Grind Region Kickoff: Outstanding Performers Part I
Grind Region Kickoff: Outstanding Performers The Prep Hoops Grind Region Kickoff in Oklahoma City had some of the state’s best in attendance. We also saw some unsung heroes make a name for them themselves on the big stage in…
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Continue ReadingGrind Region Kickoff: Outstanding Performers
The Prep Hoops Grind Region Kickoff in Oklahoma City had some of the state’s best in attendance. We also saw some unsung heroes make a name for them themselves on the big stage in big games. We saw matchups that looked to be War of the Titans. We also saw some teams make statements to let the field know that they mean business. This list will have multiple stars, unsung heroes and stock risers. These are my outstanding performers for the Prep Hoops Grind Region Kickoff.
Charlie Spann | G | P.L.U.T.O. Prospects |
Spann was probably the best player at the Grind Region Kickoff. Spann came to play! He has a smooth silky jump shot to go with the power, grace and speed that he applies when attacking the basket. I forgot to mention his athleticism at 6’5, anytime he attacked the basket you knew something positive was going to happen. Spann also played defense at a high level. Taking on his matchups along with switches when the opportunities presented themselves. His presence on the court was pure force and will. He led a tough and well coached P.L.U.T.O. team
Bobby Burrell | F | Oklahoma Runners |
Burrell was a BULL on the floor. He played like a man amongst boys all weekend. The energy and effort he brought to the game was off the charts on every play. Burrell was the muscle for the Runners. Any and everything around the rim he either blocked or contested causing the opposing player to take a tough shot. Burrell then followed those defensive plays up with securing the rebound and getting the Runners “no pun intended’ on the break. They played fast and hard and Burrell was the main reason.
Kristen Penn | C | CT All D.A.W.G.S 2024 |
At 6’10 Penn is a force on the defensive end. He uses his length and athleticism very well. His timing on blocks was a beautiful sight to see, as many layups he timed at the top of its peak. Some of his blocks from the sideline looked like he was late but the way he timed everything showed he was right on time to clean things up. Watching Penn block shot after shot gave me Dikembe Mutumbo vibes. Only thing missing from his many blocks was the finger wave.
Kaden Jackson Kaden Jackson 6'0" | SG Bishop Dunne - Dallas | 2024 TX | G | BBSS 16U |
Jackson put on a shooting display in the closing days of the Grind Region Kick Off. Finishing his last contest with at least six three pointers respectively. Though Jackson’s ability to shoot the ball got him noticed. It was the shot making ability and the moments those shots were made that got Jackson on this list. After every run the opposing team made Jackson would come back with another three or an extremely tough pull-up. Jackson knocked down tough shot after tough shot to help the SharpShooters secure two big wins in Day two of the Grind Region Kickoff.
Alvin De La Cruz | G | D1 New Mexico |
Cruz is a big guard that possesses a big game. Cruz played with supreme composure all weekend in the Grind Region Kickoff. Cruz’s full game was on display this weekend. You wanted the pass he dished it, you need a bucket he will get it, a rebound he will secure it. Cruz was one of the top players in the Grind Region Kickoff. In the closing moments of a tight game Cruz went into Mamba mode, knocking down three pointer after three pointer. He even attacked the basket with tough finishes using his size to make things happen against the smaller guards. Cruz jumper was a thing of beauty along with his ability to play the game the right way. With all that talent he possesses he never forced a shot or played outside of the flow of his team.
Caden Dunlap | G | Oklahoma Runners |
Dunlap shot the ball well from three for the Runners. Dunlap was definitively one of the best pure shooters in the gym. He also got it done on the other end as well. He played solid defense that helped create a lot of offense for the runners to get out on their break. Dunlap had one of those moments many athletes only dream. There was a sequence of back and forth scoring between the Runners and their opponent. Each possession down for the Runners after the opposing teams scored a basket. Dunlap stopped the bleeding with either a strong layup that oftentimes led to an And one opportunity or deep three pointer that wowed the crowd. The deep three pointer, I am speaking of is right after he finished an acrobatic tough layup with his left hand. The opposing team pushed the ball to score only for Dunlap to follow that up with a deep three pointer from 40 feet with a defender all over him.
Dontae De La Paz | F | BBSS 16U |
La Paz stands at 6’8 ad he uses his length well. He’s long, lanky and athletic. He is the anchor to the SharpShooters tough defense that was put on display at the Grind Region Kick Off. La Paz averaged six blocks a game to go along with his ten plus rebounds a game. He talks on defense telling everyone where to be and where to go and when the SharpShooters need him to score a basket. La Paz has the ability to put the ball on the floor and do just that. This young man will be one of the top 2024 players in his class before the spring and summer is over.