First Person Grassroots: Kessel Heat
In our “First Person Grassroots Recap” series we take a look at how the travel team season went for one our state’s programs.
The Kessel Heat summer campaign is broken down by Brian Burns!
17u
Record
37-16
Championships/Accomplishments
Gold Champions NY2LA Association, Final Four NY2LA Invitational, 4-1 Kanas Showcase.
Key Wins
Team RWA, Omaha Elite, Minnesota Commets twice, Wisconsin Shooters, AUSA, Martin Brothers, Kevon Looney Rebels
Overall Thoughts on Season
Was a very talented team that added some new pieces with Jalen Shaw and Anthony Lynch. Team performed well and attracted tons of College Coaches on the NY2LA circuit. Guards Lynch Quinlan Bennett Branden Ellis and Ryan Kutsor led the way on the perimeter. Jalen Shaw Jordan Morris Brendan Marton and Courtese Cooper provided the inside presence. Guard Ben Tompson came in July and provided a great scoring punch. Tompson was tremendous in KC games of 21 and 25. Brendan Marton was very solid the first two weekends of July Defending Rebounding Scoring from the perimeter. Missed KC with an ankle injury. Kutsor allowed us to go small because of his ability to rebound and play big. Also stretched the floor and gave us another playmaker.
Standouts
Quinlan Bennett- 6’3 guard who’s incredibly long can play either guard spot. He was so consistent all spring and summer and efficient. Defensively his versatility was huge. Really was key in July
Branden Ellis- 6’3 Guard. Broke out at NY2LA Invitational and carried it through July. Electric in transition, Great shooter. Elite defensively. Super efficient player doesn’t force anything. Had huge week in Kansas City Averaging 18.5
Anthony Lynch- 6’3 Guard. Had a huge weekend in Dallas in April and followed up with another big weekend in Minneapolis. Super explosive Point. Very Strong and Physical. Rare combination of Power and speed. Very good Defensively because of his athleticism.
Jalen Shaw- 6’10 Forward- Incredible talent. Established himself as one of the best big men in the state. Had 25 and 12 against Joe Hedstrom of the Minnesota commets. 12 and 10 against George Conditt. Was very good in Minnesota in April. Can score inside and out to the three point line. Poised for a big senior year.
16u
Record
33-13
Championships/Accomplishments
Finals of Swish N Dish, Finals of NY2LA Invitational
Key Wins
Playground Elite EYBL, Net Gain, Wisconsin Shooters, Reach Legends, Martin Brothers, Mercury Elite, Made Men
Overall thoughts on Season
Team was small but had elite shooters and high IQ players. Spread People out drive and kicked and shot the 3 very well. Zach Toussaint was solid throughout the season. Downers grove South duo Justin Eagins and Wes Hooker were huge. Drake Montgomery gave us an elite defender and another ball handler. Pierre Black provided even more shooting. Libertyville Duo Josh Steinhaus and Travis Clarke were both key role players in the spring. Jaeden Zackery is from Wisconsin but he was a huge key to this team. Played 1-5, elite defensively and elite passer. Victor Perez joined in July and added Versatility. Team made deep runs at huge tournaments with their ability to shoot the ball.
Standouts
Jaeden Zackery-6’1 Guard. Westosha Central (WI) guard was huge. Guarded the other teams best player on a consistent basis. Attacked and found shooters on a regular basis. Turns 16 August 29th not done growing. Really Intriguing college prospect
Justin Eagins- 6’2 Guard. Downers Grove South. One of the biggest stock risers this season. Elite shot making ability. Has great wiggle in his game. Endless range.
Wes Hooker- 6’2 Guard Downers Grove South. Another big Stock Risers. Elite Athlete. Elite rebounder from the wing spot. Really improving as a shooter and a ball handler. Exciting prospect because of his athleticism.
Zach Toussaint- 5’11 PG Johnsburg. Elite scoring PG. Endless range. Great Shake and Rhythm in his game. Very good passer. Great in pick n roll. Had huge games against elite Athletes. Poised to have huge high school season.
15U
Record
31-7
Championships/Accomplishments
7-1 NY2LA League play, Won the NY2LA Association
Key Wins
Reach Legends, Wisconsin Swing, Martin Brothers, 43 Hoops, Butler Elite
Overall Thoughts on Season
Team played tremendously well together. Each player makes the other better. Team has completely bought in defensively. Team has a lot of high level shooters. Multiple guys who can handle the ball. Stevenson head coach Pat Ambrose coached this group along with Steve Watson. Group made a championship run at the NY2LA Association with five players. Beating high level team after high level team. Matt Ambrose Jackson Watson and Will Tucker are all elite shooters. Jordan Johnson is a dynamic PG who can pressure the ball. Will Moore RJ Holmes Seamus Mellican anchored the post. 6’4 Adnan Saranic was huge in the championship run. Jake Schoffstall provides athleticism and defensive toughness. Played the whole season without Ryan Connolly who had a broken foot.
Standouts
Matt Ambrose-6’2 guard. Long lanky guard who is an elite shooter. Can play on our off the ball. Still growing into his body. Has a crafty midrange game with pull ups and floaters. Projects well long term.
Jackson Watson- 6’1 guard. Strong guard who shoots it well from three and from mid range. Handles it well. Competes hard on both ends of the floor. Still growing another projectable prospect.
Will Tucker- 6’0 guard. Elite shooter. Great elevation on shot. very consistent from 3 and mid range. Solid handler solid defensively.
Jordan Johnson 6’0 Point Guard. Shifty elite defensively. Plays under control. Great mid range pull up. Improving three point shooter. High upside because of his athleticism.