James Valley Thunder 16U: Team Brief
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It is time to check in on the 16U James Valley Thunder squad. JVT has played in two tournaments so far this AAU season and they have two remaining. This team has some nice players with quick guards, legit shooters,…
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Continue ReadingIt is time to check in on the 16U James Valley Thunder squad. JVT has played in two tournaments so far this AAU season and they have two remaining. This team has some nice players with quick guards, legit shooters, and some quality forwards. Get to know these players, they are primed for an impressive high school season.
See below for info on JVT’s roster, player comments, tournament schedule, and some Q&A with coach Locke.
Roster & Player Comments
Shane Henderson Shane Henderson 6'6" | PF Mobridge-Pollock | 2025 State SD (2025) |6’5 F| Mobridge/Pollock – Tough defender, physical, a shooter that can also plays in the post
Rylee Rieker Rylee Rieker 6'0" | CG Aberdeen Central | 2025 State SD (2025) |6’0 G| Aberdeen Central – Gritty, explosive, slasher that finishes well, defense first type-player
Brendan Phillips (2025) |6’3 G| Aberdeen Central – Shooter, smooth, long, has a good handle on the ball
Samuel Franks Samuel Franks 5'9" | PG Aberdeen Central | 2025 State SD (2025) |5’8 G| Aberdeen Central – Smart, leader on the court, good set shooter, finishes well at rim
Cam Olson Cam Olson 6'7" | C Aberdeen Central | 2025 State SD (2025) |6’7 C| Aberdeen Central – Tough to stop on the block, quality moves w/ back to basket, relentless on glass
Darwin Gambler Darwin Gambler 6'2" | SG Aberdeen Roncalli | 2025 SD (2025) |6’2 G| Aberdeen Roncalli – Athletic with a nice jump shot, explosive finishing at the basket
Noah Kippley Noah Kippley 6'3" | SG Leola-Frederick Area | 2025 State SD (2025) |6’2 G| Leola/Frederick – Talented shooter, good defender, all-around team player
Graham Lightfield Graham Lightfield 5'9" | CG Milbank | 2025 State SD (2025) |5’9 G| Milbank – Smart player, good handle, productive set shooter, athletic
Eddie Garza Eddie Garza 6'3" | SF Oakes | 2025 State ND (2025) |6’2 F| Oakes – Explosive, very good around the rim, has a nice shooting touch
Schedule
DATE | TOURNAMENT | LOCATION |
June 9-11 | SoDak Hoops | Watertown, SD |
June 23-25 | Showdown | Sioux City, IA |
July 7-9 | Sioux City Classic | Sioux City, IA |
July 21-23 | Summer Classic | Sioux Falls, SD |
Q&A with coach Locke
PHD: How did the first tournament of the season go for your squad?
Coach Locke: “They played hard and are just starting to come together. Went 2-2 with the opportunity to go 4-0 if they got a couple timely stops earlier. Their size and length was trouble for a lot of teams. Once they get into their flow of playing together they’ll compete with some of the best.“
PHD: What has you excited about this team/roster?
Coach Locke: “This is a very athletic group with very good size. They have the capability of being a very talented offensive team. They have also shown
PHD: How often will your team practice/work out?
Coach Locke: “We will practice twice a week thru the middle of July.“
PHD: What will a couple of your strengths be as a team?
Coach Locke: “Offensively we will be able to score the basketball inside and out. We will also have a Team first mentality and look to get quality post touches and have good set shooters for kick out threes.“
PHD: What style of basketball will you play on the offensive end?
Coach Locke: “We want to go inside/out in the half court but will also be able to get into transition and score as well.“
PHD: What brand of defense do you foresee your team playing?
Coach Locke: “Man to Man team defense with a 5 against the ball mentality. Hope to be able to incorporate a full court run and jump mentality as well.“
Best of luck with the remainder of the season!