Brawl For The Ball: 17U Forwards that impressed
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On July 3rd-4th I attended the Brawl for the Ball Prep Hoops Circuit at Inspire Courts in Gilbert. AZ. The event featured 40 teams from the 15U-17U divisions. Players shine at different times during these events and we can only comment on what…
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Continue ReadingOn July 3rd-4th I attended the Brawl for the Ball Prep Hoops Circuit at Inspire Courts in Gilbert. AZ. The event featured 40 teams from the 15U-17U divisions.
Players shine at different times during these events and we can only comment on what we saw when they played in front of us.
Here were some improving 17U forwards:
Aaron Foote Aaron Foote 6'6" | PF Hamilton | 2022 State AZ Hamilton (Legion of Hoops 2022)
-A highly skilled forward who can really shoot it. He has a pretty high arcing 3pt stroke with range. He is starting to put the ball on the floor more and can rise up off the dribble from mid-range. He also is rebounding the ball better, as he is slowly filling in to take the pounding inside better. Foote recently picked up an offer from Coe College.
Jayson Hunt Jayson Hunt 6'7" | PF Paradise Honors | 2022 State AZ Paradise Honors (Westside Elite 2022)
The long forward is currently in a hot streak with his play. The game is coming easier to him now with his skill and athleticism. He has a more polished elbow jumper and seems to burst up quicker then most to dunk the ball. He gobbles up rebounds in his area and his consistency is what stands out.
Brock Jackson Brock Jackson 6'4" | SF Sabino | 2021 State AZ Sabino
-A threat to score from inside and out at any moment. He is a true bucket and I am honestly surprised he is still out there as an unsigned senior. He would be a nice late pickup for a local CC. He is extremely strong to get to the rim with a nice handle, skilled to the 3pt line off the dribble and can pull-up off the dribble.
Jo Jo Montgomery Jo Jo Montgomery 6'6" | PF Deer Valley | 2022 State AZ PHH Prep (AZ Select Showtime 2022)
-A high-motored 3 and D type of forward is another that is showing what he can do more consistently. His catch-3 is more crisp and uses his strength and bounce to rebound and block shots. He is now a true face-up 4-man and has become lighter on his toes to defend.
Travis Reynolds Travis Reynolds 6'6" | PF Sabino | 2022 State AZ Sabino
-A strong power forward uses the word power often. He can back down his man in the post with skill and nice post footwork plus hit the trail perimeter jumper. He rebounds well in area using his girth and length. He is more of a below the rim type but his he is productive player and should be a stud in 3A next season.
Brayden Gant Brayden Gant 6'5" | SF Phhoenix Prep | 2024 State AZ Coolidge (AZ Junior Ballers 2022 Black) (Pictured)
-Gant is slowly turning into one of the more versatile rising juniors in state. He handles it like a guard, can post up guards/wings, shoot it to the 3pt line, defend multiple positions and block shots on the weak side. He plays with confidence and is finding his rhythm as a player. He is another one who will make waves in 3A.