Hard Work Region Kickoff: Saturday PM Standouts (15U and 16U)

<p>Here's a look at some of the late-afternoon standouts from the 15U and 16U division at the Hard Work Kickoff on Saturday.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>G Mason Bechen, Iowa Prep - North Linn, 2025</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_5531-crop-3916x2571-1648948317.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1419006" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_5531-crop-3916x2571-1648948317-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="183" height="120" /></a></p> <p>A 30-point performance for Mason Bechen against Together as One (WI). The 6'3" guard has a very unique skillset. He constantly filled lanes and finished through contact. Also made a nice spin-move layup. None of his points came from behind the arc. Bechen also contributed a lot on defense. He snagged 11 rebounds and had several fast-break steals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>F Landon Bull, Quad Cities Shockers - Rockridge (IL), 2025</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_5527-crop-3226x2118-1648951902.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1419053" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_5527-crop-3226x2118-1648951902-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="188" height="124" /></a></p> <p>Bull was a force down low in both afternoon games. The 6'3" Forward contributed heavily on offense and defense. Forced opponents to take difficult shots and finished well in the paint. Excelled at crashing the glass too. But what was most impressive was his display of guard skills against United Hoops. Looked like a floor general with behind-the-back dribbles while driving the lane and was quick going coast-to-coast. Found lots of second-chance opportunities too.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>W/G KJ Lamonte, Quad Cities Shockers - Davenport North, 2024</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_5528.HEIC-crop-3888x2553-1648952165.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1419064" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_5528.HEIC-crop-3888x2553-1648952165-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="184" height="121" /></a></p> <p>Lamonte put on a show Saturday afternoon. The 6'2" wing/guard scored 24 points in a win over Chicago Lockdown. Plays a very physical brand of basketball and isn't afraid to sacrifice his body. Has a nice shooting stroke too. Plays with a high IQ.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>G Nick Black, Hammond Hurricanes - Bowman Academy (IN), 2024</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_5529.HEIC-crop-3755x2465-1648952276.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1419066" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_5529.HEIC-crop-3755x2465-1648952276-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="187" height="123" /></a></p> <p>Black had a hot first half for the Hurricanes with 17 points against the Minnesota Falcons. Played great on both ends of the floor throughout the game. Displayed lots of quickness and versatility. Had a few blocks that led to nice buckets in transition. Black is an unknown name looking to make noise on the PrepHoops Circuit. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>G Corey Bates, Minnesota Falcons - Spring Lake Park, 2024</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_5530.HEIC-crop-3916x2571-1648952382.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1419068" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_5530.HEIC-crop-3916x2571-1648952382-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="190" height="125" /></a></p> <p>Another unknown name who put on a show. Scored 21 points in the first half against Hammond Hurricanes. Extremely explosive guard who creates lots of scoring opportunities. Small, but has an extremely high motor. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>F Jabari Lee, Tougher As One - Germantown (WI), 2025</strong></p> <p>Lee impressed in his opening game against Iowa Prep. The 6'5" forward outsized everybody on the floor. Scored lots of buckets at ease for his team in a thrilling game. Has all the physical tools to be a Division 1 prospect. Finished the game with a 19 point double-double. The kid has a bright future.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>G Sterling Hoarde, Illinois Elite - Rockford East, 2025</strong></p> <p>Hoarde impressed against Waterloo Salvation. Played at a high pace and wasn't afraid to let it fly from deep. The 6'1" guard finished with 17 points. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>G Marcus McQueen, EzWork Elite - Rock Island (IL), 2025</strong></p> <p>McQueen showed off a nice skillset against the Iowa Mavs. Started the game off hot with 9 early points. Stripped balls away from opponents on multiple occasions. Really strong footwork for a 5'11" guard. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>