Grit Memorial Classic: Top 16U Performers
16U was a tougher age group for me to scout as I was busy coaching my Dayton Elite 16U team throughout the weekend. In our games however I was able to coach against some very talented prospects that deserve to…
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Continue Reading16U was a tougher age group for me to scout as I was busy coaching my Dayton Elite 16U team throughout the weekend. In our games however I was able to coach against some very talented prospects that deserve to be mentioned due to their performances. 4 of the 5 guys in this article I coached directly against and were some of the best performers in my eyes.
Jake Stephens Jake Stephens 6'3" | CG Chelsea | 2024 State MI 6’2 DV45 (Chelsea)
Stephens is a deadly guard and created headaches in DV45’s matchup with Dayton Elite. Stephens isn’t the quickest guard, but he gets to the bucket and can get hot from the perimeter in a hurry. Worked the defender and showed patience with the ball. Hit crucial free throws down the stretch to send his team to OT. Surely trending towards a scholarship guard.
Braylon Isom Braylon Isom 6'1" | SG Saginaw Heritage | 2024 State MI 6’3 DV45 (Saginaw Heritage)
Isom brings two-sport physique for his team and utilized his football like frame for DV45. Really good slasher and shot creator. Finished shots around the rim and powered through defenders. Phenomenal athlete. If he doesn’t play football at the next level he surely can be a basketball prospect.
Jalen Brown 6’2 Hopson Elite (Emmanuel Christian)
Brown has a quick handle and led the offense for Hopson Elite. Utilized pick-and-roll situations and exploded off screens. Brown was able to get some good looks to teammates on the perimeter as well as knock down some shots himself from the wings. Hit big shots down the stretch when his team needed them.
Caden Kruse Caden Kruse 6'6" | PF Napoleon | 2024 State OH 6’5 Hopson Elite (Napoleon)
Kruse brought inside-out potential for a guard heavy Hopson Elite team. The 6’5 PF has a strong frame and used it both on the inside and perimeter. Bodied up with opposing bigs and fought on the glass. Showed good shooting mechanics for a stretch 4 and can hit shots from the perimeter. Kruse is trending towards being a scholarship level prospect with more growth in his game.
Caiden Nicol 6’2 Mid Ohio Pumas -Toops (Indian Lake)
Nicol was the only prospect I did not coach against, but he might have been one of the best 16U players I got to see regardless. Nicol continued to build off his strong postseason with continued high volume scoring. Shot the ball at a high level against longer and more athletic defenders. Created shots for himself with his handle and dribble drive potential. Straight bucket getter.