Hustle Region Memorial Classic Recap: Sleepers
Spring is here and that can only mean one thing. It’s Circuit Season! The Prephoops Circuit is upon us. I will be covering and providing exposure for the Hustle Region Circuit. The Hustle Region Circuit consists of AAU Programs from…
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Continue ReadingSpring is here and that can only mean one thing. It’s Circuit Season! The Prephoops Circuit is upon us. I will be covering and providing exposure for the Hustle Region Circuit. The Hustle Region Circuit consists of AAU Programs from California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and New Mexico. The circuit features 10 stops including the Hustle Region Final in Irvine July 15th – 17th. Stop 7 brings us to the Pacific Northwest and Portland Oregon, where almost 30 teams are competing. Several players used the event as an opportunity to put themselves on the radar. In this article, we take a look at the top Sleepers from the event.
Nico Rafalovich 6’4 SG 3C Elite 2024 – There’s a lot to like about Rafalovich. He has a good frame, complete with long arms and some lean muscle. His skill set is pretty strong as well, as he showed the ability to shoot the ball as well as use runners and floaters in the lane. He is off the radar a bit after not playing varsity ball the previous season, however, he’s a clear sleeper to keep an eye on.
Mekhi Alexander 6’6 SF Idaho Premiere 2023 – Alexander needs to sure up a few holes in his game, including his hands and ability to handle. Once he does that, look out! He has the kind of size, length, and athleticism that will make him a productive wing at the college level. His best skill was his defense, as he is tall enough to defend interior players and quick enough to switch onto perimeter guys.
Peyton Redel 6’4 PF Team Fly 2025 – Redel is an intriguing prospect both because of his size, as well as his skill. He played good interior defense and was a decent rebounder. What really landed him on the list, was his ability to move. The 6’4 big changed ends effortlessly and even led the break a couple of times.
Ray Wiggins 6’4 SF No Fear 2024 – Wiggins’s team did not play well in the game I watched, however, that did not stop him from being one of the standouts. He is a nimble big body forward that flashed a lot of skill. He has this move where he goes into the lane and cups the ball over the defender’s head, before throwing up a runner or floater. While it wasn’t the team’s best game, he proved why he’s a player to keep an eye on.
Drew Metke 6’2 SF Roots 2025 – Metke is the rare player that plays bigger than he is. Even sitting courtside, I thought the wing was taller than 6’2. That has a lot to do with his long arms and the fact that he defended and mixed it up with bigger opponents. Metke didn’t score a lot, however, he was able to make an impact in a Roots victory with his defense, energy, and effort. He’s kind of a positionless guy, but as his offensive skills improve, look for him to start coming on more people’s radar.
Josh Salguero Josh Salguero 6'7" | PF Morton-White Pass | 2023 State WA 6’7 PF Roots 2023 (featured image) (#49PHW) – Salguero is a two sports star, who already has a few football offers. He may pick up some basketball ones if he continues to play like he did today. The big-bodied post was moving people around all day. It was impossible for anyone to get an easy post catch on him even if they had the height advantage. He runs the floor well and gets off the ground quickly, evident by his ability to protect the rim and block several shots during the weekend.