16U Standouts from Day 1 at the #PHSpringKickoff
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The #PHSpringKickoff got started this weekend with our games to get the summer started. It was our first time seeing the players since the end of the regular season. There were players from far and near that got it going.…
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Continue ReadingThe #PHSpringKickoff got started this weekend with our games to get the summer started. It was our first time seeing the players since the end of the regular season. There were players from far and near that got it going. We will get it kicked off with a few standouts from 16U that caught our eye from Day 1.
Zach Bowen Zach Bowen 6'6" | SF Mountain Vista | 2023 State CO – Colorado Collective
Bowen is a name to know that we have not had the chance to see, but he stood out in Day 1 as a player that has a great understanding of the game and does all of the small things that can win you a game. Bowen opened up the game with defense and rebounding, which got other involved and then got his offense going. Bowen showcased the ability to space the floor with the 3-point shot and then followed it up with a dunk that might’ve shocked even him. The game seems to slow down for him, he is a great help-side defender, and although he does not explode with huge scoring games, he impacts the game in multiple ways, and it leads to wins. Very coachable player and has a great understanding of the game.
Silas McCurnin Silas McCurnin 6'2" | PG Poudre | 2023 State CO – Rocky Mountain Fever
McCurnin is a bucket in every sense of the word. He scores in many ways and also does not have to have plays called for him to be effective. McCurnin is always moving, makes smart cuts, and also can create baskets for himself. McCurnin was the top scorer in the AM session with 25 points and had it going from both inside and out. The Fever team plays the right way and make sure to feed the hot man, and he made it easy for them to find him in his spots. McCurnin is a player that made a huge jump in our rankings update, and days like Saturday help us feel good about the decision.
Aidan Peck Aidan Peck 6'7" | SG Rock Canyon | 2023 State CO — Colorado Collective
Peck was one of the players I was most intrigued with on the day as he seems to have the it factor. He moves differently than the others and has excellent size at 6’4 to play multiple positions. He did a bit of everything with ease in their win on Day 1 as he is a long and uber-athletic guard that finishes above the rim. He went on scoring flurries as he knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers, finishes around the rim, and also made smart reads. He is a player with high upside and is a natural scorer that carried his team to victory and is a player I want to see more of.
Charlie Dortch Charlie Dortch 6'7" | PF L'anse Creuse North | 2023 State CO – Rocky Mountain Fever
Dortch was one of the top big men in 16s on the day, and he is a player that understands where to be and what is needed of him. He alters many shots at the rim, holds his ground down low, and protects the paint. Offensively he appears to be getting better from the last time that we saw him as he has a back-to-the-basket game and can knock down the FT extended jumper. Dortch felt where the defense was coming from and passed to the open man, grabbed misses from teammates, and went right up and scored in bunches. His inside presence makes defenders think twice, and he uses all of his 6’7 frame.
Kevin Fuchs— Colorado Collective
Fuchs is a fast and athletic guard despite his size, and he seems to have a good feel for the game. He is an amazing finisher around the basket that uses the blow-bys and his speed as an advantage. Once he gets by his man, he has his head on a swivel to make the right pass, and either hits his man with a pocket-pass or finish at the rim. He did not miss layups; he made the right play, and his teammates seemed to know when he would feed them. Fuchs is a player to watch and is a player that stood out.
Jaedyn Brown – Rocky Mountain Fever
Brown is a player that gets better and better every time that we see him. He is a high IQ guard and the engine for the team that seems to have a gauge for the team. They seem to go as he goes, and he fights on every play. Brown is a high IQ guard that gets the offense flowing, finds the open man, and plays under complete control. Brown is a creative finisher around the rim and makes the smart-reads in the game. He is a player to watch and stood out on Day 1.
DJ Thomas – West Coast Select
Thomas might’ve been the best player in 16s on the day, and he stood out as soon as we went to Sports Stable. We are excited to see him in a better setting on Day 2. On Day 1, he was one of the most polished players on the day as he has an excellent feel for the game, scores from anywhere on the court. Thomas finished with 36 points in the game to put his team over the top. He makes no-look passes, breaks defenders down off of the dribble, and scores even through the double team. Thomas is a bucket with high upside and understands the importance of creating and taking advantage of the mismatch. Huge Day 1 for him and high expectations for Day 2.