Chicago Summer Challenge: Grit Region 17U All Tournament Team

Led by a top five player nationally. The Chicago Summer Challenge featured a deep and talented national field. With plenty of difficult cuts. Following are the first and second all tournament teams. First Team [player_tooltip player_id="939052" first="Matas" last="Buzelis"] 6-10 Sunrise Christian Academy (KS) A truly elite performance from an elite national recruit. Lived up to the billing and then some if that was possible. Simply not much he couldn’t do in a lengthy 6-10 frame. The jump shot wasn’t really falling early in the weekend. But that rectified itself by Sunday. Beyond the highlights I was struck by his court vision. Was able to penetrate deep and still find open shooters with some impressive kick out passes. Last game might have been his best. Scored 22 points in a victory over a good Corey Graham Elite squad (see below) Did it all for a Full Package team that was missing sharpshooting star [player_tooltip player_id="1215287" first="Jake" last="Fiegen"] on Sunday. The future G-League player already has a pro ready game. The next step will adding weight to his frame and improving outside shooting consistency. [player_tooltip player_id="1371065" first="Quentin" last="Jones"] 6-5 Marian Catholic (IL) Led an FVV unit that handed Buzelis’ Full Package squad it’s only loss. Bouncy wing had a few nice dunks both in transition and the half court. Good ball handler for size and used it to get to his spots easily. Showed toughness by appearing to play through an injury on the weekend. Didn’t have a particular play or stat that one could latch on to. However it seemed like every time I checked in he was making plays. [player_tooltip player_id="986247" first="Amari" last="Allen"] 6-3 Hamtramck (MI) Tough as nails Michigan guard led CTM to an undefeated record on the weekend. Kicked things off on Saturday morning by basically willing his team to a come from behind victory over South Dakota based Arena Basketball Club. Scored 27 points in a two point victory on Sunday morning. Then wrapped things up with 24 points in another close victory. While that catches eyes. Defense is where he really stands out. With his speed and lateral quickness. Is a one man press. Devours ball handlers with his long arms. But unlike a lot of lanky players. These long arms are on a thick frame with broad shoulders. It goes without saying that Allen simply makes winning basketball plays. All four victories were by narrow margins with Allen making big plays in all of them. Seth Joba 6-8 Bridgton Academy (ME) Buffalo area post had an excellent weekend for Corey Graham Elite. Engaged in a old school post matchup with Chicago Lockdown standout [player_tooltip player_id="1215285" first="Matthew" last="Moore"]. Scored a team high 20 points in that contest. More importantly his defense and passing ability allowed them pull out the victory. Establishes deep post position well and finishes with both hands around the basket. Like Buzelis is a veteran of the New England prep school scene. Competition and exposure should not be an issue for this prospect. [player_tooltip player_id="1215293" first="Mekhi" last="Doby"] 6-2 Rockford Guliford (IL) Like [player_tooltip player_id="986247" first="Amari" last="Allen"] led his squad to a 4-0 record with four nail biting victories. Formed a potent backcourt duo with Xavier Harris (Hillcrest Prep-AZ) The presence of Harris allowed Doby to play off the ball. Due to his size and skill set. Long term position in probably at the point. Didn’t fill up the stat sheet as much as Harris. But locked up a good Team Iowa backcourt in the tournament finale. Second Team [player_tooltip player_id="1215287" first="Jake" last="Fiegen"] 6-3 New Trier (IL) Continued to solidify his rep as one of the better shooters anywhere in high school basketball. With the presence of Buzelis was able to settle into more of a spot up shooter role on the weekend. As you would expect thrived in this role. Has the potential to be much more than that at next level. Can play the point and is a good shooter off the dribble. Has also showed himself to be a clutch performer throughout the grassroots season. Had a look to win it in Full Package’s only loss of the weekend. In its victory over Wisconsin Playground Club finished with 27 points on the back of seven threes. [player_tooltip player_id="1295570" first="Austin" last="Kulig"] 6-8 Andrew (IL) Explosive athlete had an excellent weekend for Mac Irvin Fire 2023. Made plays easily above rim on both the offensive and defensive ends. Standout performance was his final one of the weekend. Against the Illinois Jaguars had an emphatic finish and huge block. With his bouncy 6-8 frame could develop into a small stretch four. Or a super sized three if he improved his perimeter game. [player_tooltip player_id="989271" first="Mekhi" last="Cooper"] 6-1 Bolingbrook (IL) Quick and elusive point guard got his Flight Athletics squad out into transition easily throughout the weekend. Was a decisive look ahead passer. In half court did a nice job of setting up the frontline of [player_tooltip player_id="939035" first="Donaven" last="Younger"] and [player_tooltip player_id="939048" first="Keon" last="Alexander"]. Also able to get his own shot when needed. [player_tooltip player_id="1168383" first="Adam" last="Labuda"] 6-3 Lockport (IL) Two guard with good size had a nice weekend for Illinois T-Wolves. Played well in a Sunday victory over All In Athletics. Was able drive and elevate while keeping his shoulders square to the basket. Good performance on Saturday came with a interested small college from Michigan watching. [player_tooltip player_id="1048322" first="Collin" last="Wainscott"] 6-1 Marmion Academy (IL) Big time shooter for IBA Illinois Stars. Had a absolutely thrilling performance in a buzzer beating victory over Wisconsin Playground Club. Finished with 28 points in that contest. Basically was face guarded with total denial defense from that point forward. His constant off ball motion allowed him to still get his own shot when needed. Also was a good ball handler who slid over to the point at times.