Grassroots Showcase: Top 2023s

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I finished up my Grassroots coverage in Louisville for the Grassroots Showcase, hosted by Ohio Basketball. The event featured several teams from across Ohio and Kentucky. This piece will focus on the top performing 2023s from the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brady Hardewig</strong> 6'2 PG <em>[program_tooltip program_id='2078657' first='Shining' last='Star']s-Price (Turpin)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hardewig had a good performance at the beginning of July in Louisville and duplicated this again right back at the Expo Center this past weekend. The Turpin product impressed me with improved slashing and explosiveness on the perimeter. Got downhill quicker than he was doing a year ago and was getting shots at the rim to accompany an already superb shooting touch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jack Kronauge</strong> 6'2 SG <em>[program_tooltip program_id='2078657' first='Shining' last='Star']s-Price (Lakota East)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kronauge played a different role than I am used to seeing for the [program_tooltip program_id='2078657' first='Shining' last='Star']s. Known for his knockdown shooting with Lakota East, Kronauge was more of a distributor for [program_tooltip program_id='2078657' first='Shining' last='Star']s, doing more of passing and moving the ball than keeping for shots. This opened lanes for other teammates which capitalized and ultimately won the Gold bracket championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breon Hicks</strong> 6'3 SF <em>[program_tooltip program_id='2075517' first='Hopson' last='Elite'] (Cardinal Stritch)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hicks is a player I've liked watching over the Grassroots season as he doesn't jump off the page as a dynamic scorer like his teammate <strong>Ayden Carter</strong>. Hicks is undersized for a SF at 6'3 but makes up for it with his longer frame and arms. Contests shots at the rim and brings rim protection to the table. If Hicks can add a little more height he could be a target at the D3 level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deric Jaynes</strong> 5'11 SG <em>[program_tooltip program_id='2075517' first='Hopson' last='Elite'] (Whitmer)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaynes had a breakout game against a very talented Griffin Elite Bordas squad Saturday afternoon. In a game where <strong>Ayden Carter</strong> could not get much going on the offensive end, Jaynes helped fill some of the voids with his shooting touch. Shot the skin off the ball as he was confident with his shot selection and took advantage of his acceleration off the dribble to create some slashing opportunities once the perimeter shots were taken away. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alexander Parks</strong> 5'9 PG <em>[program_tooltip program_id='2076547' first='Queen' last='City Prophets'] (Withrow)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parks was impressive in a losing effort as QCP fell to Team Brandan Wright in the Platinum Semifinals. Parks facilitated the offense and did what you expect in an experienced PG. Made the correct basketball plays at times whether it be with his shooting touch or finding teammates out of penetration and kick situations. Parks is undersized for a PG so this could be an issue for college coaches recruiting him, but you won't find many PGs with the basketball IQ in Grassroots basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eian Elmer</strong> 6'6 SF <em>[program_tooltip program_id='2076547' first='Queen' last='City Prophets'] (Taft)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elmer is a no-brainer prospect in my eyes after watching him too in the Team Brandan Wright game. Great length on the wing for QCP and combines his size with fantastic athleticism. Can make plays on both ends of the floor and looks like a scholarship athlete. Elmer's motor at times was in question as was his finishing ability beyond the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->