A Closer Look at HoopAtlanta (17u & 16u)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Founded only 3 years ago in 2020, HoopAtlanta is earning their seat at the table. In that short time, the program has demonstrated the ability to develop skill and get their guys to school which should be the two biggest objectives of AAU ball. HoopAtlanta took another step forward this year, adding a few key pieces and expanding to more teams. I stopped by their practice on Wednesday night to take a closer look at the 17u and 16u teams. Here are a few guys to look out for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1801873"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1801873' first='Logan' last='Blalock'] returns for HoopAtlanta and looks like the battery that will make this team go. He brings energy and toughness, not lacking in the skill department either. Blalock's versatility is a coaches dream, able to play 1-4 and affects nearly every facet of the game. He's one that colleges will want to check out in the coming live periods.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1239889"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Two-sport stud, [player_tooltip player_id='1239889' first='Luke' last='Harpring'] joins HoopAtlanta this year and gives them another viable scoring option on the perimeter. Harpring shoots the three with effortless touch and attacks the basket with controlled force. The Marist combo guard ultimately takes HoopAtlanta's 17u squad to another level.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1617658"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1617658' first='O'Neill' last='Connolly'] initially jumped onto my radar at our Top250 showcase in the fall and I think he'll open plenty more eyes this spring. Connolly is a skilled 6'6 wing that can shoot the three and score from all 3 levels. I think HoopAtlanta may provide the perfect opportunity for him to show what he can do from the perimeter while toughening him up a little bit on the defensive end.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1617627"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1617627' first='Isaac' last='Bealer'] is another new addition for Hoop Atlanta and his name has begun making its way into more and more conversation this year. Bealer is a gritty point guard with deep three-point range. He's a big time energy guy, constantly preaching positivity to his teammates. Currently at Horizon Christian, Bealer will get a chance to play against some better competition this spring and how he adjusts will answer a lot of questions.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Braxton Giesler","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Milton","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"Hoop Atlanta","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Wednesday night was my first look at Milton forward Braxton Giesler and the package of skill and physical tools is something to get excited about. Gielser is 6'6 and long, able to play inside or out. He can step out and hit the three or get to the hole with his dribble. I think he'll get his name out there a bit this spring and I'm excited to see where he fits in with Milton next year.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-641e29c8e7ad5"} /-->