Grind Region Finals: 16U Gamechangers
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This content series is sponsored by GameChanger-The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Hoops. Prep Hoops’ Grind Region Finals was loaded with talent from the 15U division to the 17U division. Prospects were given the opportunity…
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Prep Hoops’ Grind Region Finals was loaded with talent from the 15U division to the 17U division. Prospects were given the opportunity to showcase their ability to shoot the three-ball, facilitate, defend, handle the rock, dunk, and hit the boards, and many of them were very impressive in doing so. While those things were great to witness, I looked beyond them to see if I could find some prospects that influenced and changed the game through their play in some of those areas as well as others. Here are a few of the prospects that emerged as some of the Grind Region Finals’ top GameChangers…
Despite playing with a hurt ankle, Hunter-Mack Nelms was able to showcase his game-changing determination and resilience as he shined on the court. The 6’4” shooting guard played with an excellent feel for the game, he anticipated plays like a high level, seeing things two steps ahead of everyone else, setting him apart from many others at his position. Hunter’s basketball IQ translated into making smart decisions both offensively and defensively, allowing him to make a noticeable difference and impact every second he was on the floor. Not only did Hunter change the game with his shot creation off the dribble, but he also displayed a remarkable ability to impact the game without the ball. His activity off the ball and influence on the game showed his understanding of spacing, off-ball movement, and how to use his teammates to create opportunities for himself.
Highlights
Layne Weir Layne Weir 6’7″ | SF Bonney Lake | 2025 State WA proved to be a physical competitive defensive anchor with a low post presence and skills that extended beyond shot-blocking. His ability to defend the pick-and-roll, disrupt passing lanes, and provide solid interior defense made him a consistent game-changer. At 6’7” Weir utilized his length to his advantage in nearly every aspect of the game.
Xavier Istomin-Monroe
Xavier Istomin-Monroe
Xavier Istomin-Monroe was one of the most unique prospect I saw all weekend. As a fluid 7-footer, his mobility when running the floor contained agility, long strides, and speed which gave him a major advantage in transition. With a solid frame built for strength, he has the physicality to hold his own both inside the paint and on the perimeter defensively. Istomin-Monroe showed the potential develop into a dynamic interior post player or a highly versatile wing-forward. As an interior postman, he could excel in scoring, rebounding, and defending close to the basket. On the other hand, as a wing-forward, he finds ways to impact the game from various positions on the floor.
Jayden Domino Jayden Domino 6’3″ | SF South Grand Prairie | 2025 TX ‘s an all-around player with impressive athleticism, a solid build, and great strength that allows him to effectively defend players of any height or strength, displaying his elite versatility on the court. Domino’s relentless high motor never slowed down, he brought a high level of energy, intensity, and hustle to every game. Jayden also displayed a nice shooting form from the mid and three-point range stepped into spot-up jumpers with confidence and comfort.
Chase Brooks
Chase Brooks
Chase Brooks showcased his skills as a reliable floor spacer by consistently hitting shots off catches while his teammates delivered kicks out passes and rebounds. His ability to quickly go into his shooting motion with his feet and hands prepared gives him an advantage over defensive closeouts.