Spring Kickoff Recap: Gamechangers (Top Duo’s)
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This content series is sponsored by GameChanger - The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Hoops.
Spring is here and that can only mean one thing. It’s Circuit Season! The Prephoops Circuit is upon us. I will be covering and providing exposure for the Hustle Region Circuit. The Hustle Region Circuit consists of AAU Programs from California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and New Mexico. The circuit features 10 stops including the Hustle Region Final in Irvine July 15th – 17th. Stop number 2 took place in Denver, Colorado with the Spring Kick-Off. The event featured nearly 100 programs ranging from age 15U – to 17U. Each week throughout the circuit, we’re going to take a look back at some of the players with the top Game-changing skills from the event. This weekend, we take a look at some of the top Game-changing Duo’s from the event.
Jace Nelson Jace Nelson 6'6" | PF Gordon-Rushville | 2023 State NE 6’6 PF & Noah Bishop Noah Bishop 6'7" | PF Conifer | 2023 State CO 6’6 PF Colorado Collective 2023 - These two complimented each other well. Nelson is a big-bodied post with some skill while Bishop is a fluid athlete, that runs the floor well, finishes around the rim, and provides some rim protection from the 3 or 4. They both did a good job on the boards.
Isaac Long 6’7 SF &
Owen Wright
Owen
Wright
6'6"
Pomona | 2022
CO
6’5 SG Colorado Hornets 2022 - The wing duo impacted games with their athleticism, defensive versatility, and scoring. Long is a good R&J athlete that had a ridiculous tip jam in one of the early morning games. Wright is a versatile offensive player that can handle and showed the ability to get downhill and finish. Both defended multiple positions well and contributed with some blocks and deflections on the defensive end.
Rob Jenkins 6’1 CG 2022 & Dwayne Jones 6’4 PF 2023 Arizona Strike - Arizona Strike had an impressive weekend, thanks in large part to their inside-outside punch. Each was good individually, but together they were dynamic. Jenkins was explosive playing downhill and attacking the rim, while Jones scored around the rim, and stretched the floor.
Blake Graham 6’1 SG Tyson Graham 5’11 PG 2025 - The Graham boys were the first two players to jump out at me. Blake handled the scoring while Tyson did the facilitating. Blake was able to get to the cup, displaying a nice handle when defending 1 v 1. He also showed some playmaking ability. Tyson was a rock, playing the game with a high IQ, and protecting the ball. I was impressed with his defensive instincts as he was able to jump passing lanes, for steals.
Ely Elegado 6’0 PG & Julius Brower 5’10 CG IE Fire 2025 - Elegado and Brower form one of the top backcourts on the 15U circuit. Elegado has been a sniper, knocking down threes from all over the court, while Brower has scored in transition. What was most impressive was their ability on the defensive end. Elegado and Brower, excelled in the Fire’s pressure defense, forcing deflections and turnovers that lead to fast break scores.
