Midwest Melee: Teddy’s Saturday AM Takeaways

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>VanVleet 15u Wins in Full-Team Display</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was the first time I watched the Fred VanVleet 15U team led by Joe Danforth (Fred VanVleet's father) on the floor. 2026 Guard [player_tooltip player_id='1845353' first='Amir' last='Danforth'] (VanFleet's nephew) was the name to watch. His speed with the ball and athletic abilities really stood out in this contest. His long arms make him a challenge defensively too. What I love most about him is his confidence and speed attacking to the hoop. Add his defense and his confidence shooting the ball and you have an eye-catching prospect in the class of 2026.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The emergence of [player_tooltip player_id='2105407' first='Champ' last='Parker'] was noticeable too. Like Danforth, he saw significant action for Rockford Auburn this season. Parker knocked down several outside looks and was the first player in double figures. He was a consistent presence on offense throughout the game and helped Auburn take a big run in the second half. [player_tooltip player_id='1845353' first='Amir' last='Danforth'] continued making plays on both ends while Kaidan Dozie was filling lanes for some more smooth finishes inside. FVV held on for an impressive 54-28 win. Behind balanced scoring all around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>VanVleet 16U vs All-In Game of the Morning</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first 16U A-Pool action between FVV Ayers and All-In Figueroa gold was my second full match of the day. FVV Ayers got off to a terrific start with Jaden Webster knocking down two three's and making terrific finds to open teammates. But All-In crawled back in it with [player_tooltip player_id='1874667' first='Achilles' last='Anderson'] winning on both ends inside. The 6'4” forward created numerous contested shots and had back-to-back blocks in the first half. Offensively, his large frame created a mismatch and the game was tied in a matter of minutes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both Webster and Anderson made plays to begin the second half. Anderson has a strong baseline drive and another inside score over two defenders, while Webster blocked and shot and did a great job cutting off the scoring lane. You also saw both players become much more active on the glass. A third inside bucket from Anderson eventually put All-in in front, but FVV would regain the lead. Cooper Huffman displayed tremendous facilitation for a player with his build, and Wonyea Sneed showed his own strength to finish numerous baskets inside. Jaden Webster hit his third triple of the night to bring the lead back to 7. But some outstanding play from PG [player_tooltip player_id='1372556' first='Luke' last='Smith'] tied the game up. He was all over the place and scoring from all three levels in the second half. Defensively, he was active on the boards and showed no fear taking a charge.   A go-ahead bucker down low by [player_tooltip player_id='1874667' first='Achilles' last='Anderson'] gave All-In a 54-53 lead in the final minutes, but an inside score from Jaden Webster gave FVV the lead back. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Two Names To Know On Illinois Drive</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I started the morning catching the end of Illinois Drive vs Full Package 17U White. Illinois Drive won comfortably 68-54 behind large scoring bursts from Zach Plate and Aaron Thompson. Both guards have lots of craft to their game and facilitate at a high rate. When it comes to scoring, I saw both hit shots from several areas of the floor. Aaron Thompson also flashed terrific speed and versatility with the ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Another Look at Powerhouse 2025&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I really enjoyed watching Powerhouse Sports 16U last night and I took the opportunity to watch them again against Michigan's UTS elite this morning. Forward [player_tooltip player_id='2105191' first='Hunter' last='Gawron'] started the game right where he left off. Had a dunk along with some smooth footwork down low in the post, while creating opportunities at the line too. I also noticed the quickness and versatility of Gunnar Worth. The 6'4” guard made quick bursts off the ball to get open for some smooth finishes inside early on. Powerhouse led Michigan's UTS elite 21-12 in the opening six minutes. When they went to the bench, Kaidan Chatham got going with several transition finishes. He was just as explosive as he was yesterday, so it was no one-time fluke. Ian Peters would extend the lead to 20 with an and-one conversion and a step-back three. He went on a big scoring burst to end the half and gave Powerhouse 59 total points at the break. Easily the highest scoring total i've seen in a half. The show continued with Peters throwing a lob off the backboard to Gawron to begin the second half, and Gawron had another scoring burst early on. Kaidan Chatham would outstanding plays defensively and made great decisions in the open floor. In the low block, [player_tooltip player_id='2403209' first='Reid' last='Rosseland'] seemed almost unstoppable with the ball in the paint. Powerhouse would power past UTS in a 91-45 effort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->