#PHLive Top 16U Standouts from Day 1
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The #PHLive event got started in Kansas City, MO, on Friday, and we were there in the flesh to catch a few teams from across the country get in on the action. Here are some of the top 16U guys…
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Continue ReadingThe #PHLive event got started in Kansas City, MO, on Friday, and we were there in the flesh to catch a few teams from across the country get in on the action. Here are some of the top 16U guys from the Kansas City Convention Center who stood out on Day 1.
Devon Woods Devon Woods 5'10" | PG Pike | 2023 State IN — Team Teague 2023
Woods is a small guard but a shifty and confident guard that is dangerous with the ball in his hands. Woods made some next-level moves in the open floor that kept the defense on its heels. There were step-backs, euro-step finishes, and up and unders that made him a tough cover in Team Teagues opening night game to a very talented D1 Minnesota team, and he held his own. Woods pushes the pace and comes right at you. He is a great passer and on-ball defender that turned guys over and played with poise. He’s a player that I will keep an eye on at the event as he will be asked to lead the way and has what it takes to make it happen. Solid opening day for him, even in defeat.
KJ Rhimes – Gateway
Rhimes was one of the best floor generals that I saw on Day 1, and his elite play and decision-making is why his team did not fall late in the game. Rhimes plays under control but also with a sense of urgency. He is an in-your-face tenacious defender that is creating havoc everywhere on the floor, and his work on that end helped his team pick up the victory. Rhimes knocked down multiple 3-pointers with the game close, finished in traffic, or got to the FT line and also read the defense and reacted. Rhimes got Gateway going and matched what the defense was giving him to keep them in the game, and when a teammate caught fire, instead of still forcing the shot, he found the hot-man and made sure to feed him. Rhimes is cool, calm, and collective on the floor and showed his competitiveness, which was the difference in the game. True floor leader.
Deion Buford Wesson — Hooplife Academy 2023
Deion is a tenacious two-way player whose defense kick-started the offense and gave his team some easy scoring opportunities. The aggressive guard was ripping guards at half-court for finishes, knocking down the 3-ball and causing momentum for his team with his electric energy. He caught fire from deep as he hit 4 3-pointers in the game. He also showed off his athleticism with an above-the-rim finish that ignited the team. He fights for position, makes the right decision under pressure, and showcased himself as a complete guard that communicates on the defensive end of the floor as well as guides his teammates to the right spot. Wesson finished with 17 points in the game, but could’ve easily had 30 points if not for a couple of missed layups and dishes to the open teammate. He’s a player that had a solid Day 1 and should explode on Day 2.
Brady Kuehl Brady Kuehl 6'6" | SF Parkway | 2023 State MO – Gateway
Kuehl had himself a day and was the top standout that I was able to see on Friday, which is saying a ton as 10 games were going at once. Kuehl was coming off screens ready to shoot, set up for corner shots, and created one for himself. The 6’6 combo-guard is always moving, and that opens up the rest of the floor. When defenses latched on, his gravity provided spacing for teammates, and he made hot-reads to get rid of it quickly until he got what he wanted. Kuehl scored 28 points in the game and had a great blend of inside-out. When the focus was on teammates, he found holes in the defense and made them pay. He’s a player to watch for the weekend and was my pick for the standout of the 1st day. Let’s see if he can continue his stellar play.
Ibrahim El-Amin Ibrahim El-Amin 5'10" | PG Minnetonka | 2023 State MN – D1 Minnesota
In a highly anticipated matchup between D1 Minnesota and Team Teague to conclude night 1, all eyes were on Court 1 as the talented teams dueled it out. There were next-level players on both teams and size out the roof, but the player that stood out most was 5’10 point guard El-Amin. El-Amin was the smallest player on the court but played with a ton of heart. He got to his spots and played under complete control. Amin scored 21 points in the game as the true floor general caught fire from deep and also controlled the tempo. He got out and finished in transition, made some high IQ decisions, and broke down the defense with his tight handle and excellent court awareness. El-Amin is a leader on the floor, telling guys where to go, always talking on defense to let his teammates know where to be, and putting himself in positions to attack. He has a polished game and pulse of the team. They go as he goes, and that is why they came out as the victors on Day 1.