James Valley Thunder 17U: Breakdown
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We are looking at another James Valley Thunder team today. This time, we are checking in on the 17U squad. Seven of the eight players are from SD with 1 player coming from ND. All of the ballers will be…
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Continue ReadingWe are looking at another James Valley Thunder team today. This time, we are checking in on the 17U squad. Seven of the eight players are from SD with 1 player coming from ND. All of the ballers will be seniors with the exception of one player who will be a junior.
JVT 17U has had a ton of success for far this AAU season. They are currently undefeated with an 8-0 record and two Championships!
This weekend, James Valley Thunder 17 is competing down in Nebraska at the River Cities Tournament.
Best of luck in Nebraska this weekend!
SCHEDULE
DATES | EVENT | LOCATION |
June 2-4 | Hoops Happen | Sioux Falls, SD |
June 16-18 | Midwest Championship Circuit | Sioux Falls, SD |
June 30–July 2 | River Cities Tournament | Omaha, NE |
July 14-16 | Falls Brawl | Sioux Falls, SD |
ROSTER & PLAYER COMMENTS
Trey Skoglund Trey Skoglund 6'0" | PG Oakes | 2024 State ND (2024) |5’11 G| Oakes
– Consistent finisher and creator in offense, one of the best defenders on the team, great leader who puts the team first
Jett Carlson Jett Carlson 6'4" | SF Aberdeen Central | 2024 SD (2024) |6’4 F| Aberdeen Central
– Three-level scorer who plays multiple positions, constant 3-point threat, proved himself as a consistent & solid defender
Brayden Sumption Brayden Sumption 5'11" | CG Leola-Frederick | 2024 State SD (2024) |5’11 G| Leola-Frederick
-A left-handed three-level creative scorer, quick and agile athlete, he is always aggressive on both sides of the court
Jacob Zak Jacob Zak 5'11" | SG Groton Area | 2024 State SD (2024) |6’0 G| Groton
– Creator on offense who sets the pace for the team, high understanding of the game, plays hard on both end of the floor
Jaxson Wildung Jaxson Wildung 6'2" | SG Milbank | 2024 State SD (2024) |6’2 G/F| Milbank
– Great consistency on both sides, 3-levels scorer, one of the best defenders on the team, leads by example on & off the court
Brendan Phillips (2025) |6’3 G/F| Aberdeen Central
-Versatile three-level scorer who brings a lot of energy on both ends, works hard and covers multiple positions defensively
Grant Fritz Grant Fritz 6'3" | C Aberdeen Central | 2024 State SD (2024) |6’3 PF| Aberdeen Central
– “NRG guy” does a lot of dirty work, really good rebounder & rim protector, selfless player, works hard, brings positive NRG, gets up and dunks athletically
Connor Spitzer Connor Spitzer 6'2" | PF Leola-Frederick | 2024 State SD (2024) |6’2 PF| Leola-Frederick
-Great finisher around the rim and a consistent rebounder on the glass, works hard on both offense and defense
Q&A with coach Dominovic
PHD: Why are you excited about this team/ roster?
Coach Dominovic: “I’m excited about the energy and effort these boys put in every day. Their willingness to learn and become better as a team makes my job easier. The roster is full of selfless competitors who put the team first.“
PHD: What will be a couple of your strengths as a team?
Coach Dominovic: “As I already mentioned, playing hard for each other on both sides of the court makes this group special. Also, the roster is full of versatile & talented scorers, this makes the group hard to guard as we don’t depend on one player to take over.“
PHD: How often will your team practice/work out?
Coach Dominovic: “We will practice as a team once or twice a week for two months.“
PHD: What style of basketball will you play on the offensive end?
Coach Dominovic: “Our versatility allows us to play fast and aggressive. We’re trying to run offense where everyone can play on and off the ball. It gives everyone a chance to be aggressive and work on decision making in different situations.“
PHD: What brand of defense will your team play?
Coach Dominovic: “We’ll keep it simple and play solid man-to-man defense all game long. We want to be disruptive on the ball and have an active help side.“
PHD: Is there an event/tournament you are most looking forward to?
Coach Dominovic: “Each tournament is a new opportunity to prove ourselves and get better, but I think the tournament in Omaha will be our biggest challenge. We’ll have a chance to play against some strong versatile teams.“