Top Performances by 17U wings/bigs at the #MidwestGrindSession

<p>The Midwest Grind Session brought so many top performers to Wichita this weekend that it would be just about impossible to identify all the top Kansas players involved. But without trying to make an all-inclusive list, here are some of the top performances from 17U Kansas wings and bigs (in alphabetical order):</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1378394" first="Carson" last="Bennett"], 6-foot-2 forward, 2023, Hugoton HS, Western Kansas Elite:</p> <p>Bennett really impressed this weekend, showing what the small town, western Kansas kids can do. Bennett is as versatile as they come, able to handle the ball from end to end, shoot from anywhere, and fight for the boards and guard posts. He’s sneaky athletic and plays smart.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1182787" first="Te’Jon" last="McDaniel"], 6-foot-4 forward, 2023, Salina South HS, PGUHOOPS:</p> <p>McDaniel has a scorers approach and his game puts him in position to exploit mismatches. If you try to defend him with a big man, he’s got the ball skills to break them down or lure them too far away from the goal. If you put a smaller defender on him, he has nice midrange and post skills, and a physique to manhandle most guards. He loves to handle the ball himself and take it from end to end.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080207" first="Tyson" last="Ruud"], 6-foot-6 forward, 2023, Basehor-Linwood HS, SSA Hoops Black:</p> <p>Ruud is having a huge spring, impressing with his motor and with his elite athleticism. He goes after every ball that’s in the air and more often than not wins the battle. His rebounding produces a ton of second-chance points for SSA. He runs the floor with the best of them, and never gives up on a play. He seems happy to play a supporting role, cleaning up his teammates misses and dominating at the defensive end.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080163" first="Eli" last="Sawyers"], 6-foot-6 forward, 2023, Southeast of Saline HS, Oz Elite Haynes:</p> <p>Sawyers provided length and muscle to a group of speedy athletes this weekend. Sawyers has the hustle and diverse skills to produce in a supporting role. He handles the ball and passes it well. He impacts the game by his unselfishness and constant effort.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1212149" first="Jace" last="Steinmetz"], 6-foot-4 forward, 2023, Garden City HS, SSA Hoops White (pictured):</p> <p>Steinmetz does everything well, but his other skills get overshadowed by his 3-point shooting. He has limitless range and can really fill it up. He never seems to have an off game, and he’s good for multiple threes every time out. He’s a tough defender and rebounder and a leader to the club.</p>