Grit Region Finals: 2024 Post Paradise
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A few days ago I gave you a group of point guards from the Grit Region Finals who I could not fit into the 2024 all tournament teams. I’ll wrap up my coverage of the event by doing the same…
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Continue ReadingA few days ago I gave you a group of point guards from the Grit Region Finals who I could not fit into the 2024 all tournament teams. I’ll wrap up my coverage of the event by doing the same with the post players.
Jake Riemer 6-6 Downers Grove North (IL) (pictured at top of article) Big broad shouldered old school big man had an excellent weekend for Team Breakaway. Standout game was in close Saturday victory over the Chicago Demons. Knows who he is and isn’t going to venture out on the perimeter much. Defensively had a few big blocks that were impressive.
Malcolm Morris Jr 6-6 Champaign Urbana (IL) First caught my eye at the Chicago Summer Challenge playing with the Illinois Hoopstars. Running with EG10 this past weekend. The counting stats weren’t going to be there with this deep squad. But Morris really stood out on the defensive end. Protected the rim and rebounded both in and out of his area. I have seen a solid offensive post game from him in prior events. Bright future for this young post.
Jason Jakstys 6-8 Yorkville (IL) Tall but skinny player had a strong weekend leading Basketball Paradise to a quarter final appearance. You can tell he has been well coached. Plays within the offense and keeps the ball high in the post. With his extreme length might have the most upside of any player on this list.
Jaylan Ouwinga Jaylan Ouwinga 6'6" | C Grand Rapids Christian | 2024 State MI 6-6 Grand Rapids Christian (MI) Did solid work in the paint for a MBA National squad that was down one of its top players due to injury. When I saw him months ago at the first event of the region in Michigan. I thought he needed to add strength and looked a little robotic in the post. Not so at the finals. Reminds you of how quickly players at this age can develop. Part of strong Christian contingent in Indy that should provide the Eagles with a bright future.
Justin Sims Justin Sims 6'6" | PF Chesterton | 2024 State IN 6-4 Chesterton (IN) Not necessarily a true post but manned it well for Indiana Game. Led them to the quarterfinals where they lost a close one to Team Teague 2025. Had a huge game in this contest. Finished with 12 points but it sure felt like more. Long arms help make up for a lack of vertical size (relative to the post). Will also help at what will probably his eventual home out on the perimeter.
Stefan Cicic 6-9 Notre Dame (IL) Team Ten Jabari Parker probably did not have the weekend that had hoped for coming in. They dealt with an injury to leading scorer Payton Kamin Payton Kamin 6'7" | SF Worcester Academy | 2025 State NLG In his absence other players including Cicic stepped up. The first thing that stands out is the size. Cicic is very big. Might have been one of the biggest players in the entire field regardless of class. He is also quite mobile and light on his feet for his size. Needs to improve court awareness and overall ball skills. But there is a lot to work with physically.