PH Arch Madness: 16U – First Team All Tournament
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Throughout the 18 teams competing in the 16U division over the past few days at PH Arch Madness, there were 12 players that I had to consider for the 16U-First Tournament Team. All 12 of these players could have made…
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Continue ReadingThroughout the 18 teams competing in the 16U division over the past few days at PH Arch Madness, there were 12 players that I had to consider for the 16U-First Tournament Team. All 12 of these players could have made this list for the display of skill and athleticism they showed all over the court this weekend, while dominating their competition. In the end, I had to narrow down the list to the 5 absolute best players when taking several different things into consideration. Let’s meet the athletes…
Trentyn Mead Trentyn Mead AR
Trentyn Mead Trentyn Mead AR
Over the last few days, Trentyn Mead Trentyn Mead AR solidified himself as the best point guard of the 16U level at PH Arch Madness. Mead, a 5’10 guard, can handle the basketball and control the game in anyway he would like. In each contest this weekend Mead showed to everyone that he was the best point guard on the floor between all parties. He scored from all three levels, defended in the full-court for entire games, physically dominated bigger defenders, and lead his team to a 4-1 overall record in the end. The most impressive part of Meads play-style is his consistent game control. He always has his people in the right places and if not, he lets them know. If something goes wrong and a teammate gets down on themselves, after the play he dabs them up and lets them know how to fix the issue moving forward. Lastly, he displayed that he understands how to let his emotions motivate him but never overwhelm him. He gets excited but always keeps it in check. A very impressive overall weekend from a player that is going to be playing college ball one day, if he stays locked in.
Tavian Crawford
Tavian Crawford
Tavian Crawford may of had the best weekend throughout all 16U players at Arch Madness in St. Louis. Crawford is a 6’1 combo guard with a high motor and a lot of athletic ability. This ability is paired with a ton of skill, helping Crawford dominate his competition. In each and every contest this weekend he showed that no one can handle his game going toward the basket. His subtle hesitations to sneak through defenses, paired with his handle and finishing ability is impressive. In the 16U Championship game, Crawford was the MVP. The player that was there for his team when they needed him the most, on almost every possession. He ended the game with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists to push his team over the finish line with a 3 point victory. Crawford will use this momentum going into the high school season this winter. With his ability, he is going to be getting some college looks soon, if he isn’t already.
Marcus Russell is a big time leader for his Royalty Hoops Ect 2025 (1) – team. Russell is a shifty and agile guard that can play a few different spots on the floor. His best position though? Is at the 1 or 2. His ability to put the ball on the floor and create off of the dribble is outstanding. In all of his contests this weekend he displayed that there wasn’t a player who could stay in front of him, while he was motivated to get to the hoop. Another impressive aspect of Russell’s game was his feel for everything. He understands the spacing of his offense to a T and where his teammates will be when they come down the floor. Pretty impressive when you consider that during AAU season it can be tough to make that connection with the lack of practice/game-time together. Moving forward, keep an eye out for Russell. He is electric on the floor each game and really fun to watch. You won’t be disappointed.
Highlights
Will Beck
Will Beck
When I walked into the gym on Saturday morning the first player that stood out to me was Will Beck. His team was facing a fully loaded Arkansas Ducks 2025 team and they were holding their own. Beck being their leader. He stands around 6’2-‘3 and plays a mixture of positions. His best ability I would say being his versatility. He can move and handle the ball at the point position, getting to the hoop off of the dribble or he can pull up and score over smaller defenders in the post. He displayed his diverse game-play in every contest this weekend, helping his team to an overall successful weekend. There wasn’t anything to me about his game that was too flashy, but instead it was efficient and effective. Everything a college coach/recruiter wants to see.
Kaden Williams Kaden Williams 6'10" | C Southside Charter | 2026 State AR
Kaden Williams Kaden Williams 6'10" | C Southside Charter | 2026 State AR
On these first-teams, or all tournament teams, I do try and spread the love from program-to-program but when there is a player that was easily the most dominate at his position, I can’t over-see that. The player that I am talking about in this case being Kaden Williams Kaden Williams 6’10” | C Southside Charter | 2026 State AR of the Arkansas Ducks 2025 Camarata team. Williams is listed at around 6’10 and is truly that size by my assessment. He has a big body, with smarts and skill when it comes to basketball. This weekend Williams showed me that he has the ability to score out of the post going over either shoulder, score from the midrange with a nice 15Ft jumper, or score once he catches it from behind the three point line. Wether it be with a three point make or a take off of the dribble, for a finish at the hoop. On more than one occasion this weekend, this Ducks team NEEDED a bucket and Williams seemed to hit a shot whenever that was the case. Being a player out of the 2026 class, the future is bring for this one. If he isn’t getting D1 looks already, I’m sure it’s going to happen soon. His mixture of size and skill is “stand-out” compared to others his age, to say the least.