HHBC Flight 17u Wins Up North Challenge Championship
OVERVIEW HHBC Flight 17u is just a little bit different. While most grassroots teams are a collection of talent from various schools, they are (outside of 1 player) all from one school. To compete on the same level, that school…
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Continue ReadingOVERVIEW
HHBC Flight 17u is just a little bit different. While most grassroots teams are a collection of talent from various schools, they are (outside of 1 player) all from one school. To compete on the same level, that school better have quite the collection of talent. Hanover-Horton has proven to have the quality and depth to fill an excellent HHBC Flight 17u squad. HHBC Flight 17u has already won the Flint’s Finest event on April 14. They lost in a controversial championship game at the Moneyball event.
HHBC Flight 17u showed their mental and physical toughness last weekend by winning the Up North Challenge. They ended the weekend with a 5-1 record, going 3-1 in games decided by 6 points or less.
ROSTER
This roster has uncommitted and under valued college talent readily available. Luc and Rhett Laketa are next level players that have received some (far too little in my estimation) interest. Sauber is a future college basketball player. He’s a team first / program building lead guard. Finegan and company have skills that will continue to be developed and utilized at the next level.
#3: Mitch Sauber (5’10”, Hanover-Horton, 2020)
#4: Trent Finegan (6’3″, Hanover-Horton, 2020)
#5: Jack Brockie (6’4″, Hanover-Horton, 2020) *wasn’t there for Up North Challenge
#10: Bryce Sanders (6’4″, Hanover-Horton, 2020)
#12: Damon Preston (6’5″, Hanover-Horton, 2020)
#24: David Murine (6’3″, Hanover-Horton, 2021) *wasn’t there for Up North Challenge
#32: Rhett Laketa (6’3″, Hanover-Horton, 2020)
#33: Luc Laketa (6’5″, Hanover-Horton, 2020)
#34: Quinton Benson (6’3″, Homer High School, 2020)
Carson Sanders (6’2″, Hanover-Horton, 2022)
UP NORTH CHALLENGE GAME RESULTS
HHBC Flight vs. Mid Michigan Lakers – Win, 61-27
HHBC Flight vs. Championship Sports – Loss, 53-59
HHBC Flight vs. REAL Basketball – Win, 81-69
HHBC Flight vs. The Program – Win, 70-64
HHBC Flight vs. West Michigan Lakers – Win, 57-52
HHBC Flight vs. Camp Darryl – Win, 59-57
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Luc Laketa
Mitch Sauber
PLAYER NOTES
Luc Laketa: He was the teams leading scorer. Laketa showed off his post game, mid-range jumper, and 3 point shot. He also leads in the open floor.
Mitch Sauber: The athletic guard was quietly dominant. He was a 3 level scorer as well as being one of the best perimeter defenders at the event.
Rhett Laketa: Laketa is the teams top post defender. He’s a versatile offensive player that leads the team in assists, can shoot the 3, and finishes at the rim.
“Understands how to screen and release, our Draymond Green.” – Coach Laketa.
Trent Finegan: He’s a bona fide 3 point specialist. 3pt specialist (hit 88 3’s in a single JV season) that opens the floot and stretches the defense. “Understands how to back-cut to keep defense honest.” – Coach Laketa
Bryce Sanders: Plays with grit and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work. He’s a relentless rebounder and defender.
Quinton Benson: His toughness and physicality makes him special. He initiates contact and is active on the glass.
Damon Preston: He’s very active on the boards, hunting down rebounds.
Carson Sanders: A young player that is learning about varsity level defense. He’s a naturally smooth shooter and scorer.
COACH’S COMMENTS
“This group has been together since the 4th grade. Opponents look at them in warm-ups and dismiss them as a bunch of skinny, baby-faced kids. They’ve been beating teams for years who are bigger, more athletic. Just like we did this weekend in Mt. Pleasant.” – Coach Laketa