Team Preview: Team Harden 16U
Team Harden’s 16U team was one of a select few who were selected to make the trip to South Carolina for the Finale. In addition, the group was able to win their first game in the tournament and advance to the round of 16 after their win over the Colorado Hawks. Team Harden moves to 4-6 total on the Gauntlet and the Hawks fell to 6-3.
Xavier Dusell Xavier Dusell 6'4" | SG AZ Compass Prep | 2020 State #299 Nation AZ , who has been the most consistent player for the team all year, played really strong in the win and was supported by strong guard play from 2021 Ty Ty Washington and fellow 2020 Eric Blackwell Eric Blackwell 6'0" | CG Corona del Sol | 2020 State AZ . These three guards could prove to be quite challenging throughout the rest of the Finale.
With the win, Team Harden advances to play ECBA Northwest Panthers out of Washington who enter the game with a 7-2 record on in the Gauntlet.
Team Harden 16U Roster
DeAndre Henry DeAndre Henry 6'7" | PF Phhoenix Prep | 2020 State #287 Nation AZ 6’7 C 2020 Mountain Pointe
Eric Blackwell Eric Blackwell 6'0" | CG Corona del Sol | 2020 State AZ 6’0 PG 2020 Corona Del Sol
Hunter Ruck Hunter Ruck 6'9" | PF Rancho Solano Prep | 2020 State #484 Nation AZ 6’7 C 2020 Rancho Solano
Jacquez Barrow 6’4 SF 2019 Gilbert
Keyshon Upchurch Keyshon Upchurch 5'8" | PG Seton Catholic | 2020 State AZ 5’9 PG 2020 Chandler
Malik Smith 6’3 SF 2019
Shamar Grant 6’2 PG 2019
Tyrone Washington Tyrone Washington 6'4" | PG AZ Compass Prep | 2021 State #33 Nation AZ 6’0 PG 2021
Vean Simon 6’2 PG 2019 Chandler
Xavier Dusell Xavier Dusell 6'4" | SG AZ Compass Prep | 2020 State #299 Nation AZ 6’4 PG 2020
Za-Ontay Boothman 6’0 SG 2020 Buckeye
Team Harden 16U Watch List
Xavier Dusell Xavier Dusell 6'4" | SG AZ Compass Prep | 2020 State #299 Nation AZ
– “X” is one of the top 2020 prospects in the state and is showing the rest of the nation what he can do. He is a knockdown shooter who has added more muscle to his build and is attacking the rim with more aggression. Moreover, it is important to note that Dusell is young. He keeps getting better and better and has an incredibly high ceiling.
Eric Blackwell Eric Blackwell 6'0" | CG Corona del Sol | 2020 State AZ
– Blackwell has been a welcome addition to Team Harden as he takes a lot of pressure off of Dusell. He is a skilled point guard with good change of pace and a high basketball IQ. Moreover, he shoots the ball well and manages the tempo of the game. His ability to manage the game has made Dusell even more effective.
Tyrone Washington Tyrone Washington 6'4" | PG AZ Compass Prep | 2021 State #33 Nation AZ
– Ty Ty is going to be a problem for teams next year. He can shoot the basketball extremely well off of the dribble and in catch and shoot situations. In addition, Washington is not afraid of the competition and plays with a bulldog mentality. He is extremely skilled and much like Blackwell, has been a welcome addition to this group.
Hunter Ruck Hunter Ruck 6'9" | PF Rancho Solano Prep | 2020 State #484 Nation AZ / DeAndre Henry DeAndre Henry 6'7" | PF Phhoenix Prep | 2020 State #287 Nation AZ
– Both big men play completely different styles where Ruck utilizes his footwork and mid-range jumper and Henry uses his strong build to enforce his well upon the opponent. Although their styles are different, they compliment each other well and add much needed length to the front court.