West Central United – Weekend #1

<p>Last weekend West Central United played in Ames, Iowa and had a strong opener.  Before we see them tomorrow for their second event, let’s run down some of their top performers. </p> <p><strong>16U</strong></p> <p><strong>Jake Cook</strong> of Ashby (6’6, 2022). Jake is probably the best prospect on the United 16U team.  He is 6-foot-6 with a big frame.  He showed off an ability to hit outside shots in addition to punishing defenders down low with a variety of post moves and some bully ball.  </p> <p><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958770" first="Bauer" last="Klimek"]</strong> of Osakis (6’1, 2022). Bauer was a 3-point specialist for Osakis during the high school season and is working to expand his game this summer.  His smooth release from outside allows him to take advantage of aggressive closeouts and attack the lane.  In his first action with United, Bauer was a playmaker and reliable defender.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958842" first="Hunter" last="Norby"] </strong>of Ashby (6’3, 2022). Hunter gave West Central united a spark with consistent effort on the glass, chasing down loose balls, and consistently guarding the opposing team’s best players.  Offensively, Hunter’s 6-foot-4 frame and athleticism allowed him to get to the rim and finish over opposing bigs.  Hunter’s outside shooting stroke is consistent and continues to improve.</span></p> <div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>17U Regional</strong></div> <div> </div> <div><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957634" first="Mason" last="Heidgerken"]</strong> of Melrose (6’1, guard) - Mason is the floor general for WC United Regional.  He showed off good athleticism on both ends of the floor and pairs a really tight handle of the basketball with great court vision.  But Mason stands out because of his shooting ability: both from 3 and mid-range.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Grant McMartin</strong> of Perham (6’2, guard) - A steadying influence at either guard spot, Grant handled pressure all tournament long with relative ease and was able to get his team into their offensive sets.  He showed a good shooting stroke from outside and is a crafty finisher with both hands around the rim.  He continues to improve and has asserted himself as a leader of his summer team.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Micah Thompson</strong> of Perham (6’4, 2023 wing).   Micah is playing up two age levels and in his first event of the summer he showed us why.  He scored 32 points in a game and impressed with his constant effort and hustle.  Micah cleaned up rebounds at an impressive rate and, on at least a few occasions, boxed out two opposing players and a teammate to secure a board.  At 6-foot-4, Micah has range out to three and beautiful touch around the rim to pair with a variety of impressive post moves.  Maybe most impressive was his ability to handle the ball against pressure.  So far, Micah is Mr. Reliable for his team.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>17U Select</strong></div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Anthony Conzemius</strong> of Breckenridge (6’7 forward). Anthony was the surprise of the tournament for anyone watching.  This is his first year on the AAU/grassroots circuit and little was known about him. But Anthony quickly showed that he is a physical presence at 6’7 with an ability and willingness to defend and rebound.  Anthony led United in rebounding for the event.  He has a good touch around the basket and good footwork in the post.  He also proved to be a useful rim protector with length and impressive vertical.</div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Jack Courneya</strong> of Frazee (6’3 wing). - Jack is another newcomer to United.  At 6’3 he is a complete offensive player.  He is proficient at both guard spots, can hit shots from deep and get to the rim and finish with both hands.  He is also a very creative passer and has a surprising bounce - throwing down a fastbreak dunk that caught many off guard.</div> <div> <div> </div> <div><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774868" first="Chance" last="Fazio"]</strong> of Fergus Falls (7’0 center).   Chance stands seven feet tall with a frame that opponents find immovable.  Despite only playing basketball for three years, Chance has the footwork, court vision, and touch of a savvy veteran.  He showed off incredible hands and finishing ability around the rim and he consistently erased any efforts by opponents to finish at the rim.  But the attribute that stands out most about Chance is his ability to find open teammates and deliver passes with precision.  </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774773" first="Corbin" last="Froelich"]</strong> of Paynesville Area (6’5 wing).  Corbin continues to grow and now stands at 6-foot-5.  He plays with aggression and can score at all three levels.  Corbin showed off the addition of a mid-post game, backing down opponents, making fade-a-ways, and using ball fakes, footwork, and muscle to get to the rim.  Also on display was Corbin’s willingness to defend and his length on the defensive end created problems for opponents. </div> <div> <div> </div> <div><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="567093" first="Elijah" last="Morris"]</strong> of Perham (6’2 guard). Elijah remains one of the best shooters in Minnesota.  He hit two big threes late in a game with All Iowa Attack’s top team and guarded their best player, holding him to four points.  Elijah has taken on a role of primary ball handler and does a good job of initiating the offense and minimizing turnovers against pressure.  Another impressive outing by Elijah.</div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774837" first="Grant" last="Moscho"]</strong> of Melrose (5’10 guard).  Grant was as athletic a guard as was in attendance in Ames last week.  At 5-foot-10 Grant has the vertical leap to finish in the lane over bigger defenders and showed off his leaping ability in warmups.  Grants quickness and ball handling allowed him to get into the heart of defenses and he consistently made good decisions.  Grant also shot a very impressive percentage from three, although he doesn’t commonly look for his own outside shot.  He is a great addition to this United team and will be a standout senior next year for Melrose.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div>