2021 All-Grassroots All-Hustle 1st Team

<p>Prep Hoops was out at various tournaments this past summer and even went out of their way to hit underground runs and private workouts to see as many prospects as possible. BallerTv was used for out of state games, and it was our most coveted summer. Let’s take a look at some players whose impact goes beyond scoring that makes winning plays that go a bit overlooked. Here’s a look at the All-Hustle Team.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>All-Grassroots 1^st Team</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="770437" first="Colton" last="Gillingham"] – Colorado Chaos </strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916958" first="Wade" last="Jones"] – Colorado Chaos </strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916966" first="Jason" last="Simental"] – Colorado Hoops Academy</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050956" first="Sander" last="Squibb"] – Pro Skills</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916990" first="Fred" last="Edmonds"] – Billups Elite</strong></p> <p><strong>Gillingham </strong>is a player that proved a ton this summer, and it was known that in every single setting that he went in, he was going to compete at the highest level. Things do not come easy when you are up against Gillingham, and he leaves it all out on the floor. Gillingham led the Colorado Chaos team, and they fed off of him. He has a great motor, scores in bunches, and also is always moving. He is a tenacious defender, which makes him a unique two-way player, and when he is going, it is difficult to slow him down. He stood out at private runs, helped win tournamens for his squad, and also was great in showcases. If a school is looking for an emotional leader that also knows how to put the ball in the basket, look no further.</p> <p><strong>Jones </strong>was my pick for the hustle player of the summer. There is not a play that he gives up on, and he will do whatever is needed to give his team another win, opportunity, or possession. Jones is a microwave scorer that can get going; he does plenty of things that do not show up on the scoreboard and is sneaky athletic as well, which allows him to get out in the open court and make things happen. Jones might’ve easily led AAU in charges taken and puts his body on the line for loose balls, alters shots defensively, and is not afraid to get in the mix and be physical with the opposing guard. Jones not only plays but defends multiple positions, and his game translates to the next level, where this high scholar will make an impact.</p> <p><strong>Simental</strong> will be a welcomed addition to the ThunderRidge roster this season, and they will be glad to have him. Simental played this summer with Colorado Hoops Academy and was a junkyard dog type of player that ended up being one of their most important pieces. CHA moved as he moves as he provides intensity and energy that is contagious. He carves out space in the paint, steps out and hits the 3-ball, and makes things happen everywhere in between. He competes on the boards and is willing to step down and defend a big as well. Simental likes to chat it up at times and doesn’t mind drawing contact on defenders. I am excited to see how he fits in this season as he does so many small things on the court that add to wins.</p> <p><strong>Squibb </strong>is a winner that cannot be denied on the floor. He went from being a complementary piece for Denver East to being one of the go-to guys for Pro Skills, and they made sure to put the ball in his hands and watch things happen around him. Squibb is in tip-top shape, and that creates advantages for opposing teams as he is always moving, gets to his spot, and is a fearless defender that makes things difficult. Squibb used his strength and athleticism this summer and progressed by summers end. Squibb is a glue guy that does what is asked, rally the troops, and is a coach’s dream. He easily makes the Grassroots 1^st team in hustle.</p> <p><strong>Edmonds </strong>is an immovable object that gets most of his buckets off of clean-ups and paint touches. He tracks rebounds, runs them down, and also is an agile and mobile big man that made a few incredible highlight plays the couple of times that I was able to see Billups this summer. Edmonds is surrounded by some of the best scorers in the state, so it is on him to provide a difference, and he does just that with his play. Edmonds works hard on possessions, sets hard screens, and rolls right to the rim. He goes after players and protects the rim, and even without having to score a ton of baskets, is able to impact the game. Solid summer from him and will have to take that momentum into the season.</p>