Grind Region Finals: 16U Standout Scorers

<p>The Prep Hoops Circuit came to a conclusion this past weekend at the Grind Region Finals in Dallas. Some of the best grassroots programs from a variety of states took part in the event to see who would be crowned Grind Region champions, with 68 teams competing in the 16U division. I was able to see a bunch of them in action, and will be highlighting standout prospects from the tournament throughout the week.</p> <p>With that in mind, here are some of the best scorers from the 16U division:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="981278" first="Jayden" last="Cincotta"] | 2023 | 6’3’’ Shooting Guard | Team RUN 2023 | Edmond Santa Fe HS</strong> - Cincotta had a sensational weekend scoring the basketball, averaging 21 points per game in his four matchups, highlighted by a 25-point performance in his first game of the weekend. He shot the ball at a high level from mid-range as well as from behind the arc, getting to his spots and hitting jumpers off the dribble. The Edmond Santa Fe guard was terrific when it came to burying off-balanced shots and continuously made defenders pay for going under screens. He really lit it up from the field this weekend. </p> <p><strong>Jayden Daniels | 2023 | 6’0’’ Combo Guard | YB33 2023 | Frisco Liberty HS</strong> - Daniels looked smooth whenever he attacked the basket off the dribble this weekend, gliding into the paint and finishing at a high clip in traffic. He was super crafty and agile from close to mid-range, manipulating defenders with ball fakes and good footwork, while also showing that he is capable of hitting turnaround jumpers in the post. The Liberty guard is a talented slasher. He was responsible for a 19-point outing on Saturday. However, the highlight of his weekend was likely the <a href="https://twitter.com/aloughmiller1/status/1421879163288436737">game-winning runner</a> that he drained on Sunday as time expired. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1211246" first="Jacob" last="Crow"] | 2023 | 6’5’’ Small Forward/Power Forward | Tulsa Hawks 2023 Blue | Tulsa NOAH Home School</strong> - Crow is a versatile combo forward who displayed three-level scoring ability this weekend. He was a mid-range assassin in his Sunday matchup, knocking down pull ups, turnarounds, and spot up shots from inside the arc, ending the game with 23 points. The 6-foot-5-inch forward converted a pair of threes as well. When operating closer to the rim, he showed that he can muscle his way inside with his strong frame as well as finish through heavy contact. Beyond that, he was fantastic as a rebounder. Crow likely plays in the post for his school team out of necessity, but he possesses enough skill as a scorer to play on the wing if he can improve his quickness and foot speed. </p> <p><strong>Eli Eaves | 2023 | 6’2’’ Shooting Guard | ER Prodigy 2023 | Atoka HS</strong> - Eaves was absolutely surgical when it came to attacking the middle of the opposing teams’ zone defense on Saturday. He exploited the weak spot with pull up jumpers from mid-range and dribble drives to the basket. He spun off defenders and was super creative with his takes to the hoop. The Atoka two-guard was definitely one of the most fun prospects to watch. He racked up 18 points in his Saturday contest. Additionally, Eaves showed off solid athleticism and vertical ability. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1211257" first="Zach" last="Hays"] | 2023 | 6’3’’ Small Forward | Rogue 2023 | Westmoore HS</strong> - Hays did a little bit of everything in his Saturday outing vs. a talented Tulsa Hawks team. He scored in a variety of ways from a variety of spots, looking impossible to stop at times during the game, finishing with 18 points. The Westmoore forward made a lot of tough shots in what was a physical matchup, getting it done as a scorer on the block and when attacking off the dribble. His first step looked explosive and he was slippery when getting past defenders. Hays played a key role in earning his team a spot in the quarterfinals this weekend. </p> <p><strong>Michael Johnson | 2023 | 6’3’’ Shooting Guard/Small Forward | Buddy Buckets Bahamas 2023 | Life Prep Academy</strong> - Johnson possesses a thick frame and good strength. The 2023 prospect put up 18 points in his first game of the weekend, muscling his way into the paint for layups while also showing he is a capable shooter from mid to long-range. He was excellent when it came to attacking undisciplined closeouts, either getting all the way to the rim or pulling up with his smooth jump shot. Furthermore, he never looked out of control when pushing the tempo on offense and played well in transition. </p>