Team Warwick 15U: Elite Squad

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Team Warwick 15U had an off-season for the ages. Coaching, playmaking, execution, and studs was the recipe for success. I first saw them play live at Prep Hoops Stomping Grounds in Sioux Falls, SD and it was evident to me right away that this team was going to be special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coached by Shane Warwick, Team Warwick 15U executed their game plan and possessed a rare type of team ball and ball movement that had many people talking. I saw some quotes saying they could possibly have the best ball movement and offensive flow in the country. This aspect, to go along with talented players that are ranked highly in the 2026 class, had them reeling on all cylinders. A well-oiled machine. An elite squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All in all, I was able to view about eight games total of the team, and below I will have player evaluations based off of that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2023 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table {"className":"is-style-regular"} --> <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-regular"><table><thead><tr><th>DATE&nbsp;</th><th>TOURNAMENT&nbsp;</th><th>LOCATION&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>March 31-April 2</td><td>New Balance Circuit</td><td>Fort Collins, CO</td></tr><tr><td>April 14-16</td><td>New Balance Circuit</td><td>Quad Cities, IA</td></tr><tr><td>April 22-23</td><td>Spring Jam</td><td>Sioux Falls, SD</td></tr><tr><td>April 28-30</td><td>New Balance Circuit</td><td>Wichita, KS</td></tr><tr><td>May 5-7</td><td>Prep Hoops Stomping Grounds</td><td>Sioux Falls, SD</td></tr><tr><td>May 12-14</td><td>New Balance Circuit</td><td>Lincoln, NE</td></tr><tr><td>May 20-21</td><td>SD Spring Showcase @ASC</td><td>Sioux Falls, SD</td></tr><tr><td>May 26-28</td><td>New Balance Circuit</td><td>Phoenix, AZ</td></tr><tr><td>June 28-30</td><td>GPA Tourney</td><td>St. Cloud, MN</td></tr><tr><td>July 7-9</td><td>Pentagon Summer Slam&nbsp;</td><td>Sioux Falls, SD</td></tr><tr><td>July 15</td><td>Midwest Championships</td><td>Sioux Falls, SD</td></tr><tr><td>July 28-30</td><td>NXT Relegation Tournament</td><td>Lincoln, NE</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><br>15U NXT Power Ratings/Standings<br><br>#1 Team Warwick 15U — 15 wins — 1 lose<br><br></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Squad </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1467166"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Blake is a stud. Simple as that. The #2 rated prospect in the South Dakota 2026 class features a long frame, skill, and three-point shooting ability. Tremendous basketball IQ and what I like and appreciate most about Ellwein is his passing ability. He's elite at finding the open teammate and being able to see over the defender helps.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cf9fe11958c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1808755"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Ben had himself a stock-rising summer and he really blew up. His length and his verticality was a show. He will dunk on you and erase your shot on the other end. He has vaulted up to the #3 rated prospect in the 2026 class. A high-level rebounder that boards the ball at its high point. You can often see teammates lobbing the ball up to him around the rim, as they trust him to secure the pass and make a play. Best dunker on the team and can throw it down easily.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1467167"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"To call Nickles a three-point threat would be an undersell. I want to make a bold statement and say that he's one of the most pure and accurate three-point shooters in the country. He was sizzling hot from deep. He's a lefty combo guard that can bring the ball up-court, pass it off, then try to free himself for a three.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cf9fe119629"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/warwickworkouts/status/1685713775675011074?s=46","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/warwickworkouts/status/1685713775675011074?s=46 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1467165"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Tate is another elite prospect in the state, coming in at #5 in his class. Has solid length at 6'3 and a strong frame with built-up shoulders. He's best when he's going at the hoop and attacking. An elite cutter and finisher when he gets near the hoop. Powers through contact to finish off of two feet. A high-level defender that uses his feet and strong frame to keep everything in front of him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cf9fe119692"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/warwickworkouts/status/1685713296966795264?s=46","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/warwickworkouts/status/1685713296966795264?s=46 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1545637"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Wadsworth is as a solid two-way player you'll find. Steady mistake-free ball offensively and makes the play when it's there. Well-positioned defensively, and also uses his sturdy frame and strength. Has quick feet and a quick side-step to contain the drive. Not only will he contain but he can apply heavy pressure on the ball-handler, using his strong frame and aggressive demeanor. A true competitor that invites competition.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cfaf8346575"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/warwickworkouts/status/1685732739872423936?s=46","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/warwickworkouts/status/1685732739872423936?s=46 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1545638"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"People need to realize that Cooper is a really good prospect in his own right. He proved a lot this offseason. Plays hard defensively, flying around and contesting shooters with full ability. Also, the lefty 2-guard is another knockdown shooter on the team. A smooth release and he likes to burry shots off the catch. Also, he showed he can shoot the ball off the bounce as well. Really like how he moves the ball around crisply with on-target passes.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cfaf83465c1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/warwickworkouts/status/1685714562983636992?s=46","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/warwickworkouts/status/1685714562983636992?s=46 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1641563"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Knutson handles the point guard spot and brings quickness and energy on both ends. He's always moving and attacking loose balls. Comes up with a majority of the 50/50 balls for his team. A valuable asset.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cfc535d10d6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1545639"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Team Warwick happens to have another sniper from three, and that's Walker. That's how deep this team is. I like his potential because he has a fairly long and slender frame that could develop. Brings solid effort defensively and spaces the floor offensively. Every team needs that. I believe his best ball is in front of him. Unfortunately, Walker suffered an injury that will keep him out until December, I was told.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cfc535d1121"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1545636"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I was only able to see him a couple times and Mebius stood out as a true point guard with handles, quickness, acceleration, change of direction. A very fluid mover on the court. Was dealing with some minor injuries that caused him to miss some games towards the end of the offseason. He wants the ball to run the show and makes himself available to his teammates, so they can get their offense rolling.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cfc535d116a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Team Warwick 15U capped off their season, winning the NXT PRO Finals in Lincoln, Nebraska. Below is an extended highlight of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/I02muNMKfzM","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/I02muNMKfzM </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->