Hard Work Region Finals: Saturday Standouts
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Which prospects performed well on Saturday at the Hard Work Region Finals? Payton Schell — SG — ECI Selects In a very entertaining game on Saturday morning, ECI Selects pulled off a thrilling victory over a really good MN Select…
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Continue ReadingWhich prospects performed well on Saturday at the Hard Work Region Finals?
Payton Schell — SG — ECI Selects
In a very entertaining game on Saturday morning, ECI Selects pulled off a thrilling victory over a really good MN Select team. Schell was a major reason why his team was able to earn the victory. Schell is a gifted shooter and scorer. When he catches the ball positioned beyond the arc, opposing defenders often scramble in an attempt to contest his shot. Schell is much more than just a shooter, though. He is also capable of scoring around the rim.
Malachi Gant Malachi Gant 6'1" | PG Lakeville South | 2025 MN — PG — MN Select
You won’t see many prospects play harder than Gant. The Minnesota Select point guard is an all-out competitor. Late in his team’s loss on Saturday, Gant dove for a loose ball and flew into spectators. This play certainly demonstrates how much Gant cares about winning. I really enjoy watching the point guard play on-ball defense. He isn’t afraid to play aggressively on the defensive end of the court. Minnesota Select didn’t earn the victory, but Gant’s stock still was boosted in my eyes.
Henry Bethel Henry Bethel 5'11" | PG Fergus Falls | 2025 State MN — PG — West Central United
Watching elite floor generals is one of my favorite things to see on the basketball court. West Central United ‘s Bethel certainly fits into this category. The point guard is an elite ballhandler and passer. In the pick and roll, Bethel is capable of picking apart opposing defenses. He uses his tremendous court vision to locate open teammates. Bethel’s play on Saturday helped his team earn a big-time win.
Mitchell Kauch Mitchell Kauch 6'2" | SG Orono | 2025 State MN — SG — Minnesota Heat
Elite shooters are always going to be a hot commodity at the next level. On Saturday, Kauch looked the part. The Minnesota Heat standout has solid size for a SG and is skilled on both ends. I like how Kauch doesn’t try too hard to force anything, specifically on the offensive end. Kauch simply takes what the defense gives him. He shoots well, passes, and is scrappy as a defender.
Victor Busanga — PG — ECI Selects
Busanga is really fun to watch when he has the ball in his hands. I absolutely love what the point guard brings to the table as a creator. He does an awesome job slashing to the rim, finding creases in the defense, and then kicking the ball out to open teammates. Busanga also proved himself as a shooter on Saturday. I was extremely impressed with the PG’s overall performance in a win.
Cameron Klefstad — PF — ECI Selects
Every team needs a prospect like Klefstad. The ECI Selects power forward is just so solid overall. He is strong and physical in the paint, making him an excellent defender. Klefstad is a blossoming rim protector and outstanding rebounder. On the offensive end of the court, Klefstad does a great job finishing layups around heavy traffic. Despite being amongst defenders, Klefstad remains focused and often converts on difficult layups.