Passion Region Kick Off 16u All-Tournament

<p>After watching a total of 24 hours of basketball between two days, I saw most, if not all, 16u prospects play at least twice this past weekend.  The following were the most consistent game after game and were large contributors to their teams raking in W’s. </p> <p><strong>2024 6’0 [player_tooltip player_id="1306084" first="Reginald" last="Reinhardt"] Guard  </strong></p> <p>This 2024 stud had a breakout weekend leading the stampede to a 4-0 record. Any doubts about this bull of a combo guard were laid to rest. There was no question Reinhardt was the best combo guard playing 16u this weekend and arguably the best prospect in the division period. With Reginald it’s simple, he does everything and does it with such an explosive style of play. He plays hard-nosed defense, he rebounds, he shoots well and goes to the basket like a bull in a China shop, shredding physical contact usually resulting in a finish around the rim or getting to the charity stripe. I’d really like to see him running the 1 a little more and gaining more confidence as a vocal leader. Other than that Mr. Reinhardt checks all the boxes and as previously stated and will play at the next level. </p> <p><strong>2024 6’4 [player_tooltip player_id="1306134" first="Ryan" last="Blount"] Guard/Wing </strong></p> <p>A lot has been said about Blount this weekend as he burst onto the scene this past weekend during the Passion Region Kick-Off. He’s now on every scout’s radar in the state. This high IQ sharpshooter had a big weekend playing with AOI. By now most reading know he was the most capable shooter in the 16u division. But he’s more than just your run of the mill spot up shooter. He has great touch around the rim, showcased a few post moves and boxed out on every shot.  Ryan was Mr. Consistent. You knew exactly what you were getting each game. Consistent shooting, rebounding and hustle each minute he was on the floor.  Ryan is also an intelligent kid with a high GPA to pair with his phenomenal shooting. College coaches looking to get in early on a gem, this is your guy. </p> <p><strong>2024 6’0 [player_tooltip player_id="1306129" first="Jaden" last="Baker"] Guard </strong></p> <p>I really enjoyed watching Baker play. While he’s not an overly flashy guard that’s ok , he’s extremely fundamental and follows what his coach lays out to a T.  He runs the Spartans offense with surgical precision. Not only can he be an incredible facilitator, but when this team needs a bucket Baker knows how to get it. He loves playing physical and doesn’t shy away from contact when getting to the basket. Baker scored an incredible 451 points his sophomore season leading his squad in scoring for the season. This kid can flat out play. Another prospect I’d like to see shooting the 3 ball a little more, doing so would immediately raise his stock and have college coaches eyes all over him. Every other part of this tough guard’s game is complete. </p> <p><strong>2024 5’8 [player_tooltip player_id="1055585" first="Noah" last="Cutler"] Point Guard</strong></p> <p>The well known 2024 prospect doesn’t pass the eye test when most watch him play, this quickly changes when he puts the ball down on the floor. Cutler is an absolute blur with the ball, with an ability to change pace on the dime often leaving defenders on the ground. Opposing defenses struggled all weekend to stay in front of him.  Averaging 14.3 Ppg over the weekend he did a great job scoring and facilitating on a loaded roster. Cutler’s ability to get paint touches was what I found most impressive. The defense has to collapse hard, they quickly found out he gets to the basket finishing with a wide variety of up and under lay ups or a floater. Cutler also did a great job creating his own shot in both mid range and behind the arc.  He is a complete offensive player and one of the most consistent scorers for the weekend.  Adding mass to his frame would quickly have this rising junior gaining more college interest. </p> <p><strong>2024 6’3 Charles Calven Guard </strong></p> <p>The Palmetto Ridge rising Junior was an unlikely hero. He entered into the Passion Region kick off unknown and left with most scouts covering 2024 knowing his name.  The reason he stood out to me has everything to do with his huge performance against a stacked and favored Spartans squad. Calven did everything his team needed him to in order to get the W. He had several monster blocks, including a snatch block that ended up with him finishing at the other end. The hyper athletic Charles showed sparks of what could be a continual stand out player. With some refinement this SWFL prospect could make a serious name for himself. </p>