Hard Work Region Finals: Keys To Success (17u)

<p>Prep Hoops just released the brackets for their Hard Work Region Championships, and many Minnesota teams will be taking part in the tournament next weekend. With so much talent spread out throughout the state, there are a handful of teams that have a chance to make a run for the title. We detail some of the in-state favorites, and a few key pieces to their potential success in Minneapolis next weekend. </p> <p><strong>Mentality Minnesota (17 seed)- </strong>A bit of a sleeper team coming into the Hard Work Finals, this squad has some really talented prospects. <strong>James Sommers </strong>will help lead the charge on offense, as he was one of the most prolific scorers in the Twin Cities this past winter. The 6'3 combo guard has a developed offensive skillset that allows him to knock down shots from deep, or get to the rim for some crafty finishes. <strong>Curtis Jones </strong>has had some D2 schools watching all spring as he is one of the top shooters in the 2020 class, and he'll provide another threat from outside. Throw in stat stuffing 2021 wing <strong>Erick Burgess</strong>, and Mentality Minnesota has a loaded backcourt. With all of that backcourt talent, 6'6 <strong>Anthony Rayson </strong>will have a chance to shine inside. He'll play a big role in taking some attention away from the Mentality shooters if he can force some double teams inside. Mentality Minnesota will open up bracket play against WOTN (48 seed).</p> <p><strong>Minnesota Matrix (8 seed)- </strong>Headlined by 6'11 center <strong>Jacob Jennissen</strong>, Matrix comes into this tournament with a lineup featuring skill, shooting, and size. After a breakout spring live period, Jennissen has been on a tear providing some aggressive offensive play in the post. He can beat other size with some quickness while finishing with power around the rim. Teams will be forced to send extra defenders on him or pay the price. <strong>Tate Machacek </strong>will support Jennissen in the post as a power scorer who always seems to contribute game in and game out. Outside, Matrix will need the continued firepower <strong>Will Cordes</strong> who has been putting in some hot shooting performances as of late. <strong>Gabe Myren </strong>is another guy who has the chance to put up numbers as an athletic guard who can get out in transition or knock down 3's. Matrix face off against Minnesota Select-Koch in their opener.</p> <p><strong>Minnesota Heat-Vang (5 seed)- </strong>Heat-Vang earned the second highest seed of all the Minnesota squads, and are lead by a loaded backcourt. <strong>Josh Brown </strong>has been one of the stories of the summer, recently earning a Division 1 offer from Denver. At a long 6'3, Josh is one of the top shooters in the state, and has added some dribble penetration to his game. If he catches fire, he could lead Heat to some big wins. Defensive pests <strong>Tait Nelson </strong>and <strong>TJ Moberg </strong>will join Brown in the backcourt. These small but extremely quick guards are no strangers to a full court press, and they create a lot of turnovers with their air tight defensive efforts. Tait often leads this squad in scoring with his ability to knock down 3's and pull-up from mid-range for a jumper. <strong>Ignatius Ejiofor </strong>will provide an x-factor inside. This Heat squad is small, but the 6'3 Ejiofor plays much bigger than his height, using strength and freakish athleticism to defend opposing bigs. He provides energy on defense, and is a highlight play waiting to happen above the rim. </p> <p><strong>Minnesota Rise (7 seed)- </strong>Minnesota Rise is one of the most fundamentally sound AAU squads you'll find, and though they may not have the biggest names, their team play allows them to compete with anyone. <strong>Jordan Merseth </strong>is one of the craftiest bigs around, and has the footwork to beat anyone in the post. He'll be relied upon to make an impact inside. Jordan's partner in crime inside will be <strong>Wyatt Olson</strong>. Another 6'6 post who brings a versatile offensive game to the floor. Like Jordan he can score in the post with strength and some finesse, but he'll also take his man outside and splash some three pointers. Those two both have the ability to take over games on offense. A guy who's really been blowing up for Rise lately has been <strong>Dunwa Omot</strong>. Dunwa is a quick guard who really pushes the pace for this squad in transition, and is a dangerous player attacking the rim. Illinois Blaze will be the first team in Rise's path. </p> <p><strong>Minnesota Fury-Zurn (3 Seed)- </strong>The top seeded Minnesota squad in the Hard Work Region, Fury-Zurn may just be the biggest team in the tournament, with size at every spot on the floor. The post will be anchored by <strong>Jacob Hutson</strong>, who has reached double-digit D1 offers. He's a brick wall on defense and has been developing to a threat on the block on the offensive end. Northern Iowa committed point guard <strong>Nate Heise </strong>can take over games on offense with his shooting and crafty ball handling. He is a kid who knows how to win, as evident by leading Lake City to the state tournament this past winner. <strong>Charlie Katona </strong>had a huge live period this month, and looks the part of a Division 1 prospect. At around 6'5, Charlie is a threat from the perimeter but is also so quick getting to the rim to finish. He has a knack for drawing fouls which will lead to some easy points at the charity stripe as well. <strong>Cameron Steele </strong>and <strong>Brady Williams </strong>are a pair of powerful forwards who bring even more size to the floor at around 6'7 each. With a deep bench and guys that are willing to play good team basketball, this Fury squad will be tough to stop. Fury will play South Dakota Network in the first round before looking to advance through a loaded section in the bracket.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>