17U Notebook: Best of the Midwest
Fishers, IN – This past week at the Best of the Midwest hosted by Gym Rats, we got a look at some of the top talent from the Spiece program as well as a ton of underrated prospects in the…
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Continue ReadingFishers, IN – This past week at the Best of the Midwest hosted by Gym Rats, we got a look at some of the top talent from the Spiece program as well as a ton of underrated prospects in the 2016, 2017, and 2018 classes. In the first of three reports, we take a look at the top players in 2016 from this past week.
Konner Smith – 6’7 | PF | 2016 | Crawfordsville | Club Elite South 2016
Smith is a agile forward prospect with a good frame and strength that can play in the post. Runs the floor really well and has some moves once he gets the ball in his hands. Can catch at 12’ and turn and face up and drive. Decent right hand finish over his shoulder. Can add more with time.
Kyle Meyer – 6’6 | SF | 2016 | Milan | Club Elite South 2016
Meyer is an athletic wing with size and length who can play on the arc and run at the rim. He’s got a decent perimeter jumper that can really boost his game on the offensive end. He gives you some versatility on defense because he’s long and athletic enough to defend biggers wing players and some posts.
Kamron Herrington – 6’4 | SG | 2016 | Lapel | Grassroots Indiana 2016 White
Herrington looked really good at times. He did so when he was making shots from deep. He’s a tall guard who can play the 2 and help at the 1. He’s got some decent ball skills and at nearly 6’4, on the wing he can be a difference maker. Defense is solid and he’s a fairly active guy. If he can continue his shooting, he’s got more on his ceiling.
Alex Falendar – 5’10 | PG | 2016 | Carmel | Grassroots Indiana 2016 White
Falendar is a small guard but a crafty one. Quick guard who can run a team. Not very athletic but makes plays with his passing and defense. Good on-ball defender who is limited with his height but still makes plays with turnovers on the perimeter.
Chase Fierstos – 6’4 | SG | 2016 | Manchester | Gym Rats IN 2016
Fierstos had a good weekend. He’s a tall guard who similar to Herrington, can play the two or help at the one and do it with good size. Chase can handle the ball a little better than in past viewings. He’s got a scoring element to him if he can keep it going. Shoots okay but not as often as he could.
Deon Palmer – 6’7 | PF | 2016 | Fort Wayne North | Gym Rats IN 2016
Palmer is a 6’7 athletic forward with long arms and a good attacking mid-range game. Likes to get the ball at 15’ and drive to the rim or run and try and make a big play. Has to improve his finishing at the rim but he can get there to make the play. Defensively, Deon can guard a 3/4 with his athleticism and length. Upside hasn’t been tapped yet.
Devon Tennant – 6’7 | PF | 2016 | Fort Wayne Snider | Gym Rats IN 2016
Tennant is really good right now. Big, thick kid who is way more athletic and mobile than he looks. Tone up his body in college a little bit and he’s ready to go. Physical at times when he posts up but athletic enough that he likes to take guys off the bounce. Will finish above the rim when he can. Good motor but can get more out of it.
Will Christman – 6’7 | SF | 2016 | DeKalb | Spiece Select 2016
Christman was the best player at the event from beginning to end. He’s a legit 6’7 and really skilled. Plays with a lot of energy and has a very good motor. Handles the ball really well and can shoot enough to combine with his attacking drives. Makes plays because he’s usually the best athlete on the court. Skinny frame but really strong and can get better. Can play multiple positions.
Luke Foster – 6’6 | PF | 2016 | Jasper | PCB Select 17U
Foster is a well built big man with a great frame and strength to play right away. He’s not the most mobile guy but can help to stretch the floor a bit and defend out to 15’. Will play either post spot and fit in well as a back-to-the-basket big. Has good big man instincts and can rebound really well. Keeps his hands high and knows how to push the ball up the floor.
Tyler Toopes – 6’5 | SF | 2016 | Pike Central | PCB Select 17U
Toopes is a versatile forward who likes to attack the rim. Strong body with good size and can defend bigger forwards and quicker wings. Not going to be a lockdown defender but he will give you options. Jumper has looked okay but he can keep getting more out of it. Active in looking for scoring opportunities with the ball in his hands.
Brian Warren – 6’0 | PG | 2016 | Indianapolis Howe | Spiece Indy Heat
Warren is a strong lead guard who can put up some big time points. Good body and frame and maybe just a tick under 6’ but athletic and strong with the ball. Takes hits and can move his body in the air to finish at the rim. Tough competitor but has a lot of untapped upside in his game.
Kyle Mallers – 6’7 | SF | 2016 | Fort Wayne Carroll | Spiece Indy Heat
Mallers is one of the most skilled players in the state right now. Big frame with some strength but room for a lot more in college. He’s a very solid ball handler and can attack off the bounce at times with smart matchups. He’s an adept shooter that can shoot over most defenders but of his height and length. More offensively along than some might give him credit for.
Vijay Blackmon – 6’2 | SG | 2016 | Marion | Spiece Indy Heat
Blackmon is still trying to hit that next step in his development. He’s got a great body and has enough athleticism but is more of a strict two-guard than anything else right now. Shoots it well at times but needs more consistency. Offensively strong but has to attack more often.
Brachen Hazen – 6’7 | SF | 2016 | Columbia City | Spiece Indy Heat
Hazen played the best I’ve ever seen him this past week. He was much more active and strong. He’s still a guy without a position but if he can repeat this week, he could be more of a wing player for me. He’s not great in the post but defensively, he’s athletic enough to guard wing players. Brachen was better attacking the rim and shot it pretty well. Great weekend for him.
Brady Bechtel – 5’10 | PG | 2016 | Goshen | Tipping Point/IE-Sellers
Bechtel has been hurt a lot in his career to this point with knee injuries and getting eyes on him has been difficult. He’s a solid point guard prospect who has a good long distance shot and a good pace of play. Working more as a lead guard, Brady can be a good provider of points at the next level. He likes to work hard and be active and as long as he’s healthy, he’s a good prospect.