United East v West Scrimmages: 17U Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first live period of the spring season is right around the corner and teams are gearing for the weekend. [program_tooltip program_id='2078593' first='United' last='NJ'] held scrimmages yesterday with players putting up big performances on the night, especially in the 17U games. Here are the 17U standouts from the United East v West Scrimmages.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1981565' first='Wes' last='Shirk'], 6'5 PF Hunterdon Central</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shirk was a force all night long as he showed his ability to impact the game in a number of ways down low. The 6'5 forward used his strong frame to get position in the paint and has a nice touch around the rim. Shirk put the ball on the floor throughout the night and set his feet before he shot. He held his ground on the defensive end and worked hard for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Shirk is a physical forward prospect whose ability to score inside and out will help his game throughout the spring season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Tyler Simpson, 6'2 PG Solebury School</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simpson had a standout performance at the scrimmages as he was able to score at will throughout the night. The 6'2 guard attacked the basket with a purpose and was able to finish through contact. Simpson used his handle to create separation from his defender and knocked down open jumpers from behind the arc. He made good decisions with the ball in his hands and slid his feet on the defensive end. Simpson can fill up the scoreboard and will be looking to do so over the next couple of weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1411664' first='Malcolm' last='Bragg'], 6'3 SF Newark Tech</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bragg had a big performance at the scrimmages as he showed a little bit of everything during the games. The 6'3 wing exploded for dunks during the warmups and used that explosiveness to get to the rim off the dribble. Bragg finished nicely through contact at the rim and rose up with confidence on his jumper. He found open teammates in the halfcourt and made plays on the defensive end. Bragg is a hard-working wing prospect who should continue to make plays at both ends of the floor throughout the AAU season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342601' first='Eddie' last='Lopez'], 6'4 SF Middletown North</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lopez was the only 2026 prospect to play in the 17U scrimmages, but that did not stop him from making plays throughout the night. The 6'4 wing wasted little motion his release and showed the ability to shoot either off the catch and bounce. Lopez got to his spot on the floor throughout the night and was not afraid of drawing contact. He swatted multiple shots around the rim and skied for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Lopez is an athletic wing prospect who is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2421339' first='Owen' last='Reynolds'], 6'4 SF Middlesex</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reynolds had a good showing at the scrimmages as he put his game on full display. The 6'4 wing has a good handle, which he used to get to the basket and finished nicely at the rim. Reynolds wasted little motion his release and shot the ball with confidence from behind the arc. He moved well without the ball in his hands and showed the potential to defend multiple positions on the floor. Reynolds is a versatile wing prospect who has the ability to breakout this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Know:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nick Petruzelli, 5'10 PG Hoboken</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2412493' first='Connor' last='Herring'], 6'6 F Seton Hall Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1456848' first='Jacob' last='Carmona'], 6'1 PG Saddle River Day</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2421334' first='Nick' last='Esposito'], 6'3 W Hoboken</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2421341' first='Colin' last='Byrne'], 6'3 W Middletown North</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->