Words. Sean Sweeney

With a name like Seventh Woods, you can bet this kid will be subjected to a lot of “…and on the seventh day, God created…” jokes down the line. That’s what happens when you’re 14 years old and coming down smashing on kids like you’re Russell Westbrook. The amazing thing is that most dominant 14-year-olds are great because they’ve physically matured quicker (bigger and stronger) than everyone else. Woods is only 6-1, already plays like someone who’s comfortable on the perimeter, and even has a skillset outside of his supernatural athleticism. It’ll be interesting to see where he is come 2016, but for now, do what we did. Watch this Hoopmixtape video and bash the basketball Gods for not giving you those hops at 14. MORE >

Words. Jonathan Marshall

Located 66 miles northwest of Detroit, the city of Flint, Mich., has quite the stake to claim when the top talent-producing areas are discussed. Consider the list of Flint ballers which boasts the likes of Mateen Cleaves, Charlie Bell, Morris Peterson, and JaVale McGee. Rising senior and future Big East star JaVontae Hawkins is primed to continue on the trail of hoops glory blazed by his Flint brothers.

“I take a lot of pride in being from Flint, Michigan,” says Hawkins. “I want to be a part of the tradition and history. We never give up. We’re tough as nails. We got a tradition of winning.”

Hawkins counts Cleaves as a mentor, and the former Michigan State star deems the new kid worthy to represent the tradition. MORE >