Grit Region Finals: Gilbert’s Friday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Hoops Circuit did not waste anytime getting back into action after the holiday. With the Grit Region Finals tipping off Friday nigh just outside of Indianapolis. Following are some of my notes and thoughts from opening night action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='2414566' first='Mike' last='Glennon Elite'] has a nice 2027 duo </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Going up against an emerging program out of Michigan. [program_tooltip program_id='2414566' first='Mike' last='Glennon Elite'] looked locked and loaded for the weekend in an impressive outing. This was largely due to the inside out duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2403910' first='Logan' last='Wessel'] </strong>and <strong>Torrey Barrett</strong> (pictured);</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This duo played well in two man and pick and roll situations. Understandable as they are also regular season teammates at Mount Carmel. Wessel is an efficient point guard who plays with his head up. Was good at finding the pocket and dumping off passes to Barrrett. Was patient in letting plays develop and did not force the issue. Balanced that with finding his own shot as well. Appeared to be confident outside shooter. Had a smooth and effortless release with little wasted motion. Not a flashiest handle you will see. But used it to get to his spots on the perimeter and into penetration. Long arms and seemed to play larger than his listed height.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barrett also long arms along with a projectable athletic frame. Married it with a quick second jump. Allowing him to be constant factor on the glass. Rolled hard to the basket made himself available in the dunker spot. Wasn't all post work though. Also had a nice drive game and could get to the basket off of penetration. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='2075267' first='All' last='in Athletics'] 2025 Gilbert wins a shootout </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The excellently named [program_tooltip program_id='2075267' first='All' last='in Athletics'] squad (I couldn't resist) put together a solid performance to put away a pesky Top 1 Select team out of Michigan. AIA was led by the high scoring duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2218166' first='Liam' last='Dunn'] and <strong>Luka Asanaka.</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Out of Highland Park (IL) Dunn (6-2) was scoring from three levels. The outside shot came on as the game progressed. While he waited for it come, scored efficiently in the mid range. Finishing with an impressive game high 23 points. Asanaka who plays at the Northern Indiana prep powerhouse La Lumiere was a physical driver. Absorbing and finishing through contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ann Arbor area Top 1 Select hung around with cross town rivals who were playing well together. Salem's [player_tooltip player_id='2394081' first='Ali' last='Hider'] continued his strong spring play on the Prep Hoops Circuit into the summer. The lefty point guard with good size led a spirited second half comeback. He was joined by Canton's <strong>Nick Hurley</strong>. Hurley has good size for a guard and nice looking shot from the perimeter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">REAL was up for the challenge </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The [program_tooltip program_id='2075515' first='Hoops' last='4 Health'] program rolled into the championship with some players from the prestigious EYBL league. Having seen them play a few times. I wondered how REAL Carlstrom would handle the step up in competition. The quick answer— just fine. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gladwin's [player_tooltip player_id='2482833' first='Seth' last='Mead'] was aggressive all game on both ends of the court. He did not back down from anyone. He was particularly effective in transition and when sets broke down. Exploded to the basket and showed ability to finish easily above the rim at 6-2. He was aided by steady point guard <strong>Matt Huhn</strong>. The 5-11 DeWitt point capably handled the ball against heavy pressure all game. He was also an excellent outside shooter with a quick release. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->