WILDWOOD, N.J. – The United States Junior Nationals Wildwood Beach Bash had the Jersey Shore buzzing on Friday.

Welcome to the Beach Bash, which is enjoying opening night success, at the Wildwood Convention Center. The facility sits on the beach at the South Jersey seaside resort town that is on the verge of boomtown status once schools adjourn for the summer and summer mere days away.

Director Matt Schiff hustled to secure 45 boys’ teams from ages 11 to 17 years old. Meanwhile the eight courts are packed with nearly 60 girls’ teams. Historically known for girl’s events, USJN has revived the boys business and after a three-day that ends Sunday afternoon the word should spread.

The action tips off Saturday and goes all day. Simply it’s too many games and not enough time. Friday night featured an abbreviated schedule but it’s wall-to-wall ballers for the balance of the weekend.

Friday’s Terrific 10 Players

The talent for the older boys (16U and 17U) was closer to the Division III and juco level but in the first year of an event that goes head-to-head against several national camps and tournaments, “The Bash” attracted talent from New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York.

I settled on Courts 6 and 7 at the Wildwood Convention Center for the late boys games. There were top players and ones that are looking for attentions. Check out these players as the summer circuit picks up in July with the “live period.” Players do play for other teams as guest players. (All players are listed in alphabetical order with height, year in school and high school, city, state):

Seth Brown, 6-5, 2020, Bulls Basketball Club 17U, Hackensack (N.J.): Brown normally plays with powerhouse club NJ Playaz but needed a good run this weekend that’s what does well. In an up-tempo offense he thrives and he steps onto the perimeter for a 3-ball. Has nice size for a young wing and possesses a high release on his shot.

Jelani Carter, 6-4, 2019, Bulls Basketball Club 17U, Hackensack (N.J.): He’s a classic wing with an offensive mentality. He does have skills that possess the 1 or 2 but if he goes to an NJAC Division III he might be a 3. Will drain the 3 on an isolation and finish under control in transition.

Jadon Cepeda, 5-10, 2019, Bulls Basketball Club 17U, Memorial (West New York, N.J.): One of the state’s more improved players this spring. He’s an emerging pure 1 that will likely suit up in the NJAC. He’s becoming a coach on the floor for his team and balances the court with his ability to find the open man improving and is solid facilitator. William Paterson University might be a logical fit.

Kobe Eoff, 6-5, 2019, Bulls Basketball Club 17U, Dwight Morrow (Englewood, N.J.): An undersized post here who likely is a 4. He’s slippery, athletic in the paint and finishes at the rim and easily overwhelmed his opponents on opening night.

Hassan Farhat, 6-5, 2019, Bulls Basketball Club 17U, Memorial (West New York, N.J.): He’s an athletic ‘tweener with long arms and stays active in the post. Finishes at the rim and is coach’s dream when executing crisp V-cuts and is a dependable weakside defender who will rotate quickly into the double. High academic rising senior with legitimate Division III talent.

Ty Merkle, 6-0, 2020, In The Zone Platinum, Northampton (Pa.,): One look at Ty and you might think a young, smaller version of “Thunder” Dan Majerle. Once the game picked up he proved he’s shooter and can stretch the zone and shoot over defenders. He made good decisions and possesses a basketball IQ. He’ll the double team and look for the open with decisive passing. Like all of his teammates, they were junior varsity players looking to take their game to the next. Merkle’s scratching the surface of his potential.

Diante Miles, 6-1, 2021, Wildwood Wildcats, Wildwood (N.J.): Spent time on the junior varsity but is ready to step up this season. He’s slender and maturing physically. He attacks the rim, steps out for the 3 but looks most comfortable draining mid-range jumpers. His brother lit it up locally for the last four years and is off to Richard Stockton University in the fall. Diante’s best years are ahead. Another work in progress but his skills need polishing.

Devon Roach, 6-3, 2020,Tech Hawks 17U, Cape May Tech (Cape May Court House, N.J.): A work in progresses but he’s physical and will absorb a body blow in the post and can post up on a size mismatch. Isn’t afraid to scrap on the boards.

Eddie Saddler, 6-4, 2019, Tech Hawks 17U, Cape May Tech (Cape May Court House, N.J.): Had the defensive play of the night pinning a sure layup that wound up being the decisive play in a one-point win over a local rival. He’s raw talent and plays the 3 and is considered an athletic swing. Prep school should be examined.

Josh Wright, 5-11, 2019, Tech Hawks 17U, Cape May Tech (Cape May Court House, N.J.): He’s a shooter and prolific scorer that has over 1,800 points at a local high school. The lefty monopolizes the ball but for good reason—he’s directing a batch of young players and needs to be the alpha dog and go-to player. Quick first step and provides a burst of scoring energy. Colleges are calling but prep school may be an option.