17U Hard Work Regional Finals: Who made the most of the trip?
Bloomington MN was the host site for Prep Hoops Circuit Hard Work Regional Finals and 9 states were represented with AAU teams for the 17U age group. Several out-of-towners made the most of their last tournaments of the summer before…
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Continue ReadingBloomington MN was the host site for Prep Hoops Circuit Hard Work Regional Finals and 9 states were represented with AAU teams for the 17U age group. Several out-of-towners made the most of their last tournaments of the summer before heading back and preparing for the highschool season.
Isaiah Tolbert of All in Williams
Isaiah Tolbert of All in Williams (6’1′” 2020 Gwendolyn Brooks, IL)
Every team is always looking for outside shooting and Isaiah Tolbert’s ability to knock down the three was put on display this weekend. Arguably his best performance came on Sunday morning. With his team down 16 in the first half Tolbert caught fire to hit two 3’s to close out the final two minutes and then came out in the second half to knock down another four in a 61-70 defeat vs Minnesota Comets. Tolbert displayed a great awareness as team’s caught on to his shooting to drive and kick under tight defensive pressure. He played the guard position with tremendous composure.
Louis Fidler of Team Factory Gold (6’5″ 2020 Bellevue West, NE)
Louis Fidler of Team Factory Goldphoto credit c/o @fidler_louis twitter
Coming off a strong 26-2 season last year with Bellevue West, expectations will be high for Louis Fidler and his teammates heading into this winter. If this tournament was an indication of how Fidler will play this season he is more than poised to aid his team to another state tournament appearance. At 6’5″ he showed great length as he forced several turnovers into transition layups and when put into the position of leading the break he was a confident dribbler that attacked and finished through contact. Coaches value consistency and in back to back performances on Saturday he scored 17 and 18 points.
Akoi Akoi of South Dakota Attack (6’5″ 2020 O’gorman, SD)
Ranked #2 in Prep Hoops South Dakota rankings Akoi Akoi showed why he is getting such high praise in his region. With his 6’5″ frame Akoi roamed the floor in a position-less like role for South Dakota Attack. He showed his ability to catch the ball on the inside and finish as a post while also being the primary ball handler for his team. His length was a benefit to him as he isolated defenders and showed off his ability to dribble into the lane and finish. On Friday night he made a double digit scoring effort look routine. Akoi looks hungry heading into 2019/2020 season after losing in the state championship last year.
RJ Holmes of All in Athletics- Figueroa (6’5″ 2020 Stevenson, IL)
RJ Holmes of All In Elite -FigueroaHustle and effort get you onto the stat sheet and RJ Holmes had a tournament of hustle plays. His athleticism drove everything on the defensive end filling a wing/forward hybrid role for All in Figueroa. He very rarely got beat off the dribble and was active as he communicated with teammates leading to several help side blocks. His offensive skills were best displayed when he could catch the ball at the free throw line. Holmes attacking ability drew defenders to him which lead to kick out open three pointers for teammates and if the help defense did not come; Holmes had no issue flashing to the rim and finishing. A tremendous offensive rebounder as he cleaned up several misses with tip ins.
Sterling Scott of Michigan Tranzition (6’3″ 2020 Detroit Renaissance, MI)
When Michigan Tranzition needed scoring they looked to Sterling Scott to fill the void. Scott did it all pouring in 27 points in a 65-71 Friday night defeat vs Wisconsin Crusaders. At 6’3″ he plays a solid guard position and balances his scoring from both inside and outside the three point line (15 of his 27 points that night coming from three.) He currently sits at #61 in Prep Hoops Michigan rankings however looks primed for a great season and could climb in those rankings.
Gerald Gittens Jr of Wisconsin Rap (6’1″ SJNMA, WI)
Last but certainly not least Gerald Gittens Jr saved his best performance for the final game of the tournament. Wisconsin Rap faced a very lengthy MN Comets team in the 17U Championship game and Gitttens made their length look non-existent. The Rap guard went for 30 points in helping to secure a 85-72 championship win and had our staff hailing him as MVP. His ability to adjust in air and finish at the rim had Comets defenders at a loss on how to defend ball screens. College coaches will be looking forward to their next opportunity at getting to watch him. Whoever lands him on campus will be getting a tremendous player.
Gerald Gittens Jr of Wisconsin Rap