ECI Spring Preview: Top 17U Guards
The ECI Spring Preview was last weekend in Moorhead and culminated with ECI teams taking championships at nearly every level. The competition throughout the tournament was strong as many of the top teams from North Dakota and northern Minnesota were…
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Continue ReadingThe ECI Spring Preview was last weekend in Moorhead and culminated with ECI teams taking championships at nearly every level. The competition throughout the tournament was strong as many of the top teams from North Dakota and northern Minnesota were in attendance.
Here are some of the top guards from the 17U level:
Brady Dvorak, ECI Prospects 17U
Dvorak was an energizer bunny for ECI Prospects on the way to a tournament title over the weekend, supplying great defense, hustle and supplementary offense. Dvorak was a focal offensive piece his high school team but has adapted nicely to a role that calls for him to prioritize defense and give energy. His strength and athleticism are on display in that role. He’s great at getting through screens, he can stay in front of his man and he’s heady as an off-the-ball defender.
Cayden Rickard, Inspired Athletics 17U
Rickard looked like the best player on the floor for big stretches of play Saturday for Inspired Athletics. The Fargo North guard emerged as one of the best scorers in the EDC last winter but it was his defense that was super standout. He’s extremely active applying pressure on the ball and his energy off the ball helped generate countless turnovers. He’s really good pushing the ball and creating scoring chances for his teammates. If he continues to do that kind of stuff on top of providing top-notch scoring, he’s that much more intriguing as a prospect.
Jaiden Wright, ECI Selects 17U
Wright went into the AAU season and the most accomplished scorer on this ECI team and he hasn’t disappointed thus far. He was terrific Saturday, showing the ability to produce efficiently with the jumper and as a slasher. He’s big for a point guard and uses his size to get to spots on the floor where he can do damage. He’s got good touch from range and finishes well around the rim.
Carson Henningsgard, ND Attack Green 17U
Henningsgard had a tale of two halves in the game I saw against Midwest Magic, where he struggled to find his way through a good chunk of the game before going crazy late in the game. It looked like Henningsgard was thinking too much early in the game, trying to get other guys involved. Later in the game with the team trailing by double figures, it seemed like he loosened up, started shooting with a little less consciousness, attacking with a little more vigor and the results were awesome.
Jaxon Wiseman, ND Attack Blue 17U
Wiseman’s had a really good spring for ND Attack and he continued to play well through last weekend. Wiseman is aggressive on the defensive end of the floor, attacking the passing lanes and putting pressure on the ball and on offense, he’s active off the ball as a cutter or as a spot up guy. He’s more than capable of creating his own shot too, as he’s got the quickness and burst to get to spots where he can do damage.
Landen Reed, ND Attack Green 17U
Reed was another standout for ND Attack, showing off a really nice deep shooting stroke and solid defense. He’s athletic and strong, using his strength to create space to get his shot off with the ball and he’s smart without the ball, using cuts and screens to get open looks.