Bash in the Desert: 17U 5th Team

On May 5th-7th the Prep Hoops Circuit was in town. We have the Bash in the Desert with teams around the West and even some from the Midwest. Two locations with the Phhacility in Phx/AZ and Inspire Courts in Gilbert/AZ.

I watched as many as the 31 17U teams as I could and ended up seeing 26 of them.

These teams are a combination of teams performance and players performance. 

17U 5th Team

Damonte Duhart Damonte Duhart 6'5" | SF Desert Pines | 2024 State NV Desert Pines (Las Vegas Olympians 2024)

An athletic wing forward runs the floor and brings a lot of energy to the game. He cuts and moves without the ball and will defend multiple positions. He is a plus rebounder and defender in space. He goes up quickly to score in the post and can step out and hit the three.  

William Dixion III William Dixion III 6'2" | CG Canyon Del Oro | 2024 State AZ CDO (Tucson Trojans 2024)

An extremely strong guard just got back from an injury. He had some great stretches as he was getting the rust off. He can catch and shoot from the three point line and has a strong body to handle the pounding to rebound and score in the paint. He loves getting to the basket and scoring among the post players and although he was a little hold and cold, his three point stroke is steadily improving as he ages.  

Mason Hunt Mason Hunt 6'5" | SG Bradshaw Mountain | 2024 State AZ Bradshaw Mountain (D1 Nation AZ 2024)  

A physical wing can score from inside and out. He shoots it off the catch from mid-range and will dribble drive and use his thicker frame to absorb contact and score thru it. He plays a cerebral brand of ball to go along with his strength and skill. He is one of the best players in NoAZ. 

Tyler Pitts SF 6’2 2025 Rancho Cucamonga (Rancho Elite Academy (Pictured)

A point forward type is a downhill attacker with long arms. He is a long strider to the basket and moves the ball with an unselfish nature. He has a nice euro move to the basket he uses thru contact. He is a defensive stopper as he collects steals with his length and initiates the offense for Rancho Elite. 

Doren Sacha PG 6’3 2024 Thomas Jefferson (New Mexico D1 2024-1) 

A pure point guard always looking to set up his teammates. He can catch and shoot from the three point line and has a cerebral approach to the game. When left open, he will splash in multiple triples and sprays the ball around like a lead guard would.  

Liam Sheeran Liam Sheeran 5'11" | PG North Thurston | 2025 State WA North Thurston (Team Anderson Elite 2024)

A point guard is very crafty to the rim. He is smart to pick the pockets of his opponents and often times it right. He has a tighter handle and is very quick to get a step on his defender to get to the basket. He can shoot it from the perimeter and plays the game from the neck up. He has grown three inches recently.

Alexander Werner Alexander Werner 6'4" | SF Premier Prep Tucson Academy | 2025 State AZ  Phhoenix Prep (AZ Gremlins 2025-1)

A tough wing forward is a jack of all trades who rebounds at a very high level for his size. He covers a lot of ground on defense, as he can shadow the 2-5 on defense. He is a phenomenal passer and competes at a high level in the paint and moves well in space to switch onto any guard.

Ameirr Weyrough SG 6’1 2023 Montbello (Morgan Dawgs 2024) 

An athletic guard has an incredible first step. The defensive scoring guard rebounds, blocks shots and collects steals. He has an incredible burst of speed in the open court with a very tight handle. Once he gets a step on you, he is at the rim. He is a star in transition and loves playing fast.