Team Trae Young tipped off 2022 action in The Circuit this weekend and walked away with a trio of wins.
TTY bounced Team GPS 60-45 in the morning session on Saturday, then later, in one of the showcase matchups of the weekend, they topped RI Elite 64-59 on Saturday afternoon. They wrapped the weekend on Sunday morning with a 52-38 win over Team Selfless.
Team Trae was led by Ja’Kobe Walter, the consensus Top 25 prospect in the Class of 2023, who averaged over 20 points per game over the weekend. It was also a big weekend for Kaden Cooper, who nearly averaged a double double with 12.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game while shooting 50 percent (15-of-30) from the field.
The Circuit League I: Interview with 2023 Kaden Cooper?⭐️
“I have been working on my jump shot, shot making ability, and finishing at the rim. Once you get to college you need to change a lot of things and it’s a different pace and game style.” @kaden580 @teamtraeyoungmb pic.twitter.com/4lur5Yddrt
— The Circuit (@TheCircuit) March 26, 2022
Walter was the top performer in the opener, pouring in 19 points while adding five assists, four rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Cooper added 17 points and nine boards in the win.
FINAL: @teamtraeyoungmb def. @GPShoops806 60-45 in #17U action #TheCircuitLeague pic.twitter.com/dk4rDDvQeL
— The Circuit (@TheCircuit) March 26, 2022
Top Performer ?@teamtraeyoungmb G Ja’Kobe Walter
19 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL, and 2 BLK#TheCircuitLeague pic.twitter.com/Hi3g3lmxAx
— The Circuit (@TheCircuit) March 26, 2022
As the level of competition rose in Game 2, so too did the performance of Walter, who scored 30 points, grabbed six boards and had four steals in the hard-fought win over RI Elite.
2023 5 ⭐️ Ja’Kobe Walter (@JaKobeWalter1) has a monster game earlier today
30 PTS (5-8 from three), 6 REB, 3 AST, and 4 STL
Scored it from all three levels
Walter is one of the best on ball defenders in the nation @teamtraeyoungmb
— Alex Karamanos (@TheCircuitAlex) March 27, 2022
Now back here at @TheCircuit and Ja’Kobe Walter has caught fire in the 2nd half and taking over in this one. Strong contributions from 2023 Kaden Cooper (lethal transition scorer) and Cameron Barnes (finishing strong, showing ability to attack from perimeter) @teamtraeyoungmb
— Ani Umana (@Ani_Umana) March 26, 2022
FINAL: @teamtraeyoungmb def. @RIElite_ 64-59 in #17U action#TheCircuitLeague pic.twitter.com/FYGcIG8CVD
— The Circuit (@TheCircuit) March 27, 2022
Cam Barnes (2023) also had a big game, standing out particularly on the defensive end to help TTY pull out a big win.
The Circuit League I: Interview with 2023 5 star Cam Barnes?⭐️
“We plan on working together more, defense, and rebounding and with those three things we will win as many games as we want ” @CamEBarnes @teamtraeyoungmb pic.twitter.com/5ET7uabfbu
— The Circuit (@TheCircuit) March 26, 2022
2023 4 ⭐️ Cam Barnes (@CamEBarnes) making a difference on both sides of the ball
His length allows him to alter shots and rebound well on offense and defense @teamtraeyoungmb @DuncanvilleBB
— Alex Karamanos (@TheCircuitAlex) March 26, 2022
Big time 3 from NBA range, hell of a block on the other end, then a great finish down low after a nice pass from @JaKobeWalter1!!! JUST WAIT ?? @CamEBarnes ? https://t.co/P7WDvFh6ae
— CoachJay (@CoachJayCosme) March 26, 2022
The final game of the weekend for TTY was a balanced effort to leave The Circuit’s opening weekend still unbeaten. Walter, Cooper and Barnes all scored in double figures and Cooper posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double in the victory.
5 Star @JaKobeWalter1 was on fire this past weekend??? #TheCircuitLeague @teamtraeyoungmb @TheCircuit @MHSLionsHoops pic.twitter.com/CBmoIMuZz6
— Stargazing (Media) (@star_gazng) March 29, 2022
The Circuit League I: Interview with 2023 5 star Jakobe Walter ?⭐️
“I did pretty well during the high school season and helping the team out. During the Grassroots season I’m trying to win the Circuit so I need to become more of a leader.” @JaKobeWalter1 @teamtraeyoungmb pic.twitter.com/Jx21h3uPvh
— The Circuit (@TheCircuit) March 27, 2022