Live SZN Kickoff: Top 15U Effort Guys
There were a number of great performances at the Live SZN Kickoff in Lincoln. Defense, hustle, rebounding, creativity…it was all on display among the 15U teams. Here’s a look at some of the top 15U ‘effort guys’ in Lincoln last…
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Continue ReadingThere were a number of great performances at the Live SZN Kickoff in Lincoln. Defense, hustle, rebounding, creativity…it was all on display among the 15U teams.
Here’s a look at some of the top 15U ‘effort guys’ in Lincoln last weekend (in alphabetical order):
Isaiah Bickers, guard, 816 Varsity:
The Kansas City club gave great effort throughout the weekend, led by tough guy Bickers. Coaches can’t help but love how he puts his heart on his sleeve and leaves every ounce of energy on the court. Opposing players and coaches alike went out of their way to show their respect for the gutty 6-foot guard who was still crashing about and diving on the floor when games were out of reach. He’s athletic and talented, and his heart is infectious.
Griffin Heger, guard, SSA Hoops Elite White:
The SSA club took some lumps in Lincoln. But it didn’t back down or pack it in. The club’s fighting spirit was embodied by Heger, a dynamo from Hugoton, a small school in western Kansas. He’s solidly built, but not tall at 5-foot-9. But he is a non-stop, full-speed warrior who was fearless on the drive and tireless in the full-court battles. He is quick and physical, and not backing down from anyone. He can handle the ball and shoot from distance. He’s smart and skilled, but it’s his effort that jumps out at you.
Josh Thornton, forward, KC Runnin’ Rebels:
Thornton made things happen in the lane all weekend. He’s strong and can get up, so he has tools. But it’s his effort that sets him apart. He never shies away from the fracas, but gets in the middle of it, and comes away with the ball more often than not. He was a rebounding and defensive standout among the many talented players at Lincoln.
Niehmyah Tranbrock, guard, South Dakota Network:
Tranbrock is a skilled shooter and ball handler. But he really stands out for his active, tireless defense and his aggressiveness as a playmaker. He goes after every 50/50 ball, dives for everything on the floor, and sticks his nose in for rebounds. With the ball in his hands, he pushes the tempo and fights through traffic.
Honorable Mention:
Braden Frager, forward, Lincoln Supreme 2025:
Frager is tough enough to fly to the goal with reckless abandon, and athletic enough to make it work. The 8th grader fearlessly attacks bigger, older players on the drive, and wins a surprising amount of the time. He’s got an impressive build and athleticism for his age. But he gets the most out of every bit of his ability by pushing the envelope at every opportunity.