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Zero Gravity Summit Notebook (May 21, 2023)

05/22/2023, 11:00pm EDT
By Sean McBryan & Logan Moyer

Sean McBryan (@SeanMcBryan) &
Logan Moyer (@ByLoganMoyer)

MANHEIM – The Zero Gravity boys’ Summit packed the facility at Spooky Nook Sports, with more than 400 teams taking part in the action. 

Here’s who stood out in the games we watched Sunday:  

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Zero Gravity Summit Standouts
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John Clemmons (2023 | WeR1 Select 17U) 

Let’s get straight to the point: It’s a wonder why Clemmons hasn’t received more college interest. The 6-6 guard from Caravel Academy continues to impress during the AAU season and showed he’s on par with high-major Division I recruits Sunday at Spooky Nook.


John Clemmons, 2023 WeR1 Select 17U

Clemmons and WeR1 Select fell 71-59 to Mass Rivals’ Adidas circuit squad, but that score doesn’t tell the entire story.

Mass Rivals featured three high-major recruits in Andre Mills (Texas A&M), Kur Teng (Michigan State), and George Turkson (Texas A&M) and Clemmons held his own to the tune of 30 points, five rebounds, a block and a steal.

Clemmons appeared to be one of, if not the most, athletic players on the court and had multiple eye-opening plays on both ends that inspired his team. He wasn’t out of place down low — where the bouncy 6-7 Turkson roamed — or on the perimeter — where he guarded the crafty, speedy 6-4 Mills.

“We got some good work in just now against some Division I guys,” Clemmons said. “It felt great. I showed what I can do and that I can compete with them. I feel like that means I can be on that same level. I loved it for my teammates as well because I want all of us to shine.”

The guard’s offensive game is already polished at all three levels, but he’s still trying to fine tune some things as the AAU season churns along.

“Just trying to get better going to my left,” he said. “I was dribbling it off my foot a lot and realized that’s something I need to get in the gym and work on. Also just making the right pass and right reads. Overall just cutting down on turnovers.”

Clemmons said he is getting some interest from Fairleigh Dickinson, West Chester, Jefferson, and Towson, but a post-grad year remains an option.

“If nothing else comes after this tournament, I might go prep for a year,” he said. “I just want to play Division I basketball. That’s the goal for me.” — Sean McBryan

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Matt Gorman (2024 | GBA Elite 17U) 

The 6-1 combo guard’s skills were on full display on Saturday afternoon in GBA Elite’s 37-40 loss to NY Basketball Academy. 

Gorman, who plays his high school ball at Saint Joseph’s Prep, scored 15 points in the loss. He demonstrated an ability to make shots from everywhere on the court, leading his team in scoring. 

He does not currently hold any collegiate offers, but has received interest from Division III schools Ursinus, Catholic and Immaculata. 

Gorman said culture is probably going to be the biggest factor in his decision. It is also of note that Gorman’s mother played collegiate basketball at Ursinus. 

“I want everyone to buy in,” said Gorman. “I don’t really have any specific size (in mind), just the right fit. That could be anywhere.” 

GBA Elite lost both of its games on Saturday, which Gorman said doesn’t reflect their growth as a team throughout the grassroots campaign. 

“We’re down some guys right now,” said Gorman. “We’re just trying to improve the little things. We didn’t really execute today.” 

Gorman identified shooting as his best skill on the court. He shot the ball well all over the court in Saturday afternoon’s contest, although he was most efficient from midrange. 

On the other hand, Gorman said that he still needs to work on getting in the lane and his playmaking skills. 

Gorman plays along side 7-1 brothers Matthew and Malcolm Manley, who alone provide a massive height advantage over virtually every single opponent. 

 “I’ve never played with someone that tall,” said Gorman, though Prep’s 6-9 Tristen Guilloutte is no slouch inside. “It’s different.” — Logan Moyer

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Stephen Gitau (2023 | One Dream 17U) 

Gitau showed off his offensive prowess in One Dream’s win over Next Play 17U, scoring 23 points and contributing five assists to the effort. 

Gitau, a 2023 graduate, will spend the upcoming season playing at Great Bay Community College. He plans to spend one season there before transferring to a four-year institution. 


Stephen Gitau, 2023 One Dream 17U

“Just get a taste of college before I go to an actual (four-year) college,” Gitau said. 

Great Bay plays in the USCAA, a collection of small institutions and community colleges. The Herons reached the national semifinals last season, finishing with an overall record of 22-9. Gitau said he made the decision to play there based on a lack of recruiting interest and put himself in a good position academically. 

“I had a lot of people that I know go there,” said Gitau. “Pretty big opportunities there.” 

The 6-2 guard was impossible to miss in One Dream’s Sunday afternoon contest, leading his team in scoring in their blowout 77-61 win. He nailed three shots from beyond the arc, but he wasn’t satisfied with his shooting output. 

“I really need to work on that (shooting),” said Gitau. “I want them going in from deeper.” 

Gitau also set up his teammates, contributing four assists to lead One Dream’s high-octane offense. He plays alongside 6-6 F/C Jalen Reese and F Isaac Ynfante, who both tallied double-digit points in Sunday afternoon’s contest. 

“We’re pretty good,” said Gitau. “We got a lot of good players on my team.” 

Gitau was on the throwing end of an alley-oop slam dunk, setting up Reese for what was the first of many dunks in the contest. — Logan Moyer

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Zane Conlon (2025 | Team Final Red 16U) 

A high-energy and intense player, Conlon was all over the court in Team Final’s 47-38 win over Pro Skills Basketball D.C. He scored 15 points and secured eight rebounds in the winning effort, leading his team in both categories. 


Zane Conlon, 2025 Team Final Red 16U

“I get to the basket and get it to my teammates,” Conlon said. “I love playing with energy.” 

Conlon, who plays at Devon Prep, was a role player in the Tide’s run to the 3A state quarterfinals. He hopes to step in and play a bigger role in his junior and senior seasons; the Tide will certainly need help on the wings, with Jacen Holloway (USMAPS) and Lucas Orchard (Perkiomen School) both graduating and heading to prep school, and Conlon is in prime position to see a significant bump in minutes and responsibility. 

The 6-4 wing said he hopes to play at the Division I level, but hasn’t had any interest yet. However, he has been recruited by Division III schools Alvernia and King’s. 

He rounded out his game on Sunday morning by recording a pair of blocks on the defensive end, which he said has been a focal point in his training. 

“That’s one of the biggest things I’m working on right now,” Conlon said. 

Conlon has an ability to knock down shots from all over the court. His short and mid-range game was on full display in Sunday’s contest, and he also proved he can keep defenses honest from the 3-point arc. — Logan Moyer

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Damarius Roberts (2024 | Team Sims 17U) 

The 6-1 guard from New Bedford, Mass. took last basketball season off to focus on his performance in the classroom. Lucky for the Whalers, he returned for his junior season and scored a game-high 25 points in the program’s first playoff win since 2018.


Damarius Roberts, 2024 Team Sims 17U

The Whalers were one of the last 16 teams standing and lost by two in overtime to end their season.

“We’re trying to get back there,” Roberts said. “We want the state championship next year.”

Roberts is now heading into his senior season and looking to reclassify after averaging 23 points per game and nearly a triple double during his junior season. That all-around game was on full display Sunday at Zero Gravity’s The Summit event at Spooky Nook as he led Team Sims to a 55-26 victory over Philly Pride.

“It’s something I’ve had to work on,” Roberts said of his diverse skill set. “I was never really in the weight room a lot until this year. I’ve been working on my legs and trying to get my athleticism up. I’ve always had a knock-down shot.”

Roberts is new to Team Sims, although it didn’t appear that way as he led the charge in the blowout victory.

“I’m just trying to fit in and get better,” Roberts said. “I’ve been observing everyone’s role and how they play and just trying to do my part in helping us get a win.”

Roberts said Brown University has shown him some interest, but he’s looking to use his post-grad season to garner more interest.

“I’d love to play for Boston [University],” Roberts said. “That’s the dream right there.” — Sean McBryan

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Collin Treude & Kyle Shawaluk (2024 | PSB Philly 17U) 

Treude and Shawaluk stepped up to lead PSB Philly to a 58-53 overtime win over Middlesex Magic on Sunday morning, combining to record 28 points and 14 rebounds. 

Shawaluk shot 0-8 from the field in the first half but emerged from the halftime break an entirely different player, hardly missing a shot and scoring 15 points in the second half. 

“I always stay confident,” said Shawaluk. “I always feel like I’m the best shooter on the court. That’s why I was able to knock down shots in the second half.” 

“You can’t stop, you’ve got to keep shooting,” said the 6-5 wing, who knocked down four 3-pointers. 

“He’s such a talented scorer,” said Treude of Shawaluk. “It’s very easy to rely on him when we need him.” 

Shawaluk scored six out of PSB Philly’s eight points in overtime, leading them to their second victory of the weekend. 

“We started getting our offense together and we were able to get some stops on defense and hit shots down the stretch,” said the Perkiomen Valley standout. 

Treude was no slouch on the offensive end either, recording seven points and four assists. However, the 6-5 forward’s best skill is rebounding. He recorded 11 boards in the effort. 

“I always pride myself on rebounding,” said Treude. “We all just try and hustle for the boys.” 

Treude, a Division III prospect, said he has received interest from Misericordia and Cabrini. 

“A school that has the best balance of education and basketball,” said Treude, who said he’s not sure what he wants to major in but wants to stay local. 

Shawaluk, on the other hand, is receiving interest from several Division I and II schools, including Rider and Gannon.

“I’m trying to major in business or finance,” said Shawaluk. “Wherever the school is, as long as I can contribute, I don’t really care where I play.” 

Shawaluk comes from a basketball family. His grandfather played Division III basketball at Scranton, and his mother played prep basketball at Bishop McDevitt. — Logan Moyer

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Matt Shelton (2024 | Mid-Atlantic Select 17U) 

The 6-5 combo guard from Virginia has no issue playing amongst the trees with his uber bounce that had him attacking his 7-foot opponent at the rim in a 60-49 victory over WeR1 UAA Sunday.

Shelton, who hails from Evergreen Christian in Purcellville, Va., converted multiple layups and dunks over his taller defender while swatting shots away defensively on the backside. He’s trying to make that natural athleticism even more lethal.

“I’ve always had it,” Shelton said with a smile. “It’s just genetics. But I’ve been doing more lifting to improve it.”

Shelton also showed the ability to handle the rock; add that to a rare size and natural talent combination at the guard position and it equals collegiate offers: Bethune-Cookman, NJIT, Mount St. Mary’s and Loyola Maryland have all called.

“My goal is to just get offers from as many schools as possible,” he said. “I eventually want to play professionally, whether that be overseas or NBA.” — Sean McBryan


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