Midwest Grind Session: 14U team turned heads
Just one Kansas team competed in the Midwest Grind Session, July 25-26, in Bel Aire – TBB KS Rising Elite 14U. But that group of mostly Wichita-area rising freshmen turned heads. Keep an eye out for this group, many of…
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Continue ReadingJust one Kansas team competed in the Midwest Grind Session, July 25-26, in Bel Aire – TBB KS Rising Elite 14U. But that group of mostly Wichita-area rising freshmen turned heads.
Keep an eye out for this group, many of whom should see varsity action this fall, according to coach Vincent Williams.
“This is a great group of hard-working kids,” Williams said. “We brought a few kids from around the city of Wichita together. They bonded as a team. They believe in teamwork and that’s how we win games. That’s how we get better. We play as a unit.
“Honestly, I believe they will all contend for a spot on varsity. These are some of the top freshmen not only in Wichita, but from my travels, throughout the Midwest.
Williams said that though his young club isn’t able to practice a lot together, he facilitates their development on the court and bonding off it.
“We practice and work out quite a bit in duos or individually,” Williams said. “We get them together outside of the court to start the bonding process there. So it’s pretty easy to put them together, even though they all go to different schools.”
Davion Reed, 2024, Wichita South:
The first member of TBB KS Rising Elite to catch your eye is the 6-foot-3 Reed. He has a chiseled body and can leap out of the gym.
“He’s a transplant from Maryland,” Williams said about Reed. “He had several breakaway dunks on day one of the tournament. He’s super athletic. And he’s only been playing competitive basketball for three years.”
Jaron Askren, 2024, Maize South:
Askren has a good handle and is a good passer on the wing. He has good awareness and nice moves in the lane.
Wesley Edison, 2024, Free State:
Edison recently moved to Lawrence from the Wichita area. He’s a 5-foot-11 guard who plays scrappy defense and is very strong.
Nate Thengvall, 2024, Kapaun:
Nate Thengvall is well built, big and solid. He’s ready to shoot from anywhere on the perimeter, or to mix it up in the lane. He shoots a good jumper off the dribble.
Will Thengvall, 20204, Kapaun:
Though he didn’t play at the Midwest Grind Session, Will Thengvall received high praise from Williams, who called him perhaps the best player on the team.
“He’s the purest shooter in the Midwest,” Williams said. “You have to guard him once he crosses half court. He’s athletic, long and lean, and he has a high basketball IQ.”
Dallas Metzger, 2024, Derby:
Metzger is a 6-foot tall hustler who gets in the passing lane, has pesky hands and a high motor. He handles the ball well in the open court and under pressure. He looks up the court to speed up the tempo and to pass to runners.
Michael Kates, 2024, Collegiate:
The 5-foot-9 Kates is a constant nuisance on defense. He’s always on the go on offense, creating breakaway opportunities. He pops 3-pointers and gets the offense moving with effective quarterbacking.