Comets Shootout Saturday Standouts: 16U Forwards
Grassroots season kicked off Saturday in St. Cloud with the Comets Shootout. While the basketball itself wouldn’t be described as ‘high quality’, there was certainly a lot of high quality talent filling up the courts. Here are some forwards who…
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Continue ReadingGrassroots season kicked off Saturday in St. Cloud with the Comets Shootout.
While the basketball itself wouldn’t be described as ‘high quality’, there was certainly a lot of high quality talent filling up the courts.
Here are some forwards who stood out at the 16U level on Saturday
Grant Nelson, 17U ECI Prospects
Nelson was a force on both ends of the floor Saturday in the game I saw from ECI. He was dominant on the defensive end, blocking several shots and altering so many more. At 6-foot-8, Nelson’s got long arms and the mobility to cover a lot of ground defensively. He finished well in the paint through contact, attacked the rim from the mid-post area, showed off a creative passing ability and had a solid shooting stroke from deep. He was a stud.
Gavin Keller, 16U ECI Prospects
Keller, like Nelson, is all arms and legs but did a better job playing through contact than his body structure would make it seem capable. At 6-foot-7, Keller alters a lot of shots on the defensive end when he’s in good position and while his shooting stroke is a known-commodity among North Dakota basketball followers, his ability to finish at the rim was impressive Saturday. He could stand to stack on some weight – even more than a typical sophomore big man – but there’s a lot of skill there to be excited about.
Wyatt Enno, 16U ND Phenom
Enno is more of a combo-forward who spent a lot of time on the perimeter with ND Phenom but he looks the part of a guy who can do a lot of things well on the court. He’s got good size and strength and his ability to score from all levels on the court is impressive. He handles the ball well for a forward and can defend up and down the lineup.
Jacksen Moni, 16U ECI Prospects
Moni didn’t play much with West Fargo Sheyenne as a sophomore but he looks like a guy that’ll give the Mustangs big minutes next year. At 6-foot-6, Moni is athletic and active inside. He’s got a big, strong frame and finishes and defends well. He’s a solid passer and his mobility allows him to be effective as a screen-and-roller on offense and as a defender in and outside the paint.
Jorn Everson, 16U Dakota Schoolers
Everson wasn’t featured a whole lot in the offense when I saw the Schoolers play, but that didn’t stop him from making an impact. Everson was all over the offensive glass, using his length and smart positioning and timing to secure a number of second-chance opportunities for his team. His defense was solid inside and out too.
Evan Ulrich, 16U ND Phenom
Ulrich looks like he’s going to be a really nice player for a few years out of New Rockford-Sheyenne. At 6-foot-7, Ulrich moves well and has a soft touch inside. His footwork on the post is solid and he rebounds extremely well in his area. He’s not the most explosive or quickest big man, but he’s got a strong frame and uses it well.