National Open Championship: Teddy’s Friday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>This article is sponsored by VKTRY Performance Insoles - The Official Insole Provide</em>r <em>of PrepHoops</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17U Blaze Start Fast, But Fall to 1Dream</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a fast 12-5 start for 17U [program_tooltip program_id='2076025' first='Wisconsin' last='Blaze'] in this one. Primarily led by the shooting of Samuel Wagner and slashing abilities from [player_tooltip player_id='2381603' first='Mason' last='Gruss'] in the opening stages. 1Dream would cut the deficit to 1 behind solid guard play from [player_tooltip player_id='2217950' first='Cole' last='Czako']. Czako buried a contested three up top. The made a crafty pass off a screen for an open and-one opportunity. After that, 1Dream took the lead behind outstanding two-way play from [player_tooltip player_id='1598786' first='Willie' last='Felton']. The lengthy point guard forced several turnovers while playing good defense on-the-ball. Complemented that offensively with a pair of assists to Timmy Phrommer near the rim. Felton, Phrommer, and 1Dream continued to shine as the game went on. Ultimately getting up double-figures midway through the second half off a contested layup by Felton. 1Dream took care of business 57-44 to open the weekend.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Outstanding Potential in Jackson Baer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'5” Iowa Product is a name that you NEED to look out for in 2026. Much of this alludes to his physical and athletic stature as a lengthy, versatile wing guard. But he took advantage of those attributes in a variety of ways against [program_tooltip program_id='2110787' first='Wisconsin' last='26ers']. Came out of nowhere and snagged lots of tough rebounds. Ultimately leading to second-chance points on offense. I eventually saw Baer displaying solid playmaking abilities. Often finding guys open in the corner and even taking the ball up the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Olson scores 25 as 26ers Down JAM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a slower start for [program_tooltip program_id='2110787' first='Wisconsin' last='26ers'] 16U blue. But this squad used a big run in the opening half to push them ahead double-figures. During this run, 6'0” G [player_tooltip player_id='2399128' first='Talan' last='Reinhart'] buried a pair of triples. One of them coming from way outside. 6'5” F [player_tooltip player_id='2392274' first='Rowan' last='McGrath'] also forced lots of misses with superb length on the low block. Other players to impress were guards Julian Olson, Owen Vandenhoogan, and [player_tooltip player_id='2416723' first='Marshall' last='Mason']. Both were efficient scorers from all three levels. The three also picked up several key assists as the game went on to help hold the lead. Julian Olson was the primary bucket-getter and had a huge second half. Eventually winning the game by double digits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16U Titans Martinson Pull Away Late</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final game between CV Select and Northstar Titans 16u was truly and back-and-forth contest. For CV, [player_tooltip player_id='2391028' first='Caleb' last='Moessner'] started hot and buried three first half triples. Eventually scoring 18 in that period. On the other side, Colton Miller was exceptionally aggressive attacking the rim. A pair of smooth finger-roll layups and a drawn foul early on. Also hit two 3-pointer's and kept several plays alive on the offensive glass. Miller blocked a shot in transition defensively, then followed it up with a steal-and-score that gave them their first lead of the second half. This lead would continue to grow in the final minutes of the game, with Titans 16U taking the win. Colton Miller led all scorers with 24.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->