#PHGatewayToTheWest 16U All-Tournament Team
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The Prep Hoops circuit made its way to Omaha this weekend for the Gateway to the West Classic. Some talented squads from around the midwest descended upon the UBT Sports Complex for a weekend of exciting and action-packed hoops. After…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops circuit made its way to Omaha this weekend for the Gateway to the West Classic. Some talented squads from around the midwest descended upon the UBT Sports Complex for a weekend of exciting and action-packed hoops. After the weekend’s action concluded, here are the 16U prospects whose performances throughout the weekend earned them the distinction of being named to my all-tournament team for the Gateway to the West Classic.
First Team
Nathan Fenske Nathan Fenske 6'2" | SG Lakeview | 2023 State MN – Southwest Minnesota Stars
This 6’2 guard was arguably the most impactful floor general I watched throughout the weekend. Fenske made an impact on both ends of the floor for the Stars. On offense, he was creative and crafty both when scoring the ball and finding teammates to make plays. Defensively, Fenske played tough and was a vocal leader. Overall he displayed an impressive all-around skill set at the guard spot, and his weekend was highlighted by great assist numbers and an assortment of tough finishes at the rim.
Keavian Hayes Keavian Hayes 6'2" | SG Sioux City West | 2023 State IA – Arena Basketball Club
As noted in my Sunday Standouts piece, Hayes is one of the more exciting players that I got to see up close not just this weekend in Omaha, but over the course of the entire summer. Hayes didn’t just make plenty of highlight-reel plays throughout the weekend for Arena Basketball Club, he let everyone in attendance know right away that he’s a certified bucket getter. Hayes showed an ability to score at all three levels and wasn’t afraid to show off his bounce inside. I was most impressed by his body control when finishing at the rim.
Mandella Muhamed – South Dakota Network
Muhamed played like a warrior all weekend long for South Dakota Network. A gritty, gutty guard, Muhamed shined most distributing to his teammates and slashing to the basket to finish at the rim. He also displayed an ability to get hot from three as well as being a go-to guy when his team needed buckets to chip away at a deficit. Muhamed was one of the toughest players in the gym all weekend and wasn’t afraid to be a pest on the defensive end when he wasn’t initiating the Network offense on the other end of the floor.
Aiden Johnson – NorthStar Titans
If I was handing out superlatives for the weekend, Johnson would’ve been deemed Mr. Consistency. The 6’6 forward logged a double-double in every single game he played during his time in Omaha. His weekend averages came out to 14.5 points per game and 12.5 rebounds per game on the weekend. He shot above 50% from the field, as well as 85% from the free-throw line. This guy fought hard game in and game out until the final whistle sounded.
Zach Anderson Zach Anderson 6'6" | SF Martin County West | 2023 State MN – MN Rise
Any player who is built like a forward but possesses a guard’s skillset will immediately catch your eye, and Zach Anderson Zach Anderson 6'6" | SF Martin County West | 2023 State MN did just that for me this weekend. Anderson has great length on his 6’6 frame and has better handles than most players with similar builds to his. There were multiple instances where Anderson brought the ball up the floor or led the break for MN Rise. His jump shot is smooth, and he has a nice touch around the basket. I’d say Anderson has plenty of upside that warrants keeping tabs on him.
Second Team
Blake Schoolmeester Blake Schoolmeester 6'6" | SF Willmar | 2023 State MN – SW Minnesota Stars
AJ Akot AJ Akot 6'4" | SF Sioux Falls Washington | 2023 State SD – Sacred Hoops Dwight
Luke Blaska – HOF
Zach Lutmer Zach Lutmer 6'1" | PG Central Lyon | 2023 State IA – Arena Basketball Club
Zander Benz – South Dakota Network