Proving Grounds (Minneapolis): Sunday Standouts
Mikel Henderson, 6′ PG (Kansas City Spurs) — 2019
A supremely quick and active lead guard, Henderson was excelling on both ends of the floor during Sunday afternoon’s 17U title game against MN Fury-Wilde. He was the catalyst offensively, and led his squad with 12 points, most of them coming at the rim, where he’s a fantastic and creative finisher. Defensively, he’s a pest, and was making life miserable for the Fury guards.
Max Wilcox, 5’6 PG (Iowa Pump N Run Black) — 2019
Small, but oh so skilled, Wilcox is effective at driving and finishing, despite being the smallest guy on his team. And his outside shooting is certainly a strength. He’s one of those, when he shoots it, you expect it to go in every time time guys. Also an adept ball-handler and certainly an elite scorer, we now see why Wilcox was able to average nearly 20 points per game as a junior at Danville last winter.
Carson Crile, 6’4 F (Iowa Pump N Run Black) — 2019
Crile is always very good when he see him with Pump N Run, and this weekend was certainly no exception. A tweener, Crile is tall enough and athletic enough to be productive in the post, and he’s also got a nice mid-range game and some increasingly adept handles. He’ll have a monster season with Fairfield next season.
Charles Katona, 6’5 SF (Minnesota Fury-Zurn) — 2020
A big wing who is able to see over the defense, Katona was scoring well at the rim during Fury’s shellacking over OSA National in the 16U title game. Fury was simply too big, too strong and too skilled in the championship game, Katona possesses all those traits. He’ll get up and jam, and he can shoot it, too. College coaches will be clamoring over him this summer.
Brady Williams, 6’6 SF (Minnesota Fury-Zurn)
The Dover-Eyota sophomore is a big and skilled wing who seemingly always makes the right play. That high basketball IQ paired with his size and ability give him the look of a high-level college player. He’s also got a great stroke from deep and some excellent passing instincts; Williams will hurt you in a variety of ways.
Cameron Steele, 6’8 PF (Minnesota Fury-Zurn)
A Minnetonka product, Steele was dominant — particularly in the second half — against OSA National in the 16 title game. He was pouring in points in that second frame, 13 in all, while attacking he rim and finishing well. He moves fluidly for a big-man, and finishes through contact. Steele also showcased a nice stroke from the free-throw line, and a competent floater game.
Spencer Jones, 6’5 SF (Kansas City Spurs) — 2019
He was one of the best players two weekend’s ago in Omaha, and was again a key figure on the 17U platinum division winner in Minneapolis. Jones is big and sturdy, and although he wasn’t at his best in the 17U title game, it was clear that he was one of the primary college prospects on the floor. The jumper is fluid and sharp and his athletic ability is a strength. A top-10 prospect in Kansas (Bishop Miege), Jones should pick up several offers before the summer’s done.
Jack Middleton, 6’4 G (Minnesota Fury-Wilde) — 2019
He started off red-hot against KC Spurs in the 17U title game, and though he cooled off later, it was evident that he’s a high-level player. The jumper is a strength, Middleton — an Edina product — was sporting a fluid and precise stroke like an elite shooting guard would, and he’s got the handle of a point guard. He’s big and tough enough to take it into the lane, and isn’t afraid to bang in the paint. Middleton was also one of the quickest guards we saw this weekend with the ball in his hands.