Grassroots Preview: Team FAST 15U
One of the teams that impressed at the Oregon Open Run tournament was the Team Fast 15U group, who made a run to the title game of the top division of the 16U bracket. This came after a week of playing in the EYBL 15U event in Hampton, Virginia.
We caught up with FAST program director Terry Pritchard to preview this group that is sure to be in the running for the #1 spot in our upcoming AAU team rankings.
One could argue that Team FAST has the top 3 Oregon class of 2020 players on their roster. Leading the way thus far is 6’3 wing Micah Garrett from West Linn HS. The highly regarded Garrett is already hearing from west coast D1 programs and has impressed with his shooting ability and the versatility to guard multiple positions. Look for him to play a huge role for the Lions next season. 6’7 post Aidan Clark from South Eugene High school is an athletic rim protector who can rebound out of his area. As he continues to develop his offensive game, he should emerge as a multiple D1 offer guy. The third of their talented trio is 6’2 wing Bryson Crockett from Clackamas High School. The athletic lefty does a little bit of everything to help his team win.
Guards for Team Fast include Andre Best a 5’9 point from West Linn who saw spot minutes for the Lions this year and is a terrific perimeter defender. David Gonzalez a 5’10 guard from Silverton is a fiery competitor who can shoot the ball to deep and makes all the needed hard nosed plays. Rounding out the guards is 6’3 Kaelan O’neill from South Eugene HS.
Front court players include Malik Kelley, a physical 6’3 forward from Roosevelt High School. Ryan Hague a hard nosed 6’1 forward from Seaside who played off the bench for the state champion Seagulls. After Clark, the post player with the biggest upside appears to be Gaige Ainslie, a 6’6 forward from Central Catholic. As he continues to grow into his body, look for Ainslie to develop into a high level post player that will push for a Top 5 ranking in the class of 2020.
With their involvement in the Nike EYBL circuit or playing up to the 16U division in local tournaments, chances are great for the team as well as individual members to maximize their growth and development.