SSA 17U Black
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Today we are taking a close look at Sanford Sports Academy 17U Black. This squad is full of talent and they are playing a loaded schedule. If you are a hoops fan, you need to look below! PHD is bringing…
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Continue ReadingToday we are taking a close look at Sanford Sports Academy 17U Black.
This squad is full of talent and they are playing a loaded schedule.
If you are a hoops fan, you need to look below!
PHD is bringing you the 17U Black Schedule, a look at the roster, player comments, and a Q&A session with coach Kaeding.
PHD will be watching this squad closely on May 10-12 at Battle At The Lakes in MN!
17’s UA Black Schedule
DATE | EVENT | LOCATION |
4/20-4/21 | Spring Jam | Sioux Falls, SD |
4/26-4/28 | Kansas City Showcase | Kansas City, KS |
5/10-5-12 | Prep Hoops: Battle At The Lakes | Wayzata, MN |
5/17-5/19 | UA Rise Session 1 | Spooky Nook, OH |
6/28-6/29 | Great Plains Alliance | St. Cloud, MN |
7/11-7/14 | UA Rise Session 2 | Cartersville, SC |
7/19-7/21 | UA Finals | Chicago, IL |
7/26-7/28 | Summer Classic | Sioux Falls, SD |
17’s UA Black Roster
Player Comments from Coach Kaeding
Ben Brooks Ben Brooks 6'9" | SF Madison | 2025 State SD
“6’8” prototypical big wing or stretch 4. Capable three-level scorer who does things you don’t often see from guys his size. Poised to have a big club season.“
Markus Talley Markus Talley 6'2" | PG Mitchell | 2025 State SD
“6’2” Lefty PG. Smooth, cerebral player who can make 3’s as well as get downhill to create for himself and others. Had a huge junior year helping Mitchell to the SD “AA” State Championship.“
“6’9” Post. Big, strong, physical player that is a load inside. Can really score the ball in the paint and rebound his area. Helped Castlewood to a State Tournament appearance.“
“5’11” Combo Guard. Can play on or off the ball. Gritty player who really competes. Has a nice-looking stroke from 3 and his middle game.“
“5’11” Combo Guard. Can play on or off the ball. Solid all-around player who makes a lot of winning plays. Helped Sheyenne (ND) to the ND State Championship in the highest class.“
Bonfas Loria Bonfas Loria 6'5" | SF West Fargo | 2025 State ND
“6’5” Wing. True energizer bunny with good athleticism. Perimeter skill level has improved as he is shooting the ball consistently and decision-making has gotten better.“
Boston Katzer Boston Katzer 6'3" | SG Lennox | 2025 State SD
“6’3” Versatile guard/wing. Tough, physical kid that impacts the game in many ways. Has good positional versatility and is a tough guard in space. Helped Lennox HS to a nice season.“
“5’10” Combo Guard. Can play on or off the ball. Microwave scorer that can put points up in a hurry. Fearless, aggressive attacker. Helped RC Christian to the SD “A” State Tournament.“
Q&A with Nate Kaeding
PHD: Can you tell me a little about your coaching/basketball background?
“Coached collegiately for 14U years at the NCAA D2 and D1 level before coming to the Sanford Sports Academy in Sioux Falls, SD to help run our operation.“
PHD: Why are you excited to coach this group?
“They are a bunch of selfless guys that enjoy getting in the gym and working. They are the type of athletes and people who are fun to be around and fun to coach. It’s been a joy working with them over our first five practices.“
PHD: What will be the strengths of your team?
“Maybe too early to know for sure, but I think we are going to defend with urgency and physicality as well as share the ball offensively.“
PHD: What style of basketball will you play?
“Free flowing offensive style that likes ball/player movement and values high percentage shots and a tough, physical defensive system.“
PHD: What will your team “hang your hat on”?
“Truly competing on a possession-by-possession basis.“
PHD: Who do you predict will be your top defender?
“I think we have a few that take pride guarding, but Bonfas Loria Bonfas Loria 6'5" | SF West Fargo | 2025 State ND stands out with his energy, athleticism, and most notably his voice.“
PHD: What event/tournament are you looking forward to the most?
“Really looking forward to our Under Armour Rise Circuit to see if we can get back to the Championship Bracket against some really high-level competition.“
PHD: Do you see your team play man, zone, or a mix of both?
“Mainly man-to-man.“
PHD: Will your team get together and practice?
“Our team has a practice schedule with roughly 20 practices on it. We get together on weekends to get these in.“
PHD: What are your goals for this AAU/grassroots season?
“Help develop each individual to become a better player/person, aid in their future goals and college recruiting, create lifelong memories, and hopefully win some games and championships along the way!“
PHD: Who are some of the top shooters?
“We have many that are capable of making shots from distance at a good clip including Markus Talley Markus Talley 6'2" | PG Mitchell | 2025 State SD , Ben Brooks Ben Brooks 6'9" | SF Madison | 2025 State SD , Edison Noll Edison Noll 6'0" | CG Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2025 State SD , Sullivan Ihry Sullivan Ihry 5'11" | CG West Fargo Sheyenne | 2025 State ND , and Benson Kieffer Benson Kieffer 5'10" | PG Rapid City Christian | 2025 State SD . Boston Katzer Boston Katzer 6'3" | SG Lennox | 2025 State SD and Bonfas Loria Bonfas Loria 6'5" | SF West Fargo | 2025 State ND are certainly capable as well…. Even the big fella Bryon Laue Bryon Laue 6'9" | PF Castlewood | 2025 State SD has knocked a few down in practices!“
Best of luck to SSA 17U Black this club season!