elite turned into a good game down the stretch as Dream Vision pulled it close in the final minutes but fell short, losing 70-63. Zimmerman continued to show good improvement on his midrange jumper and with his length, being 7’0”, his shot is unblockable. The next showdown came from the Colorado Hawks and Compton Magic Select. Sedrick Barefield (PG, #38 2015, Corona Centennial)* demonstrated his playmaking ability in his tremendous speed and ability to make quick cuts to the basket and take defenders off the dribble. However, Barefield and the Magic dropped their opener to Jeremiah Paige (PG, 2014, Rangeview HS) and the Colorado Hawks 54-47. Paige had a good outing to start the tournament and showed he’s a player with a lot of upside, demonstrated in his ability to make quick passes and attack the basket.

A few of today’s notable 17U games will be between Florida Elite and the New York Rens who are fresh off their 52-47 win against Game Elite yesterday, Memphis Magic vs. Mass. Rivals where Goodluck Okonoboh (Center, #34 2014, Wilbraham Monson)* looks to carry the Rivals to their second win of the tourney, and Magic Select against the loser of the New Orleans Elite/Minnesota D1 Basketball game. Combo guard Cameron Walker (#21, 2015, Righetti)*, Barefield and the Magic will look to pick up their first win.

In the 16U division, Chase Jeter (PF, 2015, Bishop Gorman) and Dream Vision look to get in the winning in the winning column against New Orleans Elite later this afternoon.

Other Results from Friday, April 19^th:

17U:

Memphis Magic Elite-66-Indiana Elite-63

Compton Magic Elite-57-New Heights NYC-68

Atlanta Celtics Neysmith-61-Wisconsin Playground 2014-57

MBA Hoops-46-Dallas Mustangs-78

Atlanta Celtics-79-Franchise All-Stars-54

16U:

Franchise All-Stars-92-MBA Hoops-71

New York Rens-66-Dallas Mustangs-55

*(All rankings according to www.rivals.com)

PHOTO CRED: Adidas Exclusive Run