Grit Region Finals Preview – 10 Players to Watch

<p>The Prep Hoops Circuit has raged on throughout the spring and summer with numerous successful events across the country. Now, it is tournament time. Various Region Finals will be played in order to crown some champions with the Grit Region Finals taking place in Indianapolis and the surrounding area. Nearly 300 teams will compete between the 15u, 16u, and 17u age divisions at the Grit Region Finals. Before the action tips off at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday evening, let’s preview the upcoming action starting with 10 players in the Grit Region that you’ll want to follow this weekend.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="939056" first="Bryce" last="Coleman"] (Notre Dame College Prep 2023/IBA Illinois Stars Johnson 17u): A Top 25 prospect according to Prep Hoops Illinois in the 2023 class, Coleman is one of the more sought after players on the Prep Hoops Circuit. He has great size on the wing which allows him to punish smaller defenders on the way to the basket while also flashing guard-like perimeter skill. Coleman holds a few Division I offers, most recently one from Radford.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1297093" first="Michael" last="Cooper"] (Jeffersonville H.S. 2025/Team Teague 15u): Cooper had a great weekend down in Atlanta and will look to continue his strong play as Team Teague 15u tries to bring home the Grit Region championship in Indianapolis. He is an athletic guard that can create his own shot off of the dribble and scores it in a variety of ways. Smooth jump shooter, creative finisher, and has good passing ability as well.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1049168" first="Jesse" last="Faires"] (Ben Davis H.S. 2023/D1 Indiana 17u): I had the opportunity to see Faires play down in Atlanta on Wednesday of last week and he performed very well. The versatile 6’7" forward brings a lot to the table on both ends of the floor. He handles the ball well enough to attack closeouts from the wings, can score on the roll or in the post, and has a solid face-up game out to the perimeter. Rebounds well too.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1272958" first="Fola" last="Fayemi"] (Culver Academy 2023/INB Elite 17u): In terms of athleticism and being blessed with some physical tools, Fayemi is as complete as anyone you’ll find on the Prep Hoops Circuit. The 6’4" forward has incredible length, is super bouncy around the basket, and has the ability to guard every position on the floor. Huge upside as a defender, rebounder, and rim-runner as his overall offensive game continues to develop.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1285496" first="Jason" last="Jakstys"] (Yorkville H.S. 2024/Basketball Paradise 16u): Jakstys has as much potential as any of the 2024 prospects on the Prep Hoops Circuit. At 6’9", Jakstys is a good rim-runner, has skill on the roll, and can score with his back to the basket. He also protects the rim defensively and will rebound outside of his area. Solid low to mid-major prospect for coaches to track.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1130949" first="Zachary" last="Kroetsch"] (Croswell-Lexington H.S. 2023/Michigan Cagers 17u): This talented 6’2" guard has shot the ball very well on the Prep Hoops Circuit this spring and summer and will look to culminate that with a strong showing at the Grit Region Finals in Indianapolis. Kroetsch can really score the basketball.</p> <p>Deandre Minor (Northside H.S. 2023/Tennessee Edge 17u): Minor is an athletic 6’5" wing with a lot of upside to his game. He attacks the basket well off of the dribble, is really tough in transition, and is a great offensive rebounder. Definitely a slasher/driver that will certainly play at the next level. One to watch out of the state of Tennessee.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1157213" first="Jaedin" last="Reyna"] (Bishop Noll Institute 2024/Team GRIII Elite 17u): After finding his footing with his new team last weekend down in Atlanta, this talented point guard should be ready to take on a larger role for Team GRIII Elite at the Grit Region Finals. Reyna holds Division I offers as a rising junior who is playing up at the 17u level. Really dynamic playmaker who can shoot it from beyond the arc.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1285267" first="Jack" last="Ullom"] (Mason H.S. 2023/Mid Ohio Pumas - Price 17u): This versatile forward stood out with his overall offensive skill with Mid Ohio Pumas - Price down in Atlanta. He handles the ball well for his size showing the ability to drive from the wings and attack closeouts. Price is very strong as well which helps him finish through contact and against size around the basket. Will be a highly sought after small college prospect out of Ohio.</p> <p>C.J. Valente (Batavia H.S. 2024/M14 Hoops Adidas Gold 16u): Valente is a 6’4" wing that shoots it well from beyond the arc and has good size and strength. He can score it in a variety of ways that has put up some big numbers throughout the spring and summer. Definitely a Class of 2024 prospect to check out while in Indianapolis this weekend.</p>