2021 Grassroots All-Hustle Team
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…
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Continue ReadingPrep 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.
2nd Team All-Hustle
Tommy Apodaca Tommy Apodaca 5'9" | PG Lutheran | 2021 State CO – Colorado Chaos
Austin Peterson Austin Peterson 6'2" | CG Green Mountain | 2021 State CO – Colorado Chaos
Tanner Egloff – Pro Skills
Duke Benson Duke Benson 6'3" | SF Kent Denver | 2022 State CO – Pro Skills
Adrian Price Adrian Price 6'5" | C Eaglecrest | 2021 State CO – Colorado Miners
Apodaca is one of the state’s better true point guards as he makes the right play on the offensive end, knocks down the open shot, and has a deadly mid-range pullup but what separates him is his work defensively. Apodaca moves his feet and stays in front of his man. He is aggressive, yet, defends without fouling and also makes smart reads defensively as a trapper or help-side defender. He is as scrappy as they come and does whatever his team needs, and on one of the best swarming defenses, I saw this summer, was able to generate turnovers and affect the game. Apodaca has a game that translates to the next level, and this small guard plays well above his size.
Peterson epitomizes the word HUSTLE at all times to the floor with his play. Peterson isn’t flashy with his play but stuffs the stat sheet every game for his team. He is a great positional rebounder and isn’t afraid of a few floor burns as he has no problem diving on the floor or taking a charge on the defensive end. Peterson is a two-way player that gets after it, and that opens up his play. He was consistently knocking down shots, getting to the rim, and turning steals to fastbreak opportunities. He’s a player that every team needs.
Egloff was one of Pro Skills’ most important players, and that was all while not scoring a basket. I can count on one hand how many times I remember him scoring this summer, but in every single setting, there were electric and game-changing plays. Egloff is a fearless defender that can guard every single position despite not having the size. He is downlow competing, making smart reads, and playing with contagious energy. On offense, he is always moving without the ball and also makes the extra pass, which got his team extra buckets. Egloff did not play for Denver East last season, but with the way that he competed this summer should be a welcomed addition as he brings winning plays.
Benson is another player whose impact goes beyond scoring, although he does have some breakout games. He is a versatile defender that takes on the challenge and is as strong as an ox. He is not easily backed down, and whenever Pro Skills needed a defensive play, he made it. Benson went from being the go-to player from his high school to stepping into a glue guy role and unselfishly made the switch. He is filling the lanes, creating diversions with flashes, and also is a player that will dive on the floor if that is what the situation warrants. He is a player that stood out for me all summer as he does whatever is needed of him and easily makes my All-Hustle 2nd team.
Price is one of the hardest working bigs in the entire state whose motor improved throughout the summer as he got in better shape and with that started wreaking havoc on opposing teams. He is a bruising big that is also willing to dive on the floor, will step put and defend guards for a few seconds, and creates plenty of second-chance opportunities for his team. He is a glass-cleaner who makes the extra pass and does what is needed. He sets hard screens and rolls, kicks it out after getting position on the block, and runs the floor extremely well. Price has an incredible wingspan and uses it to deflect shots/passes and is a player to build around. He had a solid summer.