Grit Region Finals: Teddy’s Indiana and Ohio Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a list of my top standouts from Indiana and Ohio at the Grit Region Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2091371' first='Josiah' last='Bowen-Pride'] - MAC (OH)</strong> <strong>2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>JBP showed off some insane athleticism this weekend. He doesn't have the best size, but he can do almost anything you need him to and bring a high amount of energy to the floor. His athletic build allowed him to dominate on the boards while also picking up some big time blocks in their opening contest. Offensively, he can make an impact in a variety of ways. He can make you pay with his speed up the floor, ball handling, and shooting. All of which was so impactful to MAC's run to the 16U semifinal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1373105' first='Mark' last='Zackery'] IV - [program_tooltip program_id='2076935' first='Team' last='Teague'] 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every time I watch [player_tooltip player_id='1373105' first='Mark' last='Zackery'], he makes a bigger impact than before. This weekend was no different. He's super bouncy as a point guard and threw down numerous dunks in transition. But what stands out most is his defense. There isn't a player who's a better on-ball defender than Zackery. Much of that has to do with his football abilities, as he's a nationally-ranked football player in his class. But he's got excellent leaping abilities and pokes balls free with ease. Offensively, he showed off a nice layup package and shot the ball well. He also displays really nice vision in the open floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1578468' first='Shane' last='Sims'] - [program_tooltip program_id='2076935' first='Team' last='Teague'] 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1578468' first='Shane' last='Sims'] has a nice build for a shooting guard with an excellent ability to score consistently anywhere on the floor. He put up several nice offensive performances this weekend, including a 21-point showing in their opening contest. Sims can get it done at the rim with a smooth touch while also displaying a nice, efficient turnaround jumper. He's also an underrated playmaker. I saw some unique ball-handling skills and was very productive in the passing game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1296998' first='Cedric' last='Horton'] - [program_tooltip program_id='2076935' first='Team' last='Teague']</strong> <strong>2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Horton always impresses with his bounce and dunking abilities. But I saw him do so much more this weekend that should heavily boost his stock in Indiana's 2025 class. First things first, he shot the ball really consistently. Horton found his sweet spot in both corners and knocked down a high number of three's on those spots. He also made in impact defensively and was very productive with his long wingspan and athletic abilities to pick up many blocks. He was undoubtedly the MVP to [program_tooltip program_id='2076935' first='Team' last='Teague']'s Weekend</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432011' first='Kruz' last='McClure'] - Ohio United 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McClure was a big part of Ohio United's run to the 16U crown. Currently ranked #20 in his state, he's got plenty of length as a wing/guard and was a very productive defender. He especially makes an impact in transition with several close-down blocks off the glass and out of bounds. Offensively, he's a confident shooter with a nice ability to finish at the rim. I also got to see some nice passing as the weekend went on. Overall, McClure is a highly productive prospect in Ohio with D1 potential that should not be overlooked. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1384422' first='Eli' last='Ellis'] - Kyle Guy Elite 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When doesn't [player_tooltip player_id='1384422' first='Eli' last='Ellis'] not impress you? The 6'0" point guard had a sensational weekend in Chicago the week prior, and this past weekend was no different. He's such an efficient three-level scorer who's so dangerous with the ball. The kid plays with a high amount of energy and flashes so much skill. He loves to make flashy finishes near the rim and get his teammates involved. He scored 27 points in the semifinal game I watched and helped lead Kyle Guy Elite to a Championship later that day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->