Day 2 Standouts From Hard Work Live- Middleton High School/ Kromrey Middle School
Ashawn Burbridge- Illinois T Wolves (16U)
The 16U Illinois T Wolves squad had plenty of great prospects, but Ashawn Burbridge stood out the most. Burbridge has a strong build that he was able to use to his advantage in a physical game against NLU 16U. Burbridge is a proficient scorer, passer, and rebounder. He was able to flash his great potential in Saturday morning’s win over NLU. The 6’5″ forward is a player that college coaches should take note of.
Ben Holders- Minnesota Lightning (16U)
Ben Holders led the way for Minnesota Lightning as they took down Sharks Basketball Academy in the second game of the day. Holders is a 6’5″ center who possesses rare skill for a player his size. He has a plethora a crafty post moves that he can go to when he is on the block. He also rebounded very well, ran the floor terrifically, and outdueled Shark big man Oscar Antanaitis.
Antwon French- Iowa Dynasty (16U)
In a double-digit win for Iowa Dynasty, Antwon French dominated the interior. In this game, French was always crashing the glass and getting rebounds for his Iowa Dynasty squad. His inside presence was enough to draw multiple defenders every time he touched the ball. While Wisconsin Blaze was unable to put a worthy defender on Frech, he deserves credit for doing what he was supposed to do.
James Dent Jr.- Capital City TeamWork (16U)
I was able to catch two of James Dent Jr.’s games on Saturday. In both games, he was the best player on the court. He has unteachable length paired with a silky smooth jumper. In his first game, Dent was able to come up big in the second half as TeamWork took down Team Iowa Prep. In the second matchup, he drained five threes en route to a blowout win over Minnesota Select. James Dent Jr. was easily one of the best pure scorers in the gym on Saturday.
Michael Ousley- Capital City TeamWork (16U)
Michael Ousley’s on-ball defense is what earned him a spot on this list. His tenacity on the defensive side of the ball was very impressive, especially in his first game. Ousley was always looking to get steals, tips, blocks, and was never afraid to sacrifice his body for his team.
Niiziar Rogers Iowa Raiders (16U)
Niiziar RogersRogers’ energy was infectious in a 52-50 win for the Iowa Raiders over B&B Elite. The Iowa Raiders trailed for most of the first half, but a run was sparked by Niiziar Rogers as he displayed his athleticism and playmaking ability. Rogers used his speed to blow past defenders and get to the rim while using his strength to finish the job once he got there. The guard had his fingerprints all over this game, including when he was sitting on the bench. It may seem insignificant, but his excitement and encouragement from the sideline was a difference maker.
Caden Hinker -SD Attack (15U)
Standing at 6’6″ as a freshman, Caden Hinker has great length despite his youth. While many prospects who are his size are uncoordinated, Hinker looked very comfortable on both ends SD Attack’s win over Team Eleate. He knocked down a three from the left wing and showed off many of his nifty post moves on offense. While he was on defense, he used his long arms to alter and block many shots.