Grassroots Update: Nike Team Northwest 15U
Nike Team Northwest had the opportunity to place its 15U on the prestigious EYBL circuit this spring. Led by Roosevelt assistant coach and former Lincoln standout Omar Leary, the squad took some lumps in tournaments in Dallas and Hampton, but the experience was valuable for a young team with some talent with definite potential.
“We really learned a lot,” Leary said. “Hopefully we can take that into the summer.”
Here’s a quick recap of the some of the team members so far this grassroots season.
Nate Rawlings-Kibonge (2021 Jefferson HS) Rawlings-Kibonge has been the best performer on the team and Leary notes that the 6-foot-7 big man has led the team in scoring, rebounds, and assists. A very skilled big, the question will be if he grows any taller or if he will need to expand his game more to
the perimeter.
Rayven Turner (2021 Jefferson HS) Turner, who like Rawlings-Kibonge played varsity at Jefferson as a freshman, is a big-time athlete at 6-foot-6 with a body that’s already fairly mature. He can really jump and is fairly skilled. According to Leary his upside may be limitless.
Michael Lundy (2021 Philomath HS) Lundy, a 6-foot-1 lefty, has been the team’s third best performer this spring according to Leary. He’s a solid all-around player who can really defend on the perimeter.
Jonah Zeller (2021 Catlin Gabel HS) Zeller, at 6-foot-8, has been playing in the post for Team Nike Northwest but may have a future moving more outside. He’s still a work in progress but has potential.
Nick Boyd (2021 La Salle HS) Boyd has been a solid performer this spring, showing some solid shooting and ball-handling during the time he’s played.
Jalen Adams (2021 Jefferson HS) Adams is the third member of the Jefferson Democrats on the team. He has done well with his outside shooting but an injury unfortunately has kept him out of action.
Cameron Andre (2021 Benson HS) Andre, at 6-foot-8, played varsity at Benson this past season. He’s very long and could develop into a good post player but Leary notes that his mentality may be more towards being a face-up perimeter player.
Vernon Porter (2021 Lakeridge HS) Porter, a 6-foot-1 wing, rounds out the roster. He’s a hustle, glue-type guy.
When AAU action starts back up in July, Nike Team Northwest 15U will be playing in tournaments in Las Vegas, Anaheim, and possibly Bellevue.