Hard Work Region Kick Off: 17U Prospects to Watch
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With the 2021-2022 high school basketball season now in the rearview mirror, it is time for the AAU campaign to take center stage. Tournaments around the nation will tip off this weekend, and the Hard Work Region Kickoff will no…
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Continue ReadingWith the 2021-2022 high school basketball season now in the rearview mirror, it is time for the AAU campaign to take center stage. Tournaments around the nation will tip off this weekend, and the Hard Work Region Kickoff will no doubt be one of the top events. Top prospects will congregate in Bettendorf, Iowa to mark the dawn of a new AAU season.
Before the trek to Bettendorf begins for players and coaches, here are six 17U prospects that you should keep an eye on:
Matthew Moore Matthew Moore 6'7" | PF Hillcrest | 2023 State IL — PF — Chicago Lockdown
Moore is a prospect that is prepared for a huge spring. Standing at 6-foot-7, the power forward uses his athletic ability to dominate on both ends of the court. For a big man, Moore is a smooth ball handler that is capable of snatching a rebound and taking it the other way for a layup. If he continues to improve, the PF could develop into a Division One prospect.
Mekhi Doby Mekhi Doby 6'2" | SG Guilford | 2023 State IL — SG — Illinois Elite
Doby is true slasher that can create real problems for defenders when he gets downhill and attacks the rim. He is a skilled ballhandler that is able to use his quickness to blow by defenders and get to the rim. The shooting guard has also shown an ability to make jump shots in the midrange and from behind the arc. I am looking forward to watching this talented scorer compete in Iowa.
Tate Petersen Tate Petersen 6'1" | PG Monticello | 2023 State IA — PG — Iowa Mavs Purple
Petersen is coming off the heels of a very impressive high school season where he scored 18.9 points, grabbed 5.1 rebounds, and dished out 5.2 assists per game. Expect for the point guard to continue his tremendous play into the Hard Work Region Kick Off. Petersen is an intelligent prospect who has made great strides as a decision maker and playmaker. This weekend should be the start of a productive AAU season for Petersen.
Colby Dolphin Colby Dolphin 5'10" | PG Kennedy | 2023 State IA — PG — Iowa Prep Platinum
One of the top thirty prospects in Iowa’s 2023 class, Dolphin will look to raise his stock in Bettendorf this weekend. The Iowa Prep point guard is an excellent shooter who won’t miss too many open shots. Because of this, his mere presence puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenses. He is not just a shooter, though. Dolphin is also capable of racking up points in the paint.
Jarrod Gee Jarrod Gee 6'5" | PF Perspectives | 2023 State IL — SF — Chicago Lockdown
Gee is a sleeper wing that aims to wake all the doubters up this spring. The small forward is an athletic prospect that uses his physical gifts to make an impact on both sides of the court. Gee is a crafty finisher in the paint who opposing defenders are going to have a very tough time slowing down. Don’t be surprised if Gee emerges from this weekend as one of the top stock risers.
Zane Witt Zane Witt 6'6" | PF Camanche | 2023 State IA — PF — Iowa Mavs Purple
Witt is a major problem on the defensive end of the court. Using his 6-foot-8 frame, he is able to swat shots with ease and snatch rebounds over smaller defenders. Recently, the power forward has shown a lot of promise on the offensive side of the court, as his shooting touch is greatly improved.