Windsor’s 16U Reebok Nationals Tournament Standouts
The Reebok Nationals tournament brought some heavy hitters into town from Colorado and the surrounding areas in a tournament setting and let players go at it for the weekend. It was an organized and competitive event that had great showings.…
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Continue ReadingThe Reebok Nationals tournament brought some heavy hitters into town from Colorado and the surrounding areas in a tournament setting and let players go at it for the weekend. It was an organized and competitive event that had great showings. Here are some players who stood out from 16U.
Kaleb Mitchell Kaleb Mitchell 6'9" | C Denver Prep | 2022 AZ — The Force
Mitchell was one of the tallest players at the event at 6’8 and also has the stature to match. He used all of his length to win rebounding battles, bang underneath and also score on the post, but what was invaluable was his ability to alter seamlessly any shot that comes his way. The Force played multiple games on the final day, and what was apparent was his rim protection. There was one game that he finished with about seven blocks, a dunk, and he also attacked the rim using his body and size to finish over the smaller defenders. Mitchell is a bit raw but a blank canvas with a high ceiling. He is only getting better.
Anthony Harris Jr. Anthony Harris Jr. 6'5" | PF Smoky Hill | 2022 State CO . – Knights Elite
This was one of the better showings I saw from Harris Jr. as he was able to play more freely. He was loose and more fluid, and while he is not a player that is going to go out and score 30 points, he does so many other valuable things that the Knights need. Harris’s offense came a bit different in the tourney as he was hitting the 3-ball. The thing about Harris is he makes plays that make it seem like he has 20 points because he is active and a home run hitter that alters games. He’s a game-changing athlete, and once he gets a full head of steam, there are not many things you can do with him. Harris is the young guy for Knights Elite, but he knows what to do and brings a ton to the team. He stood out this weekend.
Josh Wyatt— L.O.B Elite
L.O.B was a scrappy bunch that, for their first time out, did not disappoint. They were coached well, played hard on both ends of the floor, and did not give up in games. They had a few players that were rough around the edges but made up for it with hustle. The player that they had that kept them in games and looked to have the best understanding of the game was their guard Josh Wyatt. Wyatt is L.O.B’s best player and is as smooth as they come and is a natural scorer. He knows where he wants to get on the floor, shows off an inside and outside game, and feels the double team so passes it to the open man. He is a solid ball-handler and shot creator that was interesting to watch. I will make sure to give him a more in-depth look.
Josh Lopez Josh Lopez 6'0" | PG Mullen | 2022 State CO — Colorado Miners
The thing that stands out quickly for the young Miner team is guard play. They play an unselfish brand of basketball, have guys that make the extra pass, take care of the ball, and play up and down, which is always fun to watch. While the Miners have solid guard play, it starts and ends with Lopez. Lopez plays with confidence and swagger. He is an in your face defender that gets under the opposing guard’s skin, gets to the rim and finishes as well as runs the offense and sets his guys up. Lopez also had his outside shot going in the Reebok tourney, which opened up the rest of the floor for his team. He is a floor general that leads by example, and his hard play is contagious.
Kai Ileya— Flight Elite
Ileya had himself a coming out weekend for Flight Elite. Flight wasn’t able to win every game, but they made things interesting as they played extremely hard and until the final whistle. One player in particular that stood out as a microwave scorer that can get himself going was Ileya. In a close loss on Sunday, Ileya went on multiple runs in the game, where he reeled off 6-8 points straight. His shot was falling, he was getting to his spots, and he also was a stronger wing that turned the corner on screens and attacked the basket. This was my first time seeing Ileya but know that he will bring an added element next season and a spark to that Overland team.