Grassroots Preview: 16U ECI Prospects
The high school season didn’t end that long ago, but basketball takes no breaks. The grassroots season is upon us with most teams kicking off their seasons in mid-April. ECI is one of the premier programs in the Dakotas and…
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Continue ReadingThe high school season didn’t end that long ago, but basketball takes no breaks. The grassroots season is upon us with most teams kicking off their seasons in mid-April.
ECI is one of the premier programs in the Dakotas and the 16U Prospects figure to be one of the best teams in the region with an intriguing blend size, shooting and athleticism.
Here is a quick look:
Guards: Ian Ely, Jacob Hilgemann, Carson Lamp, Brady Walthall, Braden DeKeyser, Belind Alemadi
A lot of these guys played small roles for their high school teams as sophomores and figure to take big jumps forward next winter in their roles. So this summer will be important for their collective developments.
Ely took a back seat last year behind Treyton Mattern and Cade Feeney and struggled to shoot the ball with any sort of effectiveness. Was that because of selection or shooting ability? Or both? Either way, he’ll be one of key ball handlers on a team with a number of capable shooters.
Lamp and Hilgemann were solid role players for Jamestown last year and had good moments in the state tournament. They’ll both look to parlay that strong finish into a good summer and further into more featured roles next year with the Bluejays.
DeKeyser averaged 11.5 points and 5.3 rebounds for Fargo Shanley last year as just a sophomore and has the athleticism and slashing ability to be a factor in an AAU setting.
Walthall and Alemadi were fringe varsity guys for Moorhead, Minn. last year but should be primed to take on bigger roles next winter.
Forwards: Gavin Keller, Will Obioha, Jacksen Moni, Jordan LeBeau
Keller is one of the best bigs in Class B North Dakota and at 6-foot-7, he’s got the length to defend and rebound effectively in the paint but also a strong shooting stroke to score from inside and out.
Moni is an intriguing player due to his size and athleticism though he played very little for West Fargo Sheyenne last season. If he can develop his skills and feel for the game, along with his strength, he could be a really nice player. This summer will be big in that development.
LeBeau is a strong interior player who has been a rock solid piece for New Town each of the last two years. He’ll provide a presence in the paint for this team.
Obioha is a player to watch on this team as he’s got immense talent and athleticism. At 6-foot-5, Obioha has guard skills on the offensive end but defends multiple positions and rebounds out of his area very well. He has some developing to do as a shooter but he’s arguably the best prospect on the team and one of the best in the 2021 class in North Dakota.