Battle of the Borders: Hidden Gems
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Here are a few kids who had solid performances over the course of the Battle of the Borders back on May 11-12. These players filled their roles well and showed the ability to contribute to winning basketball. Take a look…
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Continue ReadingHere are a few kids who had solid performances over the course of the Battle of the Borders back on May 11-12. These players filled their roles well and showed the ability to contribute to winning basketball. Take a look at some hidden gems from the event.
Wesley Armstrong Wesley Armstrong 6'4" | SF West Seattl | 2027 WA | FOH EYCL 15U | 2027
Armstrong did most of his work around the painted area, showing good patience to work for openings inside and playing physical hoop on both ends. While he was mostly an inside presence, he also showed the ability to grab a rebound and push the ball, step out and hit some 3s, and looks to be a pretty athletic kid who should be one to track this winter with Mt. Rainier.
Jaden Marlow Jaden Marlow 6'0" | SG Shorewood | 2026 State WA | Seattle Select UA 16U | 2026
Marlow plays a big role for his high school team and with Seattle Select he’s a kid who will grind it out on the defensive end and knock down open shots. He’s strong with the ball, hit several shots from outside, both from behind the arc and in the midrange. He has the versatility to rebound, push the ball, and guard multiple positions. He gave them solid minutes and was a key guy playing off some of their playmakers.
Bennett Hedman Bennett Hedman 6'3" | SF Puyallup | 2026 State WA | Seattle Select HA 16U | 2026
Heldman is a long wing who showed a really nice stroke for Seattle Select. He was stroking in 3s against NW Drip, drilling shots off the catch, using that length to shoot over the top of closeouts. He showed off some ability to create off the bounce, hitting some nice step-backs from 3 and working in the midrange to create space and sink shots.
Darek Usitalo Darek Usitalo 6'5" | SF Shorecrest | 2024 State WA | Team 360 Hoops 17U | 2024
Usitalo is a nice wing prospect who showed how he can play effectively out of different areas. He stepped out to knock down corner 3s, ran the floor for some big dunks, and played out of the pick and pop to sink some midrange shots. At 6-foot-6 he can contribute on the glass and has the handle to make some plays in transition and off of drives.
Jake Sprangers Jake Sprangers 6'5" | SG Roosevelt | 2026 State WA | Seattle Select UA 16U | 2026
Sprangers had a really nice weekend with Seattle Select. He’s a big kid who shoots it well from the outside, but also showed how that big frame can generate good looks in and around the paint. He made good decisions with the ball, knew when to attack and when to keep the ball moving, and was really effective driving into those short-range areas. He’s 6-foot-5 and played big on the glass too, showing a lot of strength in his play from different areas.
Here are a few kids who had solid performances over the course of the Battle of the Borders back on May 11-12. These players filled their roles well and showed the ability to contribute to winning basketball. Take a look at some hidden gems from the event.
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
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