Myrtle Beach Big Shots Review: WV Reign 15U & 17U

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WV Reign 15U</h2>   <p>A rough and tough start for the youngsters in the first stanza was smoothed out in the second half of the weekend where they went 2-1 and played some excellent basketball. [player_tooltip player_id='2337762' first='Gavin' last='Williams'] posted one of the biggest scoring games of the tournament in the final game of session one but still wasn't enough to win. Williams is an obvious varsity veteran when you see his poise and intensity on the floor. He's one of WV's top point guards regardless of class and maybe the best in his class. Williams plays with just as much intensity on the defensive end as he does offense and that's where he's special. Williams has a couple partners on the floor in [player_tooltip player_id='2434921' first='Cayden' last='Arnold'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2434923' first='David' last='Kucish'] who both play very intense defense as well as understand how to get the ball moved side to side on offense to help create. bot Arnold and Kucish scored steadily throughout and both hit double digits once during the weekend. All around solid guards that do whatever it takes to complete the mission. </p>   <p>The bigs for the weekend were Alex Broschart and [player_tooltip player_id='2395976' first='Camden' last='Strode']. Broschart split duties with 15U on session one but was moved to 17U for session two to help with their interior defense. However it created opportunities for Cam Strode to increase time on the floor and he took full advantage. Strode played solid interior defense and rebounded at a very high rate and often vs bigger opponents. Also off the bench with Strode was [player_tooltip player_id='2434926' first='Andrew' last='Bowling'] who is a feisty guard who puts some real clamps on while on defense. Bowling more than once provided a defensive spark creating havoc on the Reign press. </p>   <p>Rounding out the roster for the weekend is a couple rising stars in [player_tooltip player_id='2413869' first='Ethan' last='Cummings'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2332910' first='Braylon' last='Ward']. Cummings has an incredibly high ceiling it seems and when he's in the zone, look out. But Cummings also brings high level rebounding with his bag and it came up big more than once throughout the weekend. Ward was super steady all weekend in scoring but I could see measured improvement throughout the four days. Ward gained confidence and found a quicker gear once realizing he had one. Ward for the most part played a bit out of position out of need for size but played it well and with great intensity. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">WV Reign 17U</h2>   <p>This is a team that self-admittedly I haven't been able to watch as much as I'd like to. But did get a solid look at them during Myrtle Beach I&II. This is an interesting roster and a dynamic one in terms of size, skill and athleticism. I thought that all players had very solid showings throughout the week considering still building a little chemistry with a couple players fairly new to the roster. To boot, losing one of WV's top point guards in game 2 of session I was a huge blow and found the Reign in an uphill battle the rest of the way despite coach Nuzum not allowing that as an excuse.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2241522' first='Drew' last='Fitzwater'] has been nothing short of fantastic since coming to the Reign this spring. Fitzwater is a 6'7" wing/forward who is as comfortable facing the basket as he is with his back to it. Drew was one of Big Shots top players of the event averaging 17 points per game in the first session. And Fitzwater can give it to ya anyway you want, shooting it deep, on the bounce or muscling you up in the paint. Look for Drew to get offers soon starting with D3's. </p>   <p>One player not being talked about enough on the Reign roster is [player_tooltip player_id='2466089' first='Lucas' last='Raney']. Raney is a great combination of athletic, rangy and efficient as a scorer and defender. Raney has slowly warmed up and finally become a regular scoring option and averaged 12 in the first session and slightly over 11ppg for the weekend and was recognized by Big Shots as one of the weekends top players. Raney has a great feel for the game, understands how to balance the floor, does a nice job finding open spots on rotations. </p>   <p>A newcomer to the roster who's acclimated himself quite nicely is [player_tooltip player_id='2465893' first='Matthew' last='DeGroff']. Matt is a 6'2" guard with a strong built frame and plays much like a forward knowing how to use his body to shield defenders and get to the rim. DeGroff started to be an offensive threat in MB posting two double digit games in the first session and rebounding at a high level for a 6'2" guard. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2506092' first='Maximilien' last='McGinnis'] isn't a newcomer to the roster but is a recent transfer to Fairmont Senior. This 6'5" forward brings alot of energy, athletic ability and strength to a front line. McGinnis shows flashes often of what his ceiling is and it's scary how good he could continue to develop to be. McGinnis did average six points per game with putbacks but rebounded well and defensively was able to play help defense and rim protect. Max could be a great story come high school season.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2506097' first='Kaden' last='George'] came to the roster as an unheralded guard and instantly provided great minutes to add depth to a shortened roster from injury. George is a hard working hustling guard who defends first and is a great role player on offense by keeping the ball in rhythm and getting the ball to scorers. Along with George at guard was 2024 unsigned Trey Brogan who's shooting kept the Reign in some games late. </p>