17U 3SSB Circle City Classic Championship: Next Level vs. IBC

The Circle City Tournament was held March 28–29 at the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, Indiana, featuring some of the top programs from across multiple states. Notable teams in attendance included Next Level (KY), [program_tooltip program_id='712592' first='Kentucky' last='Premier'], Heart of Illinois (IL), Illinois Inferno, and several Indiana-based programs such as West Virginia Thunder, [program_tooltip program_id='715841' first='Indiana' last='Sirens'], [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'], and Team Rush.   This article highlights the 17U Circle City Championship matchup between Next Level 3SSB and [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] 16U 3SSB. The two teams delivered one of the most competitive and highly anticipated games of the weekend. They first met early Saturday morning, where Next Level secured a 61–56 win. Both teams continued to impress throughout bracket play, setting up a rematch in the championship game on Sunday evening.   In the title game, [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] 16U responded with a narrow 55–54 victory to claim the championship.   This breakdown will focus on three standout players from Next Level 3SSB and three from [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] 16U 3SSB—highlighting key contributors who impacted the game, including some who may not always receive the recognition they deserve.   NextLevel 3SSB   Next Level 3SSB, based out of Kentucky, is a program loaded with high-level talent from youth through the high school ranks. Their combination of size and length allows them to defend at a high level, while also featuring multiple scorers and shooters, making them a strong matchup against [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] 16U 3SSB.   They were led by 2029 6'6” forward [player_tooltip player_id='1060383' first='Jayden' last='McClain'] and 2028 5'9” guard Dakhari “Strawberry” Blankumsee, both of whom played key roles throughout the weekend. Next Level secured a 61–56 victory in their first matchup on Saturday morning, showcasing their ability to control the pace and execute down the stretch.   In the championship game, Next Level showed resilience after falling behind by as many as 15 points. Behind key defensive stops and timely scoring, they battled back to cut the deficit to just two points in the second half, sparked in part by 2027 6'1” Butler commit [player_tooltip player_id='610126' first='Rylee' last='Canaan'].   Taking advantage of [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] turnovers, Next Level capitalized in transition and created late-game opportunities. Despite the comeback effort, IBC connected on a game-winning shot in the closing moments. Next Level still had a final possession with around five seconds remaining but ultimately came up just short in a 55–54 loss.    This was my first time watching Dakhari Blankumsee, one of the top guards in the state of Ohio and a nationally ranked prospect, and she immediately lived up to the billing. What stood out most was her ability to consistently get to her spots, whether it was off the dribble or within the flow of the offense.   Blankumsee plays with a high level of poise and confidence, never looking rushed and always under control. She does a great job of changing speeds, using her handle to create separation, and making smart reads with the basketball in her hands. Her ability to score at all three levels was on display, as she knocked down perimeter shots while also attacking the lane and finishing through contact.   She embraced the challenge of competing against another rising guard from [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] and made her presence felt throughout the game. During Next Level's comeback from a 15-point deficit, Blankumsee played a key role by handling pressure, creating offense, and delivering timely baskets.   Overall, her feel for the game, scoring ability, and composure make her a high-level prospect who will continue to attract attention from college coaches. She's a guard that impacts winning in multiple ways and will be a major name to follow moving forward.     I've had the opportunity to watch [player_tooltip player_id='610126' first='Rylee' last='Canaan'] since her freshman year, and her continued development especially with her length and size—remains a consistent strength in her game. Defensively, she uses that length effectively to contest shots, protect the rim, and disrupt opponents' scoring attempts. Her ability to alter shots without fouling and provide a strong interior presence was a key factor during Next Level's comeback effort on Sunday evening.   Offensively, Canaan showed a strong understanding of how to use her physical tools, particularly when creating mismatches against smaller IBC guards. She was comfortable operating in the post, where she scored on a pair of fadeaway jumpers and used her body to create contact and get to the free throw line. Her patience, touch around the basket, and willingness to take what the defense gives her stood out, especially in critical moments of the game.   What makes Canaan valuable is her versatility and ability to contribute without needing high volume touches. She plays within the system, rebounds the basketball, defends multiple positions at times, and finishes plays when opportunities arise. Her size, instincts, and consistency make her a dependable piece on both ends of the floor, and she continues to develop into a player who can impact winning at a high level as she progresses.     [player_tooltip player_id='1060383' first='Jayden' last='McClain'] is another player I've had the opportunity to watch since her 8th-grade year, and her development continues to trend upward. Standing at 6'6”, her size and length are impossible to ignore, but what makes her truly intriguing is her expanding skill set. She's not just a presence inside—she has the ability to step out, knock down perimeter shots, and put the ball on the floor to get to the rim.   Playing up at the 17U level as a freshman, McClain showed a lot of confidence and composure against older, more experienced competition. She was able to contribute offensively by finishing around the basket, spacing the floor at times, and capitalizing on her length. Defensively, she impacted the game by contesting shots, protecting the paint, and altering attempts simply with her presence.   What stands out is her versatility and long-term upside. As she continues to add strength and refine her perimeter skills, she has the tools to develop into a matchup problem at the next level. McClain's ability to produce against high-level competition at a young age is a big reason why she's ranked as the No. 1 player in Kentucky for her class, and she's a name that will continue to gain national attention.    [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] 16U 3SSB   IBC 16U 3SSB may be one of the best 16U teams in the country, and they proved exactly that with a hard-fought 55–54 victory over Next Level, capped off by a game-winning shot from [player_tooltip player_id='992351' first='Halle' last='Daniels']. That moment alone will have college coaches and spectators alike starting to hear her name a lot more moving forward.   Before getting into Daniels' game-winner, two players who made significant strides and showed they can compete at a high level are 2028 5'8” guard [player_tooltip player_id='992346' first='Ella' last='Burleson'] and 2028 6'0” guard Reagan Reiff. Both players bring impact in different ways and complement each other extremely well on the floor. Burleson plays with poise and confidence, while Reiff brings energy and toughness, including her ability to protect the rim and block shots.   Another guard who stood out was 2029 6'0” guard [player_tooltip player_id='1263942' first='Malyiah' last='Evans'], who plays with that “DOG” mentality. She came out aggressive and accounted for IBC's early scoring, setting the tone with her ability to attack and put pressure on the defense. Her confidence and assertiveness were on full display as she helped her team establish an early rhythm.   As a group, IBC displayed strong chemistry, particularly among their guards. Whether it was knocking down perimeter shots, making defensive plays, or staying composed in key moments, each player contributed in a meaningful way. Burleson's steady play, Reiff's defensive presence, and Evans' scoring spark make this backcourt trio one to watch as they continue their AAU season.   IBC came out firing to start the game, knocking down shots and building an early run on the offensive end. At one point, they held a 15-point lead, but even as Next Level made a push to cut into the deficit, IBC remained composed. Their confidence and trust in one another stood out, as they continued to play within themselves and execute when it mattered most.   That poise ultimately helped them close out a tight game and secure a statement win not only for the team, but for the program as a whole by taking down a talented Next Level squad in a competitive finish.    It is safe to say that if you didn't know who [player_tooltip player_id='992351' first='Halle' last='Daniels'] was before, yesterday was the day she made her presence known. Daniels is quickly emerging as one of the rising stars in her class, and she delivered a performance that showcased her confidence, skill, and ability to impact winning.   As a lead guard, she showed the ability to effectively run the offense while also being a consistent scoring threat. Daniels handled pressure extremely well, even while being guarded by one of the top guards in the country. She stayed poised, never rushed, and consistently made smart decisions with the basketball in her hands.   Her control of the game stood out, as she dictated pace, got teammates involved, and stepped up when her number was called. Daniels also showed her scoring ability, knocking down shots from the perimeter and creating offense when needed. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and still execute at a high level was a major key for her team.   The defining moment came late in the game when IBC was trailing by two and no timeout was called. With complete trust from her coach—and also her father—Daniels took control of the possession. She created space with a one-dribble step-back and knocked down a clutch three-pointer, giving her team a one-point lead with only a few seconds remaining, ultimately securing the win.   The North Central guard continues to build her name in the area, and her combination of poise, skill, and clutch shot-making ability makes her a player to watch. As she continues to develop, Daniels has the potential to become one of the more impactful guards in her class both regionally and beyond.     [player_tooltip player_id='1171496' first='Gabbi' last='Harvey'] is another 2028 prospect who does a great job of playing within herself and understanding her role. She consistently runs the floor well and shows strong instincts in transition, getting out early and creating opportunities for her team. Harvey also demonstrates solid decision-making when attacking the basket, using her aggressiveness to draw contact and get to the free throw line.   Offensively, she plays with a good feel for the game and doesn't force the action, instead making the right reads and taking what the defense gives her. Her ability to stay under control while still playing with pace allows her to contribute efficiently on that end of the floor.   What really stood out was her energy and competitive nature. Harvey plays with a high motor and consistently impacts the game by doing the little things—rebounding, defending, and bringing effort on every possession. She embraces that role and provides a steady presence for her team.   Her combination of energy, effort, and growing skill set makes her a valuable piece, and as she continues to develop, she has the potential to expand her impact and become an even more complete player.     Amaya is a key piece to what IBC runs offensively, especially because of her activity level and ability to impact the game without needing a high volume of touches. She does an excellent job in pick-and-roll actions, consistently setting strong, physical screens and then rolling hard to the rim. Her timing and effort as a roll threat put constant pressure on the defense, often forcing rotations that open up opportunities for IBC's guards.   She also shows good awareness within the flow of the offense, understanding when to seal, when to dive, and how to create space for others. Her willingness to embrace that role and execute it at a high level makes her a reliable option within their system.   Defensively, Amaya brings toughness and a competitive edge that stands out. She plays with physicality, competes on every possession, and isn't afraid to mix it up inside. Whether it's battling for rebounds, holding position in the post, or providing help defense, she consistently gives strong effort on that end of the floor.   Amaya's combination of activity, physical presence, and energy makes her a valuable contributor for IBC. She impacts the game in multiple ways and continues to be an important piece of their overall success.

The Circle City Tournament was held March 28–29 at the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, Indiana, featuring some of the top programs from across multiple states. Notable teams in attendance included Next Level (KY), Kentucky Premier , Heart of Illinois (IL), Illinois Inferno, and several Indiana-based programs such as West Virginia Thunder, Indiana Sirens , Indiana Basketball Club , and Team Rush.