16U Gamechangers from The Grind Region Finals

Clayton Conover

July 18, 2022 @ 12:11 AM

The five star wide receiver happens to also be pretty good at basketball, who would have thought. Green was nothing short of dominant all weekend within the interior as a rebounder, post threat, and interior defender. At 6’6+ weighing roughly 230 pounds, Green was a high riser around the rim. Proving to match up with anybody, whether on the perimeter or interior, Green rarely allowed even a shot attempt while posing as the primary defender. The forward led the Broncos to the weekend championship, capping off their Grind Region circuit aspirations.

– B&B Academy – Ralston Valley - 2025 The lone 2025 athlete on this list, Braketa was the engine running B&B’s hyper efficient run and gun offense. He proved to score the ball on all three levels, while making a few tough shots over D1 size and athleticism. Braketa helped bring B&B to the quarter finals while taking down the number 1 team in the Grind Region, Victory Academy Gold. Simply put, Braketa gets the game. His processing speeds and ballhandling toolbox combined with the three level scoring touch makes him a puzzle to defend. One NCAA coach told me he believes Braketa sees the game at a high major level. Should he grow another couple inches, one can only imagine what is in store for Colorado and the state’s top 2025 prospect.

Avery Thomas – Magnolia – Terry - 2024 Thomas was a surprise, particularly on the offensive end with his all diverse scoring abilities. The 6’4 wing was a major shot blocker and instigator against pick and rolls. The major surprise came from his shooting touch when his team needed a shotmaker. Although he did not attempt many shots outside the paint, the second half was a complete 180. He was taking NBA range threes, step back middies, and nailing his free throws. Thomas was one of the most refined two way wings from this weekend.

– Fresno Flyers – Elkins - 2024 Osborne is a bigger bodied wing who does a little bit of everything. At a sturdy 6’5, the wing is excellent creating advantages off closeouts, whether he creates contact inside or finds the open shooter. On Friday evening, he posted a well rounded 8 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and quite a few stocks (blocks + steals). Given his size, the wing is a sound passer either from the top of the key, out of the post, and when attacking the basket. Osborne is also dominant both as a primary and help side defender, due to his processing speed and effortless bounce. As the jump shot continues to be refined, Osborne will be an intriguing athlete with few holes in his game. AJ Overstreet – Victory Academy Gold – Wylie East - 2024

It’s tough choosing just one guy from the number 1 team in the Grind Region, but Overstreet played a major role as a rebounder and multipositional defender through their weekend run. The wing stands roughly 6’1 and the frame to guard 1 through 3. Overstreet’s low center of gravity combined with the supreme motor allowed him to be bully down low. Overstreet also came up big in close games with his opportune cutting once the lane revealed itself.