The Stage Day 2: 12 Hours Of Standouts
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In honor of the twelve non stop hours of basketball played on Saturday, I give you 12 standouts. But to make this different from other standout lists, we’ll divide it into three categories, shining a light on each division playing…
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Continue ReadingIn honor of the twelve non stop hours of basketball played on Saturday, I give you 12 standouts. But to make this different from other standout lists, we’ll divide it into three categories, shining a light on each division playing at the Indianapolis Convention Center. Below are four standouts from 3 divisions.
17U
Micah Steely
The 6’4 unsigned senior showcased a unique blend of passing and shooting. As a bigger wing, he grabbed boards and then led the break, finding teammates with no look passes. He uses his size to finish in the paint, hit multiple threes at 8 am, used his off to protect the ball, and cage trailing defenders.
Tyler Van Gorp Tyler Van Gorp 6'10" | C New Trier | 2023 State IL
Wouldn’t surprise me if Van Gorp’s stock sky rockets this summer. The 6’10 big man has great length, blocks shots, and is an active paint defender. He put all those tools and a passing IQ on display in front of Tom Izzo.
Buss should have been on the main stage with the way he plays. The athletic 6’4 forward lived above the rim on both sides of the court. Teammates threw lobs, and he’d bring them down on the rim. He’d cut and find himself punching one home on an expecting defender. Buss was one of the most effortless athletes in the gym on Saturday.
Mark Nikolich-Wilson Mark Nikolich-Wilson 6'7" | C Rolling Meadows | 2023 State IL
The 6’7 forward has the skill and feel to be successful at the next level. He stretched the floor with multiple threes and pushed the pace with his ability to start the break after grabbing boards. Nikolich-Wilson can punish you in the post with smooth footwork or throw his bulky frame at you to finish in the paint.
16U
The future is bright for the smooth 6’7 wing. Mekonen affects both sides of the ball as his frame and athleticism allow him to do and play where he pleases. Want him to work the baseline with precision? He can do it. Want him to take his man off the dribble and open teammates? Done. Need him to block a shot and defend the best perimeter player? He’s on it.
Nealy makes plays out the high post. He can knock down the midrange jumper, muck things up in the paint, and rebound on both ends. Nealy had a 3 minute stretch where he took over the game in an attempt to get his team within striking distance. It resulted in a passing, rebounding, finishing highlight reel that few in 16U could rival.
Juan Cranford Jr Juan Cranford Jr 6'4" | SG Huber Heights Wayne | 2024 State OH .
After his team’s game against Ball4Lyfe, they couldn’t stop talking about how strong the 6’2 guard is. He has a thick frame equipped with dangerous shot creation. His handle allows him to create space, and the shot allows him to fill up the scoring column. In game 1, he went 4 of 6 from three. Game 2, he knocked down two more from deep.
Jaden McKellips
The 6’5 forward knocked down three shots from deep. When I say deep, I mean college range. McKellips has the length to defend bigger forwards and the shooting range to drag them away from the paint.
15U
Ikponmwosa Alohan
Players like Alohan are the reason scouts are already so high on the 2025 class. The 6’1 one guard lived at the rim, whether it was throwing it down on the break or finishing through the unlucky defender standing in front of him. He can hit shots beyond the arc at a high clip, knocking down three attempts from deep in this game alone. When Alohan develops, wiggle to his game, few will stay in front of the athletic guard.
Charles is a quick lead guard with the patience to operate the pick and roll. He has the burst to get downhill and get deep in the paint. The 2025 prospect lived at the line taking 12 trips to the stripe. He makes plays for others as he shifts defenses on the way to the hole.
Terell Irons
Irons used different angles to finish at the basket. It doesn’t take much for the guard to get downhill. He plays with a pace beyond his years as a young lead ball handler. His athleticism and handle allow him to get where he wants on the court to make plays. Watching the way he responded and executed the coaching he received speaks about him as a person.
Bob Ottabwa Dickinson Jr.
Iso Joe has a bright group of prospects to choose from. Dickinson Jr. os today’s selection thanks to his defensive performance and tools. Around 6’7, the long gangly forward blocked 4 shots against similar size and athleticism. It’s his length that makes him a standout at this point and it’s worth buying stock in now.