Bash in the Desert: 16U 2nd Team Breakdown
The Circuit came back to Arizona at the Phhacility in Phoenix/AZ for the Bash in the Desert. I focused primarily on the 16U Division and wanted to bring light to as many players as possible. I did watch some 15U on…
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Continue ReadingThe Circuit came back to Arizona at the Phhacility in Phoenix/AZ for the Bash in the Desert.
I focused primarily on the 16U Division and wanted to bring light to as many players as possible. I did watch some 15U on Sat-Sun and 17U on Friday night.
There were 22 16U teams, which was 9 more then in Seal Beach/CA. So I made five All-16U Tournament teams featuring eight-nine players per team.
Here is the 2nd team breakdown of the eight players:
De’Mari Larkins De’Mari Larkins 5'9" | PG Osseo | 2024 State MN Minneapolis South (Minnesota Spartans 2024)
A pure PG has a strong stocky frame. He gets into the paint and will make plays for his teammates. He is tough and fearless to get to the rim and is very good on-ball defender using his speed, quickness and strength. He can score in the lane but loves facilitating first.
Aurelio Aguirre SF 6’4 2024 Ankeny/IA (Minnesota Spartans 2024)
A powerfully built athletic wing forward from Iowa is tough as they come. He can shoot the 3, rebound in and out of his area and play above the rim on the break. He can create his own shot and defend multiple positions. An exciting player to watch.
Emiliano Barrantes PF 6’9 2025 Grandview Christian/IA (Minnesota Spartans 2024)
Another Iowa stud forward with size. He moves fluidly up the court and will rebound with two hands. He moves well in space to defend and he will spring up to block shots or flush it down above the rim. He scores it efficiently around the cup and has tons of potential for the next three years.
Lantz Stephenson Lantz Stephenson 6'7" | SF Coronado | 2025 State NV Coronado (Prominent Elite 2024) (Pictured)
The younger brother of Lance Stephenson has a lot to like. He can hit the catch three and comes with great length and a mature build/frame. He will defend nearly every position with his length, athleticism and strength making him versatile and scores it easily in transition.
Noah Wilhelm Noah Wilhelm 6'2" | SG Ponderosa | 2024 State CO Ponderosa/CO (Team Revenge 2024)
A smart combo guard with real open court speed. He plays the passing lanes to collect steals and has good body control to score inside the paint. He has a sweet shooing stroke from mid to the 3pt line. He gives good ball fakes, changes speeds and has a quick burst to get the defenders off of him to score it. The Colorado prospect should have a big year next season.
Jake Miller Jake Miller 5'11" | PG Rancho Solano Preparatory | 2024 State AZ Chaparral (Hoop Society 2024)
IQ, shooting and feel for the game are his calling cards. He has a tighter handle and smartly changes speeds to get the defense off balance. He is a good passer and you rarely see him attempt a bad shot. His shooting makes his game go from mid to the 3pt line, but his other traits make him a tougher cover.
Zyere Johnson-Curry PF 6’5 2024 Rancho Cucamonga Rancho Elite 2024
One of the top glass cleaners at the event. He corrals out of area balls with his go-go gadget arms and effort. He has a polished hook shot he utilizes often to score. He can also create his own offense with a crab dribble and will run the floor like a wing. He makes his free throws, which is always important since he gets fouled often.
Steven Tippit Steven Tippit 5'9" | PG Phhoenix Prep | 2024 State AZ Phhoenix Prep AZ Select Aby 2024
A flashy scoring point guard comes with deep range. He can slither passed defenders with a good burst of speed and a tight handle. He can separate from his defenders or catch and shoot from the 3pt line. He is quick on the ball defensively and he is showing more effort then last year. He is probably 80-85% healthy from an ACL injury.