Two Way 16u Perimeter Threats at the Grind Region Finals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id=’1318392’ first=’Tanner’ last=’Widic’] - Rising Stars - Mesa Ridge - 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1522606,"width":165,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-1012-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-1012-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1522606" width="165"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Widic brings a unique blend of physicality and crafty ballhandling at 6’. His reaction speeds in traffic make him a tough cover, especially when combining his acute passing vision. Widic found teammates in a variety of halfcourt settings, through skip passes, kick outs, and even out of the pick and roll. With a bulky frame for a guard, Widic is capable guarding both perimeter positions with ease, while giving high center of gravity wings trouble in the post. Widic’s most comfortable skill was shooting off the catch, where his compact form was all too quick against contests. He was clearly an all around scorer where he leveraged his strength to create layups with either hand through contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id=’1318406’ first=’Doren’ last=’Sacha’] - Rising Stars - Thomas Jefferson - 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1522610,"width":168,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-1010-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-1010-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1522610" width="168"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sacha is currently a top-20 player coming out of Colorado and has certainly lived up those expectations. At 6’1, Sacha immediately made an impact setting the team’s pace both along the break and halfcourt. He played a major role setting up the offensive sets and creating the team flow. On multiple occassions, Sacha was potent reeling in defenders before turning around to score within the driving lane. He proved to have the same quick first step as in Colorado, capable blowing by wings from that first step. I look forward to checking Sacha’s shooting percentages with Thomas Jefferson, as he has shown a bit of promise from that end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Israel Johnson - AYG Lakers - Homeschool - 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1522601,"width":161,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0973-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0973-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1522601" width="161"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson has three level scoring upside as a 6’2 shooting guard with a versatile scoring skillset. Already possessing a bit of a physicality advantage, Johnson is more than capable muscling into advantages either for himself or teammates. Once inside the arc, he showed confidence getting to his spots with the pull up or floater. Coming off a pump fake, there are few 2025s in the grind region who are as dangerous of shooters within two dribbles. The most interesting aspect of Johnson’s upside resides within his defensive abilities, where he is clearly strong enough to handle a wide variety of 2024 guards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id=’1354705’ first=’Cam’ last=’Mennsfield’] - Victory Academy Gold - Hebron - 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1522598,"width":159,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0990-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG-0990-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1522598" width="159"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mennsfield may only stand at roughly 5’8 but make no mistake, he puts in more effort than 95% of guys. Typically tasked with guarding the primary or secondary scoring threat, depending on the matchup, Mennsfield is always up in the opponents face. The point guard was especially dependable elevating the pace through his full court speed both ways. It appeared nearly impossible for defenses to create fast break opportunities while Mennsfield was active, simply because of his assertiveness. Offensively, the guard is excellent getting downhill either through the motion or a simple crossover. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jermaine Artis - Houston Ball Kings - Katy - 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Artis brough consistent energy on both ends while working especially well as an gritty, defensive instigator. Time and time again, Artis was darting around screens as if his only goal was to be glued to the opponent. On the other end, Artis was dependable getting inside either through an on-ball screen or by taking advantage of a recovering defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->