Grassroots Update: Nike Team Northwest 17U
Elite 24 and Team Fast joined forces this AAU season to form Nike Team Northwest. While the 17U team may not be playing on the EYBL circuit like its younger 16U/15U teams, they are still playing a competitive schedule. Led by Roosevelt Head Coach Yusuf Leary, the 17Us come off a good spring heading into the summer months.
Here’s a quick recap of the some of the team members so far this grassroots season.
Brock Henry (2019 Southridge HS) Henry has arguably been the team’s top player according to Leary. He plays hard and has been shooting it well, either on the catch-and-shoot or by pulling up off the dribble. Henry has been the best on the ball defender on the squad. Schools from the Division II and Division I levels have shown interest.
Jalen Brown (2019 Jefferson HS) Brown made a name for himself this season as a three-point bomber but has tried to showcase more of an all-around game this spring playing both guard positions. Leary notes that he’s one of the best athletes on the team and his overall athleticism and length give him the potential to be a great defender. Brown has also proven himself to be very coachable.
Keylin Vance (2019 Jefferson HS) Vance has had a very good season so far playing both backcourt spots. He’s a proven scorer and outside shooter and the focus this AAU season has been on shot selection and working more as an individual defender. Leary notes that he’s been one of the team’s vocal leaders.
Justin Bieker (2019 Jesuit HS) Bieker has shown a very smooth game, making the right decisions while knocking down open mid-range shots. His high-release point on his shot has been used to his advantage playing at the three and four spots. He should get some looks from Division II schools to possible walk-on opportunities as the mid-major Division I level on the West Coast.
Riley Nichol (2019 Stayton HS) At 6-foot-7, Nichol has been playing as a stretch four for Nike Team Northwest and he has been shooting it well. This summer he’ll be working on gettig more physical and more athletic but Leary notes that Nichol has been improving in both areas and has been very coachable.
Joey Rodrick (2019 Cleveland HS) Rodrick has played at both wing positions and has shown off good athleticism and a solid mid-range game. He’s got a good body and has a good post game for a perimeter player. Leary notes that Rodrick is working on his defense and playing harder on every possession.
Emanuel Steward (2020 Benson HS) A rising junior, Steward is playing up on the 17U team and has held his own. He may very well be the team’s top long range shooter. At this point, Stewart is working on getting stronger and it is a case of where he simply needs more experience.
Also playing in the spring for Team Nike Northwest was Bostyn Holt (2018 Roosevelt HS) who continues to feel out his collegiate options. He recently made an official visit to Central Washington and continues to hear from junior college and prep school programs. Dane Agost (2018 Clackamas HS) remains unsigned and was able to display good athleticism and playmaking in the post.