Mile High Madness: 15U X-Factors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2104675' first='Christian' last='Powell'] - 24MD Team Daum 15's Elite - Severance - 2028</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2104062,"width":210,"height":138,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_0065-crop-2548x1673-1690502665.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_0065-crop-2548x1673-1690502665.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2104062" width="210" height="138" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although undersized, Powell brought incredible skill to the table as a player heading into his 8th grade year. At roughly 5'3, the guard had a ball on a string going either direction, proving capable of breaking down opponents and attacking the rim with speed. Powell showed excellent touch around the basket, sending high arcing extended arm finishes over immediate contests. He understood his strengths, keeping the ball going no matter the circumstances, given how aggressive opposing defenses were if he were to pick up the dribble. Alongside his abilities as a playmaker, Powell was knockdown beyond the arc all weekend, proving himself as a refined perimeter prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2121351' first='Tanner' last='Rose'] - [program_tooltip program_id='2075685' first='Minnesota' last='Select'] 2026 Altenhofen - Blake - 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":2104060,"width":249,"height":163,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_0034-crop-2548x1673-1690502593.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_0034-crop-2548x1673-1690502593.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2104060" width="249" height="163" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rose showed value as a shotmaker and facilitator along the perimeter, proving comfortable rising up into his jumper from deep. The guard possesses a quick jumper, which is consistent off the catch or while stepping into it following a late closeout. Rose utilized his shooting gravity to force the opponents high, allowing him greater opportunities as a passer off the dribble.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2118459' first='Carson' last='McMichael'] - [program_tooltip program_id='2075685' first='Minnesota' last='Select'] 2026 Altenhofen - Benilde St. Margarets - 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2104058,"width":128,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_0009.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_0009-edited.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-2104058" width="128" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McMichael was potent all weekend, knocking down 5+ threes in nearly all of his games, complemented by 20+ point performances in three of his performances. The 6' guard had fairly deep range, complemented by a compact and quick form. The guard had no trouble letting it fly off the catch, proving especially consistent among perimeter threats. There was not a guard who was as efficient and productive beyond the three point line as McMichael.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2546916' first='Deacon' last='Schmitt'] - 24MD Team Daum 15's Select - Windsor - 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":2104052,"width":236,"height":155,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_0004-crop-3024x1986-1690502441.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_0004-crop-3024x1986-1690502441.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2104052" width="236" height="155" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schmitt played a pivotal role for Daum's successful weekend, capable as a rebounder and passer. At roughly 6'4, Schmitt was a big body forward who was not easily moved around by opponents, thanks to his excellent footwork and raw strength. This clear strength of his made him a difficult opponent to box out on either end, proving capable of hovering in double double territory just about every game. Although physical, Schmitt brings notable IQ to the table, proving dominant as a passer to backdoor cutters, finding them through tight windows.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1874424' first='Aleks' last='Birkans'] - Cherry Creek - [program_tooltip program_id='2075406' first='Hardwood' last='Evolution'] 2026 - 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2104040,"width":224,"height":147,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_0011-crop-3024x1986-1690502319.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_0011-crop-3024x1986-1690502319.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2104040" width="224" height="147" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Birkans brought a refined skill set at roughly 6'3, certainly stronger than most opponents and effective as a spot-up shooter from beyond the arc. He was a valuable asset on the glass, tirelessly working for rebounds on either end of the floor. With continued growth as a ball handler, Birkans possesses significant upside within the 2026 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isaiah Lucas - Colorado Springs School - PLUTO Prospects - 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":2104038,"width":232,"height":152,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_0045-crop-2786x1830-1690502250.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_0045-crop-2786x1830-1690502250.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2104038" width="232" height="152" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lucas proved to be a physical defender and rebounder, grabbing quite a few blocks per game. The 6'3 forward was impactful anchoring the paint with PLUTO Prospects, keeping an arm up to contest at all times. Lucas was notably strong for 2026, complemented by fairly quick feet while moving laterally. An area of intrigue is his free throw consistency, as he was impactful drawing fouls and knocking down free throws above 70%. Given his strength, Lucas was effective as a straight line driver towards the rim, seeking out fouls off those attempts or offensive rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->