Summer Slam Saturday Standouts: 16U Forwards

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some of the top teams from Minnesota, the Dakotas and Wisconsin were in Sioux Falls last weekend for the Summer Slam. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here were some of the top 16U Forwards from play Saturday:</span></p> <p><strong>Paul Olson, ECI Selects Grant</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Olson stood out early for ECI Selects, as he’s a big, athletic swingman who can defend up or down a lineup, and he attacks the rim offensively. The Kindred product showed solid passing/playmaking skills and the ability to finish in the paint. </span></p> <p><strong>Gavin Mitzel, ND Attack 16U</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mitzel showed a lot of flashes particularly on the defensive end of the floor for ND Attack. The Hillsboro/Central Valley big man has a strong frame, the athleticism to defend on the outside while protecting the paint. He got in trouble trying to do too much offensively, but he’s good as a screener and finisher.</span></p> <p><strong>Elliot Hoff, ECI Selects Hanson</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hoff had some good moments this past weekend, showcasing solid explosiveness off the bounce and a good-looking jumper. He’s a big swingman and when he was assertive, he showed the ability to create his own shot and get to the rim. </span></p> <p><strong>Aaron Grubb, ECI Prospects</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grubb might’ve been ECI Prospects’ best player last weekend. The 6-foot-2 forward from Mandan showed the ability to create his own shot, slash to the paint, finish over length and make plays for his teammates. He’s not a layup line standout, but he just seems to know how to play and make an impact.</span></p> <p><strong>Karsten Stumo, ECI Selects Grant</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stumo showed some serious scoring chops in spurts last weekend. He’s a good shooter, showed off a nice mid-range and floated game, has enough juice to break down primary defenders and get to the rim and can make plays in complementary fashion. </span></p>