PH Finale: Playing Up in the 17U
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The 17U is deep at PrepHoops’ The Finale this weekend in part because of all the younger talent playing agains the 17U players. From whole teams filled with 2024 and 2025 players, to other standouts playing up, here’s a look…
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Continue ReadingThe 17U is deep at PrepHoops’ The Finale this weekend in part because of all the younger talent playing agains the 17U players. From whole teams filled with 2024 and 2025 players, to other standouts playing up, here’s a look at the younger players who more than held their own on Saturday.
DJ Dill DJ Dill 6'2" | CG Caddo | 2024 State OK , 6’1 Guard, H&H Elite 2024
The small town guard is one of the best pure scorers in the Class of 2024. He’s one of the rare players that his ability to operate at all three levels could actually translate to the next level. He’s quick and explosive when getting to the rim and finishes well in traffic. He’ll hit three pointers as well. But perhaps his most impressive trait is his ability to operate in the midrange. Dill made a living there in part because of his quickness to create space, but he has impeccable foot work when fading away around the free throw. The Caddo Bruin is more proof that small town success can translate to bigger levels.
Brady Hancuff Brady Hancuff 6'6" | SF Edmond Memorial | 2025 State OK , 6’6 Wing, Team Trae Young 2025
From a pure upside standpoint, it’s hard not to get excited and wonder how good Hancuff can be. There’s euro step finishes in transition, athletic blocks, the occasional jumper and “big boy” rebounds in traffic. All point to the upside to the young player who already has legitimate wing athleticism to match his lanky frame. Still, there is a lot of work to be done. His jumper and finishing through contact on drives stand out as obvious areas of improvement. These are the type of things that for now can be overlooked for a player who didn’t play varsity basketball as a freshman. But as with any young prospects improvement is needed, along with staying focused on running his own race.
Tristan Hankins Tristan Hankins 6'2" | SG Moore | 2025 State OK , 6’2 Guard, Team Trae Young Elite 2025
After Trae Young Elite struggled out of the gate, one of the top sophomore shooters in the state put on a show in a blowout victory. He’s a major threat from beyond the arc, with a good wingspan, and if he continues to grow he could turn into a very interesting “3 and D” wing prospect. Still, Hankins and his shooting ability will likely lead to a full breakout sophomore season at Moore this winter.
Carson Jones Carson Jones 6'3" | SG Oklahoma Christian | 2024 State OK , 6’2 Guard, H&H Elite 2024
The OCS standout shares a common trait with two of players on this list; shooting. He first was noticed for his ability to operate in the midrange, giving him a very throwback feel to his game. After filling it up in the 15-18 range, he even stepped out and nailed some triples. For a Saints teams with aspirations to be a force in Class 4A after reaching the Class 3A semifinals last season, Jones’ shot making ability will likely be a key factor.