Prep Hoops National Championships: Best of the Rest 11U

These young men shined on the Hy-Vee arena basketball courts over the weekend. Play-makers, defensive stoppers, offensive scorers and top rebounding players were all represented in the best situation to help their squads.    Devin is really good at scoring the ball within the painted area. Great rebounding forward who attacked the glass at a high level on both ends of the court. Has the knowledge of setting screens that help free up teammates for open looks at the basket. Over the weekend he showed the ability to play through contact when scoring in the paint. He had numerous three point play opportunities. Runs the floor well and scores in transition when the opportunity arises. Devin is a good defender, often blocking shots and making it difficult for opposing players to score in the paint. If this young man develops more of an outside game to go with he already has... watch out!     Lou can literally score from all over the floor. He is a very dependable free throw shooter with a good mid and long range shot from behind the arc. Excellent ball handler who can break down defenders and attack the basket. He runs the floor well and scores in transition. Uses screens to get where he needs to be on the court for open looks. He understands the concept of how to function within an offense. Lou is very knowledgeable of what has to be done on the defensive end of the floor. He's a really good on ball defender who forced and number of turnovers from opposing players. This young man is a skilled all around player who will continue to build on his basketball skills.     Vinnie showed all the necessary skills needed to run a team at the lead guard position. He proved to be a legitimate scoring threat while also being a willing passer. Excellent ball handler who used a variety of dribbling moves to break down defenders and make plays. Really good at driving the lane and finding open teammates for easy scores at the basket. If the situation presents itself, Vinnie showed the ability to knock down three point shots if left alone. He makes plays on the defensive side of the court by playing passing lanes and making on the ball steals. I loved watching this young point guard lead his squad over the weekend!     Caden has the skills of the prototypical big man. He has excellent moves in the post, often scoring with relative ease when he received the ball in the painted area. He's a really good rebounding player who seemed to take pride in attacking the glass. In my opinion, this is a great sign of the type player he will grow to be. He already realizes the importance of doing all the intangibles at a high level. All coaches love that one player who does it all for the team. Diving for loose balls, grabbing rebounds, setting screens are all things that matter to a team's success. Caden has all these traits and showcased them over the weekend. On the defensive side of the floor, he made it tough for opposing players by blocking shots and closing driving lanes.     Maddox has the capabilities of being a great lead guard. He displayed an excellent floor game over the weekend by leading his team as the top assists man. Excellent passer who makes pin-point passes that contributed to easy scores for his teammates. Great ball handler who had the ability to drive by defenders and attack the basket for easy scores. Good at driving the lane and shooting floaters over opposing defenders. He can also shoot from long distance when left open. Defensively, Maddox constantly stayed with his man and didn't allow many positive plays to his opposition. Excellent point guard who showed leadership skills on both ends of the floor.     Mason showed a great shooting touch by making every three point shot he attempted. He was excellent at using the screens of teammates to free himself for open looks at the basket. This little guy was tireless and stayed in constant motion on the floor. He really works hard to free himself away from opposing defenders. When he's open, more than likely the shots will fall. Mason has the potential of being a good on ball defender. He gives maximum effort and stays with opposing guards on the defensive end of the floor. A really good shooter who will enhance his game even more.. when he starts attacking the basket.     Mousa is a tough forward who played with aggression on both ends of the court. He plays really tough in the painted area, often crashing boards with a high level of tenacity. In a game over the weekend against Team Herro 2031, I witnessed him grab double digit rebounds and score tough baskets. Most of his scores were through contact where he stepped to the free throw line and converted three point plays. Mousa runs the floor well and scores the ball during fast break opportunities. Really athletic defender who can guard multiple positions on the court using good hands and foot speed. He has excellent timing and good shot blocking ability as he proved during the championships.

These young men shined on the Hy-Vee arena basketball courts over the weekend. Play-makers, defensive stoppers, offensive scorers and top rebounding players were all represented in the best situation to help their squads.