Top 15U Energy Bringers at PH Live
Great performances were beyond count at the 15U teams at the Prep Hoops Live tournament in Kansas City. With about 75 teams in the field, there was some of everything on display Here’s a look at some of the top…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingGreat performances were beyond count at the 15U teams at the Prep Hoops Live tournament in Kansas City. With about 75 teams in the field, there was some of everything on display
Here’s a look at some of the top 15U energy bringers in KC last weekend (in alphabetical order):
Elijah Barrett, 6-foot-4 forward, MN Chill Elite, Tartan:
While the ultra-athletic Fritz Freeman and big Kyle Jorgensen catch your eye first, Barrett deserves recognition for the effort he brings for the Chill club. He is a strong rebounder who sticks his nose into the fray when the ball goes up. He makes power moves in the post to get shots up, and can also put the ball on the floor and shoot a nice pull-up jumper. He brings toughness and effort and is a big presence when Freeman and/or Jorgensen go to the bench.
Justin Buenaventura, 5-foot-11 guard, Dallas Showtyme Rise, Vines HS:
A guy who catches your eye without taking a shot, Buenaventura is in constant motion. When he has the ball in his hands, he challenges defenses by pushing aggressively. Defensively, he has relentless hands, tipping away passes, slapping away dribbles and diving on the floor for every loose ball. He shuts down opposing guards and creates a ton of points off turnovers. Buenaventura was one of the best two-way guards at PH Live.
Hunter Lorenson, 5-foot-10 guard, Minnesota Heat – Bohrer, Lake City HS:
Lorenson is as impactful at the defensive end as he is on offense. He goes full speed and believes every 50/50 ball is his. He is tough attacking with the ball his hands, fighting through traffic for points in the paint and in transition. He inspires his team with his aggressive play.
Cade Sanderson, 6-foot-1 forward, H&H Elite, Edmond Memorial HS:
Sanderson was about as relentless a forward as could be found in KC. He doesn’t back down from taller opponents, crashing the boards and getting a hand on balls high in the air. If he can’t pull it down, he taps it in the air or bats it to a teammate. He frustrates opposing bigs by never giving up in the paint. He has a really nice face up game, and his energy makes it work.
Will Smith, 6-foot-3 forward, Team Buddy Buckets, Choctaw HS:
Smith might not have the ball in his hands a lot for the guard-rich Oklahoma club, but he makes a big impact nonetheless. His physical, in-your-face defense frustrated some really good offensive players. He also made several “and 1” buckets by fighting through contact to get to the rim. Smith is well-built and athletic, a gliding runner and springy leaper.
Parker Wellman, 5-foot-10 guard, Minnesota Fury 1 (pictured):
Fury 1 has a deep collection of talent, which they rotated evenly at KC. When Wellman was on the court, he made the most of it by playing a solid, guiding role with the ball in his hands, and a high-energy style on defense and in the open court. He was the coach on the floor, keeping everyone up and energized. He is a talented guard, and his effort makes him impactful.