The Finale: 17U Sunday’s Best
The Finale concluded with some solid basketball and plenty of back and forth affairs on Championship Sunday. Here are some 17U players that stood out for me on Sunday. Cachao Gianquinto Cachao Gianquinto 6'3" | SG Battle | 2021 State…
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Continue ReadingThe Finale concluded with some solid basketball and plenty of back and forth affairs on Championship Sunday. Here are some 17U players that stood out for me on Sunday.
Cachao Gianquinto Cachao Gianquinto 6'3" | SG Battle | 2021 State MO – Carrol GoL1ve
Gianquinto was a huge reason that Carrol GoL1ve was able to take home the 17U championship as he seemed to have everything going for him. Gianquinto is a 6’3 do-it-all wing that played well on and off of the ball, and the offense ran through him as he lit up the scoreboard. He was spectacular in the championship game. Gianquinto finished with 24 points in a win against Mokan as he was excellent on defense as well. He defended multiple positions, but applying pressure offensively all game long was the difference in the game. He hit jumpers; he got to the rim; he was dangerous in the open court and showcased his versatility with a sweet dish or finish. He is a strong guard that uses his size and was one of the best players on the weekend.
Tayom Sessoms – Colorado Soldiers
This was my first time watching Sessoms, and I liked what I saw from him. He is a bit raw offensively but outworks the defenders and has a good feel for where to be, which allows him to score some easy baskets. His strong suit is on defense. Sessoms is a physical defender with long arms for the passing lanes but stayed in the ballhandler’s grill. He moves his feet and uses his body, and he also started sparks for the team on that end of the floor as their defensive anchor. He popped out on the screen as a player to watch moving forward with a couple of decent games.
Tarquavion Smith – Sky Ice Elite 17U
Smith hit some huge shots in the game to keep Sky Ice Elite in the game, and he was also the offense for the team. They rode him down the final stretch as he took care of the ball, found holes in the defense, and let it fly late. Smith hit a couple of 3-pointers late in the game to apply pressure to the Colorado Soldiers, and he also made stops on defense. In a back and forth tilt, every possession mattered, and he provided extra ones as he played the passing lanes and got his hands on a few plays, opened up the floor with his outside shot, and showed composure down the stretch.
Qahhar Burns – Colorado Soldiers
Hit some very tough buckets, and they were at the right time. Colorado Soldiers and Sky Ice Elite traded baskets for the whole second half. As soon as it looked as if Sky Ice Elite would go on a run, it was Burns who would hit a shot or get a finish to put the Soldiers right back in the game. In a game centered around chaos in a fast-paced tilt, Burns looked comfortable and provided offense. He hit game-changing 3-pointers, finished on layups, and also caused the guards to turn the ball over. The Soldiers were able to escape with a win, and it was on his back that they got it done.
Jalen Hampton Jalen Hampton 6'7" | PF Link Year | 2022 MO – Carrol GoL1ve
Hampton is a player that put players on notice all weekend long. Carrol GoL1ve knew who the hot man was, and he used his 6’6 wirey athleticism to score at will. He goes up without human regard as he had countless dunks, and he uses that athleticism to grab boards as well as he was a walking double-double all weekend. Hampton showcased excellent footwork on the block as well as his soft touch around the rim with pull-ups around the basket. What made it even more difficult for defenders was Hampton’s ability to put the ball on the floor and finish. Hampton was a force this weekend, and another reason why Carrol GoL1ve was victorious.