Grind Region Finals: Saturday Afternoon Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1318388' first='Carson' last='Keach'] </strong>2024 6'2 Ponderosa High School, CO (B&amp;B Academy Black 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1318388' first='Carson' last='Keach'] is an impressive guard who excels at maneuvering through traffic, splitting double teams, and finishing at the rim. His ability to navigate crowded areas with finesse and control sets him apart as a dynamic scorer. Keach's body control is remarkable, allowing him to contort his body in the air and maintain control of the basketball while finishing at the rim. His skillful ball handling and agility contribute to his effectiveness in breaking down defenses and creating scoring opportunities for himself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Keach displays a high basketball IQ and keen awareness. He exhibits discipline and does not easily fall for pump fakes or get caught out of position. Keach's intelligence and understanding of defensive principles enable him to anticipate offensive moves and make sound decisions. His scrappiness and tenacity on the defensive end make him a valuable asset in disrupting opponents' offensive plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1560934' first='Gilbert' last='Aluga'] </strong>2026 6'5 Frisco Liberty High School, TX (Team United Texas)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1560934' first='Gilbert' last='Aluga'] is a bruising forward with an impressive combination of size, strength, and potential. His physicality and frame make him a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Aluga excels at utilizing his size to overpower opponents and establish deep post position, allowing him to finish with authority at the rim. His ability to absorb contact and still maintain control of the basketball showcases his great body control and finishing skills. In addition to his bruising style of play, Aluga has shown significant improvement in his touch around the basket over the last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Aluga's toughness and physical presence translate well. He uses his size and strength to his advantage, making it difficult for opponents to establish position in the post. Aluga's tenacity on the interior allows him to contest shots and disrupt the opponent's offensive game plan. His relentless effort on the defensive end adds value to his team's overall defensive scheme.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dontae Graham </strong>2026 6'6 Williams High School, CO (Prolific Elite Black 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dontae Graham is an athletic wing player with tremendous potential. His explosive leaping ability sets him apart, enabling him to finish strong at the rim and showcase his rim protection skills on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Graham's athleticism allows him to excel in above-the-rim finishes, where he can utilize his leaping ability to convert difficult shots with authority. He demonstrates great body control and coordination, enabling him to absorb contact and finish plays effectively, even against bigger opponents. His elite finishing ability at the rim makes him a reliable scoring option and a constant threat in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1295824' first='Ethan' last='Nguyen'] </strong>2025 6' Wylie High School, TX (Ballers Elite Academy 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1295824' first='Ethan' last='Nguyen'] is a crafty and scrappy point guard who consistently demonstrates sound decision-making and composure on the court. Despite facing intense defensive pressure, he remains poised and in control, making him a reliable playmaker for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nguyen's ability to navigate through defenses with precision and patience is impressive. He shows great court awareness, consistently making the right reads and delivering accurate passes to his teammates. His ability to find open teammates in transition or when the defense collapses around him showcases his strong court vision and passing skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Loic Minche </strong>2024 6'6 Piny Woods High School, MS ([program_tooltip program_id='2075938' first='Texas' last='Takeover Elite'] 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Loic Minche is a raw big man with immense potential and a promising future. His impact on the court is evident in his defensive instincts, particularly as a help side defender. Minche's ability to read plays and make timely rotations allows him to disrupt opponents' offensive schemes. He showcases exceptional timing and awareness when contesting shots, making him a formidable presence at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Minche's notable strengths is his rebounding prowess. His ability to snatch rebounds off the glass, coupled with his impressive leaping ability, allows him to control the boards effectively. Minche's tenacity and relentless pursuit of rebounds contribute to second-chance opportunities for his team, displaying his high motor and desire to make an impact on the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->