Grassroots preview: Marcus Denmon (17U)
17U Roster
Kaluan Baker, 6’1, PG, 2019, Ruskin (Mo.)
Alex Brandt, 6’3, SG, 2019, Blue Springs South (Mo.)
Michael Engelbert, 6’6, F, 2018, Park Hill (Mo.)
Jax Holland, 6’2, G, 2019, Maranatha Christian Kan.)
Tremaine Jackson, 6’2, SG, 2019, Shawnee Mission North Kan.)
Ahmad Louis, 6’2, G, 2019, Oak Park (Mo.)
Laden Lucas, 6’5, F, 2019, Lee’s Summit West (Mo.)
Kaden Spruell, 6’3, F, 2019, Blue Springs (Mo.)
Arthur Weston Jr.m 5’9, G, 2019, Lincoln Prep (Mo.)
Armani Williams, 6’4, F, 2019, Schlagle (Kan.)
OUTLOOK:
Ahmad Louis largely went overlooked this past season at Oak Park, a team that was dominated by a group of returning seniors, but he is quickly showing this spring that he is a player to watch going forward. He opened the NY2LA spring session as his team’s leading scorer and showed the ability to score at all three level. He brings speed, quickness and the ability to make plays.
Blue Springs South has had several players step up from a lesser role as juniors and take over as seniors in recent years, and at first look, 6’3 shooting guard Alex Brandt might be the next Jaguar player to make that leap. He is coming off a solid weekend with Marcus Denmon and is a skilled guard who is a strong passer, can score in the paint and can handle the ball a little.
A talented athlete, Park Hill 2018 Michael Engelbert has the athleticism to play at the next level and is spending the spring showcasing his abilities for college coaches. A high level athlete, he has the ability to play high above the rim, defend multiple positions and can get easy buckets in the paint due to his length and athleticism, and can finish on the break. He’s definitely a player colleges should check out this offseason.
Armani Williams is a strong, physical interior player, 6’3, 200 pound forward who helped lead Marcus Denmon Elite to a successful opening weekend in Dallas, Tex. He is a tough offensive rebounder, capable of dominating a game in the paint against taller players, but also shows a smooth, left handed shooting stroke out to 17 feet.