Grind Region Finals: Wilk’s Saturday Standouts (16U)
Day 2 of the Grind Region Finals in Wichita was a great one, with memorable games and prime-time performances taking place on all 12 courts all day. Unfortunately for me, I could only be at one game at a time.…
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Continue ReadingDay 2 of the Grind Region Finals in Wichita was a great one, with memorable games and prime-time performances taking place on all 12 courts all day. Unfortunately for me, I could only be at one game at a time. Here are a handful of the standout performers from the 16U action that I took in on this super Saturday:
Eli Cook – All Missouri Attack
Eli is a solid contributor for a pesky All Missouri Attack squad. He plays full speed every second he is on the floor and his effort and energy create opportunities for him. He consistently beat the defense down the floor for transition baskets. He is very crafty around the rim and does a nice job at attacking baseline and finishing on the opposite side. He will be one to keep an eye on in the winter.
Jack Hutchinson – SSA Hoops Elite Black
Jack is an absolute sniper. He has a quick, fluid release with deep range and high accuracy. He knocked down several threes early against All Missouri Attack and when they started running him off the line he responded by putting it on the floor and finishing tough floaters or stopping on a dime and drilling mid-range pull-ups. He is a high IQ player who knows how to get himself open and is a strong enough ballhandler to create looks as well.
Nyjahl Vaughn – St. Louis Blazers
Nyjahl was the most consistent player for a talented Blazers squad throughout their two victories today. He brings it on both ends. His defensive intensity alone changed momentum in both games. He is a physical on ball defender that can also get in the passing lanes for deflections. Offensively, he flies down the floor in transition and attacks the rim with purpose off the bounce. He is a strong guard that can take contact and finish.
Marcus Pepper – St. Louis Blazers
To put it bluntly, the Blazers would not have advanced to the Sweet 16 without the effort and poise of Marcus Pepper this morning. With momentum squarely against them, Marcus dug his heels in and made play after play on both ends. He is a tenacious defender that forced numerous turnovers and uses his quickness and ballhandling prowess to get in the lane and make plays offensively. Sparkplug, catalyst, whatever you call it, Marcus was just that and some in both games today.
Trevor Chatman – Tennessee Edge
Trevor almost single-handedly led his team to an upset win over the St. Louis Blazers. The undersized, but strong and athletically gifted forward was tremendous. He made a living against both the trap and the zone of finding open space in the middle and attacking and finishing at the rim. He got his hands on every miss and finished with 28 points and a big double-double.
Caelin Hearne – BTR
Caelin is a tremendous athlete that can play inside/out for BTR. He cashes in well on drive and dump opportunities and excels running the floor in transition and can finish above the rim. He is a solid passer out of the post, gets on the glass, and had a highlight block where he made contact with the ball near the top of the square on the backboard.