Saturday 17 U Big Standouts from Grit Region Finals

<p>The Grit Region Finals are almost over and it’s getting close to the time where we will award a champion. In this article I’ll break down the players who are standing out down the stretch of the Prep Hoops Grit Circuit action.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1476089" first="Brandenn" last="Robinson"], 6’6 C Springfield (IL) 2023 Big Time: Robinson was a force on the interior, with some of the most impressive highlights I saw all day. Robinson had back-to-back dunks that really helped his team pull away, including a one-handed alley-oop slam that got a huge reaction from the crowd. Robinson also showed off some skill around the basket, with one impressive finish with his off hand through contact. I thought Robinson played with a high motor and was a key reason why his team won.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1215298" first="Mark" last="Nikolich-Wilson"], 6’6 C Rolling Meadows (IL) 2023 Full Package Black: Nikolich-Wilson was excellent for Full Package in both of their wins to advance them to the elite 8 of the Grit Region Finals. Nikolich-Wilson is a unique match-up with his wide frame and deceptively quick feet. I also was impressed with how he passed the ball out of the post, drawing doubles and kicking out to open shooters. This Full Package team is the real deal and could win the entire tournament on Sunday.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1070096" first="Evens" last="Appolon"], 6’9 C Father Tolton (MO) 2023 Mid Mo Elite: Appolon is one of the few bigs with a size advantage on Nikolich-Wilson, and those two battled it out all game on the interior. Appolon likes to get over his right shoulder where he can use his lefty hook shot to score around the basket. I was impressed with Appolon’s touch around the basket and his rim protection skills.</p> <p>Grgur Brcic, 6’10 C ISA (OH) 2022 D1 Indiana: Brcic was the most dominant force on the interior I saw all day, dunking everything in the paint for his team. Brcic is a strong 6’10 C who isn’t afraid of contact and plays with a lot of aggression on both ends. Brcic had an ability to move to the right spots in the paint when his teammates would dribble drive into the lane and had a lot of open two-handed slams. Brcic has also improved his foot speed, allowing him to more easily defend on the perimeter. Brcic is taking a post-grad year before heading off to college and should see his recruitment begin with low to mid major programs and potentially get interest from higher programs too.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1489747" first="Andrea" last="Holden"], 6’6 C Hamilton 2024 R4L: Holden played up on 17 U this weekend and once again was a standout performer in the paint. I think Holden had the most single game rebounds of any player I watched on Saturday. Holden’s explosiveness and body in the paint allow him to really establish himself as a force on both ends. Holden does need to make some developments offensively, finishing around the basket and passing out of double teams, but he’s improving rapidy and continues to impress me each time I watch him play.</p>