Rocky Mountain Mayhem: Standout 2025s from 17u

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1441961' first='Kaylan' last='Graham'] - Ballers United - Smoky Hill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Graham continues to build upon his above average athleticism, throwing down a variety of powerful dunks throughout the weekend. The big guard stands at least 6'3 with a strong frame, dependable against both backcourt positions. Graham is continuing to become more comfortable playmaking in traffic, already a strong driver downhill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1369811' first='Anthony' last='Nettles'] - Prolific Elite - Douglas County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nettles looks like a natural, whether at 16u or 17u, one of the toughest guards to defend in that 2025 class. He showcased elite touch around the rim, finishing through contests and contact versus much bigger opponents. The guard has the ball on a string no matter the circumstances, one of the most dependable live dribble playmakers you can find in the state. Nettles continues to build on his jump shot consistency, an area that will be valuable for his overall shot versatility. Not to mention that the guard has excellent defensive instincts, poking or stripping away the ball from drivers multiple times per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nikoloz Abuladze - Gamepoint Inland - Crean Lutheran</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abulade played a valuable role in Gamepoint Inland's 4-0 weekend, thanks to his unpredictable shot selection and creativity handling the ball. The 6'2 guard had one of the quickest handles among backcourt threats, aided by the jumper that could be leveraged off the dribble. Abulade brought hustle on a variety of situations, hustling for loose balls no matter the circumstances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1933511' first='Larry' last='Mosley'] - Prolific Elite - Vista PEAK Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mosley was a diamond in the rough, possessing a refined complementary skillset with the immediate size to defend three positions. At roughly 6'4, the forward was consistent finishing around the rim off of perimeter drives, even displaying usage of the short floater should help cut off the lane. The sophomore played up with a taller group, although he did not look out of place, doing his part to crash the glass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1577938' first='Alijah' last='Sawyer'] - [program_tooltip program_id='2080820' first='Hoops' last='Academy'] - Dakota Ridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'11 guard was excellent defending at the point of attack versus opposing ballhandlers, providing especially quick instincts. The Dakota Ridge sophomore played a vital role defending the best opposing perimeter playmakers, no easy task. Sawyer was acutely aware of loose balls, getting out quickly to secure the rock. Offensively, Sawyer showed upside knocking down spot up jumpers or attacking the rim following a closeout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1578026' first='Kale' last='Sparks'] - Colorado SWOOSH - Legend</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sparks was a glass cleaner all event for SWOOSH's second 2024 team, providing impactful rim pressure and notable hustle. The forward is especially strong, not moved around by many other wings or perimeter centric forwards. Continuing to develop the jumpshot and free throw consistency will aid Sparks' rebounding production.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1479325' first='Donovan' last='Banek'] - NOCO Elite - Fossil Ridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Banek is an intriguing forward who possesses excellent vertical athleticism, likely a prospect who will rise significantly once he puts it together. Already showing scoring flashes on a variety of levels, ranging from post hooks to spot-up three point jumpers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1622364' first='Hunter' last='Roark'] - [program_tooltip program_id='2080820' first='Hoops' last='Academy'] - Stargate</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roark demonstrated consistent energy on the defensive end, having strong hands while ripping away the ball from a myriad of positions. The 6'2 guard enjoys pushing the pace, seeking out scoring opportunities around the rim or mid-range pull-ups coming out of on-ball screens.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->