Fury Shootout: Sunday Best
The day started early with a jog down 494 and 77 to Eastview for 17U bracket play at the Fury Shootout in Apple Valley. Tons of fun matchups and performances throughout the bracket, plus the MIAC being represented in full force all day. Here are the Sunday eye-catchers:
Battle of Twos: Fury Antl and Comets Servaty roughed it out in the most anticipated quarterfinal and it did not disappoint. The battle of Comets size against Fury backcourt was good fun, and ultimately the blue and white came out victorious in overtime. Justin Balcome anchored the Comets D inside, exerting maximum effort to alter shots, plus his offensive rebounding and finishing ability gave Comets a big edge late in the game. Jordan big man Andrew Niebuhr returned almost every favor down low for the Fury, including a few high-traffic finishes and out-of-nowhere blocks. He’ll finish the season as a top stock riser; he is more confident and agile than six weeks ago at the Comets Shootout.
Chemistry wins games: The team you can just about guarantee to see in a Minnesota AAU tournament semifinals, regardless of competition level, is the MN Eagles. They’ve been together since second grade and just keep winning! And on top of that their three best players are huge contributors on other top grassroots teams in the state (Tre Jones, Luke Martens, Spencer Rolland). This weekend muscular 6-3 wing Nathan Macho took the scoring load at every level, whether it was open trey looks or quick rip drives leading to elevated rim finishes. The Eagles took Fury Wilde to two overtimes thanks to Josh Arnold‘s buzzer beater, but eventually ran out of steam.
Fury’s worker: Everyone knows Michael Jones and his extended shooting range and long frame. The metro is familiar with Drew Galinson‘s steady two-way game. But who’s the shaggy-haired 6-foot-5 forward that is around the ball seemingly every possession? That would be Jordan’s Eric Tiedman. He outjumps and outrebounds and outhustles you every play. He out-everythings you. His quiet demeanor on the floor helps him stay out of sight when he wants to but his motor is the difference in a lot of these close games. Capped off the double OT game against the Eagles with a breakaway dunk. Whichever school lands him will be a lucky one.
Guys that will need another look: Comets Servaty is a huge squad. They ran some big lineups that got Jordan Belka some tick at the 3. Belka is a 6-6 Rogers wing who is known for his sharpshooting, but lately he’s shed his one-dimensional reputation and put the ball on the floor with fluidity and vision. He can play his way into a peek from some NSICs … Sam Vascellaro showed a lot of grit on Sunday in a second scoring option role for Fury Antl and took advantage of slower defenders with relentless attacks and quick leaps for pullup jumpers. He’s a healthy 6-3 and MIACs can use his heart and ability to guard three positions … Fury Wilde needed big minutes up front from 6-8 Anoka product Jake Phipps after Rolland tweaked an ankle, and they got those minutes. Good hands and quick finishing ability helped Phipps give multiple inside scores to make a comeback on the Eagles in the semis. He’s a reliable post defender whose offensive game could really expand at the next level.