#PHGrindRegionFinals Recap: 2024 Low Post Threats
Fort Worth, Texas — The Grind Region Finals, presented by Prep Hoops was the final stop on the Prep Hoops Circuit and it lived up to all of the hype. This tournament brought out 50 teams from all over the South…
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Continue ReadingFort Worth, Texas — The Grind Region Finals, presented by Prep Hoops was the final stop on the Prep Hoops Circuit and it lived up to all of the hype. This tournament brought out 50 teams from all over the South and Midwest to compete to be the Grind Region Finals Champions. This action-packed event was filled with 4 and 5-star recruits, dynamic scorers, slam dunkers, floor generals, up-and-coming big men, and future nationally ranked prospects. Here we’ll take a look at some of the most outstanding postmen from the 15U division.
Kellen Jedlicka | Arnold Elite National 24/25 | Anchorage, AK
All-around ballplayer that completely outplayed the opposition offensively, defensively, and on the glass. 6-foot-5-inch Jedlicka was a force to be reckoned with down low, even when matched up against someone of his exact size and strength he still had his way. It didn’t take much for him to get to his spots near the basket either, he utilized his post-ups and back-to-the-basket moves to get a feel of how the defender was guarding him before spinning off them and finishing beneath the rim. This big man is becoming a master at drawing the foul, he absorbs all of the contact, sells it well, and proceeds to score through it with ease. Once Jedlicka drew the attention of the defense, he started to dish the ball around to his teammates in the dunker’s spot, cutting to the lane, and spotting up out on the perimeter. This Arnold Elite postman also showed off his skills and potential as a point forward on multiple occasions whenever he brought the ball up the floor, dictating the pace, and getting the offense going.
Jael Torres | Enid Elite 2024 | Enid, OK
Jael Torres is another prospect that adds to the depth of the Enid Elite roster. Torres began the tournament with a 23 point performance where he displayed the potential to become a formidable postman. The Oklahoma native could not go unnoticed on the court, this true low post threat was incredibly aggressive under the basket especially when crashing the boards. Effective post up, Torres established position with no trouble, usually setting up from the right block where he was able to catch the ball and go straight into his shot displaying terrific elevation in the lane, particularly when putting the shot right over the top of his defenders. Jael also handled the double and triple teams well when they came his way, he was very patient and able to maneuver up and under players for the layup on a consistent basis. He even did an exceptional job of passing out of the post to reposition himself or cut through the lane looking to get the ball back. The best thing about Jael Torres was that he stayed consistent with what he brought to the floor.
Joesph Hafer | Victory Ministry 2024 | Joplin, MO
Standing at 6-feet-6-inches, Joesph Hafer displayed the most powerful presence in the paint I saw the entire weekend. His size and strength in the low post proved to be incredibly overwhelming, Hafer was unstoppable at times in games, even when the defense knew he was getting the ball they still couldn’t contain him. The Victory ministry center also slam dunked on the opposition effortlessly on inbounds plays and drop passes from his guards.
Tory Homan | Team Buddy Buckets KS | Wichita, KS
Tory Homan was absolutely relentless on the glass, the Buddy Buckets postman stayed on the hustle for rebounds, constantly boxing out and banging his body against others anytime a shot went into the air. Standing at 6-feet-7-inches, Homan was capable of grabbing boards out of his area and keeping possessions alive all with his strength and length. Tory Homan played with an outstanding effort to his game and a high motor that just wouldn’t quit.
Sammie Laeky | Victory Academy 2024 Gold | Allen, TX
The Victory Academy center made his presence felt as the ultimate weapon in the paint with a long-standing reach that went unmatched. Laeky constantly got the ball and went straight to work, he wasted no time or dribbles, often going directly up and softly putting his shot up off the backboard with a sweet touch hook shot despite being contested by a defender or two. The lengthy 6-foot-5-inch low postman scored when utilizing his agility in the paint. Sammie used his quick leaping ability as a major advantage, his knack for getting off the ground in a blink of an eye and finishing over the top of the defense was astonishing.
Jonah Kelly | Next Level Oklahoma 2024 | Oklahoma City, OK
Jonah Kelly contributed across the board and showed great intangibles. Kelly was one of the most productive players in the 15U division, he did all of the dirty work and constantly out-hustled the competition. The 6-foot-3-inch stretch-forward also did damage scoring the rock, Kelly displayed a reliable inside and outside presence proving to be someone that must be accounted for on every inch of the floor, or else he will catch fire and begin scoring in bunches.
Martez James | Drive Nation Houston 2024 Red | The Woodlands, TX
This 6-foot-5-inch dynamic rebounder had several instances where he was on his own underneath the basket among 2 or more opposing players and James was still able to come down with the rebound. On the offensive boards, Martez muscled his way through everyone and immediately went back up with the shot, his ability to clean up his teammates’ shots and create second-chance opportunities was uncanny. Defensively, the Drive Nation Houston forward showed impressive versatility with the mobility and anticipation to defend guards out on the perimeter.