West Coast Clash 16U: Top Frontcourt Players
I have been covering a few events on Prep Hoops Circuit and the stop in Centralia didn’t disappoint. This weekend I was tasked to cover 16U and with players from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho in the West Coast Clash, there…
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Continue ReadingI have been covering a few events on Prep Hoops Circuit and the stop in Centralia didn’t disappoint. This weekend I was tasked to cover 16U and with players from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho in the West Coast Clash, there was hidden talent, stock risers, and future stars on the floor. These six young men were some of the top frontcourt players on the weekend.
Kane Wood – 6’5 SF – ECBA
I don’t know where Wood ranks amongst his peers this weekend, but he is one of my favorites. Today’s game is usually dominated by deep threes, flashy passes, and over-dribbling. But Wood, unlike most kids, takes pride in grabbing rebounds, getting stops, and doing the dirty work. Wood used his strength, touch around the basket, and great footwork to score whenever he wanted to, but his impact was felt in doing the little things. Everyone can score, but not many guys love to guard the best big, crash the offensive glass, or move without the ball. Wood is set to be a breakout player in the class of 2024.
Henry Wilson – 6’7 PF – Roots
Wilson was hard to miss as he was the tallest player on one of the best 16U teams in the gym. He was kind of quiet, but he always seemed to be in the right place on both ends. He is a great help defender, rebounder, and protected the rim well. The best part of his game was his post-work. Wilson had a few go-to post moves that gave defenders fits. He was comfortable scoring over either shoulder and when there was contact or help, he didn’t shy away from it but instead showed his footwork and found ways to step through and finish closer to the bucket.
Macklin Gray Macklin Gray 6'4" | SF Juanita | 2024 State WA – 6’4 SF – Global Basketball Club
Gray had the most potential of any 16U player this weekend. Not because he has the most talent or skill but because he was the most versatile. He did everything well and showed he could play at least three positions on offense and defend every position on defense. There is value in versatility and Gray showed he was quite the utility knife. As of now, he is best in the open floor and playing out of triple threat but with a more consistent jumper, he could be a guy. He already has the size, athleticism, and motor of a great wing.
Austin Ralphs – 6’4 SF/PF – PNW Sixers
Ralphs plays the game a lot bigger than he is. He was a monster on defense and until I walked past him I thought he was at least 6’7 the way he protected the paint. He moves very well for being such a strong kid and had no problem defending anyone on the floor. On offense, he ran the floor well and had soft hands. On occasion, he would get a rebound and show he was comfortable putting the ball on the floor on the break. Ralphs may develop into quite the glue guy if he either get some more size, or the ability to stretch the floor on offense.
Max Entzi – 6’5 SF/PF – Built4Ball
What impressed me most about Entzi was his motor. I don’t think the kid ever got tired. He ran the floor with his guards, crashed the glass on both ends, and found ways to get buckets off a team dominated by guards. Another impressive piece of his game was his vision. Most of Built4Ball’s guards were score-first but Entzi did a great job of facilitating from the high and low post. He made excellent skip passes and outlets that allowed his teammates to focus on scoring. Entzi is a guy that coaches and teammates love. Without him, they aren’t as successful.
Kayin Turner Kayin Turner 6'5" | SF Sunset | 2024 State OR – 6’4 SF – Progress Elite
Turner is an athlete. I don’t think there is much he can’t do on the floor. He knocked down open threes, blocked shots, and pushed the break after defensive rebounds. He is already bouncy enough to turn simple dump-off passes into highlight plays with his ability to dunk off a two-foot gather. Turner is naturally unselfish, and there were multiple times he showed his vision when he could have bullied his defenders and scored at will. He is a true team-first player, and to say the least, the kid is impressive, and Progress Elite might have a gem. If Turner can develop an elite skill or get better on the wing, college coaches will take notice.