Midwest Grind Session: 17U Wings

<p>Some of the best wing players in Kansas showed up for the Midwest Grind Session in Bel Aire, demonstrating their skill against elite competition.</p> <p>Here’s a look at some of the top Kansas wings in the 17U Division of the Midwest Grind Session (in alphabetical order and with club and high school listed):</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889495" first="Owen" last="Braxmeyer"], SSA White, Manhattan:</strong></p> <p>The 6-foot-1 honorable mention 6A Braxmeyer played on a guard-rich Manhattan team last year, so he had to develop versatility to get on the floor. He can play nearly every spot on the floor. He can handle the ball and create his own scoring opportunities, in the open floor, on the perimeter and in the lane. Braxmeyer is an intense competitor who may not have any one elite-physical tool, but he has a ton of athleticism.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889465" first="Blake" last="Danitschek"], Kansas Pray N Play, Kapaun:</strong></p> <p>Unlike Braxmeyer, Danitschek does have one elite tool – he’s 6-foot-6. That length allows Danitschek to get off his dead-eye 3-point shot from nearly anywhere, against anyone. He’s a lean but not frail athlete who is willing to battle inside for rebounds. But he’s mostly found on the perimeter, where his shot is a game changer. Danitscheck earned honorable mention 5A last season and will lead a talented group of returners at Kapaun.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="730629" first="Jacob" last="Hanna"] TBB Gaddis, Andover:</strong></p> <p>Among the most impressive physical specimens at the tournament, Hanna turned heads with his leaping ability and length. The high-flying Hanna is the target of an occasional ally-oop. He drives hard in the lane and goes strong after rebounds. He’s a tough guy for any player to guard, and on defense, he has the tools to really disrupt. Like, Danitschek, Hanna earned honorable mention 5A last season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889462" first="Alex" last="Littlejohn"], Kansas Pray N Play, Bishop Carroll:</strong></p> <p>One of the most dangerous shooters at the Midwest Grind Session, when Littlejohn gets hot there’s almost no stopping him. He is not just a shooter, however. He can handle the ball full court, breaking down the defense and getting to the rim. He can find open teammates on the drive or dunk with authority. At 6-foot-5, he’s a dynamic rebounder, and he has the foot speed to guard smaller players on the perimeter. The second team 5A star is one of the most versatile players in Kansas.</p> <p><strong>Phillippe Manga, Perry Ellis 34, Nickerson:</strong></p> <p>Manga isn’t very tall for a player who spent a lot of his time in the high post at the Midwest Grind Session. But he is a creative player who gets the most out of his thick 6-foot frame. He has the ability to post up or face the basket all the way out to the perimeter. He can drive and score and has too much strength for a lot of players to resist. He finds open shooters from the high post and has got a great turnaround jumper. He can also shoot the 3-pointer or pull up on the drive.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="602176" first="Drew" last="Nicholson"], Kansas Kings, Hoisington:</strong></p> <p>The second team 3A wing is a long, lean athlete who has about as well-rounded a game as you will find. He can leap above the crowd for a rebound, start the break himself, and get to the goal at the other end. At 6-foot-6, he is equally tough in the lane or on the perimeter. His ball-handling ability allows him to break down even the most athletic defenders.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="530376" first="Jordan" last="Vincent"], TBB Gaddis, Sunrise:</strong></p> <p>The 6-foot-3 Vincent earned first team 5A as a junior at Eisenhower. He’s slated to suit up for Sunrise next year. Vincent is a great driver in the open floor and in the lane. He can create to get teammates open or can get to the rim himself. He draws fouls because he’s always pushing to get penetration. He is a strong rebounder who can do something with the ball once he pulls it down.</p>