Prep Hoops Next National Championship: ND & MN 14U Standouts

Prep Hoops Next is here with a breakdown of the 14U Prep Hoops Next National Championship, with standout prospects from [program_tooltip program_id='2139207' first='Bears' last='Tail Basketball'] (North Dakota) and [program_tooltip program_id='2075485' first='Gain' last='Elite'] 2028 and Team FSA 2028, both of Minnesota. All three teams I was familiar with prior, and it was a great opportunity to see the teams up against some high level and different competition. Let's look nine prospects that impressed.    Bears Tail had a strong showing at the National Championship with three opening wins, then falling short to the champs to advance further. Barman is a key cog to their success. The young wing/forward is advanced physically. A big kid with some strength and muscle to his game. He's skilled too and is a legitimate shotmaker from all over the court. He will pull from deep, shooting with confidence. Creates his own threes with his frame and handle. He's aggressive and strong taking it at the defense off the drive. A rebounder that gets off the ground and secures the ball strongly. He's most definitely one to watch in North Dakota.     Terry is a skilled lefty point guard. He has an elite handle where he can create space and relieve pressure. A fancy and advanced handle — and he likes to use his full repertoire. Creates himself space with his handle to fire from three, where he can be a knockdown shooter. Did a good job breaking press situations on his own.     Sims is North Dakota tough. He plays with a ton of effort and is earning his production with shear will. He battles for the ball and will sacrifice for it. Crashes the boards relentlessly and will finish near the hoop with power. Big-time motor.     Kraft wasn't a kid that I was intentionally watching because I was keying in on Barman, Terry, and Sims. But Kraft kept on making plays and making an impact at the guard spot. I remember his transition play and his shooting ability the most. He could get in the lane and be a problem. He's one I'll give more attention to next time.     Cade is a point guard that I saw prior to the National Championship. He played like his usual self, with an overall toughness and quickness to his playstyle. I don't have a height listing on him, but I'd guess he's around 5'8”, with a compact build. He's low to the ground and he's got a lightning-quick first step that makes him hard to contain. Likes to get into paint and mid-range area.     Max could and should he mentioned as a standout at every tournament he participates in with Team FSA. At the point guard spot, his blend of length, ball-handling, passing, and vision make him noticeable. A pass-first point guard that thrives and gets more and more confidence at every playmaking pass. Looks up-court and will move the ball quickly in the half court.     Zeke is a positionless 6'5” prospect for Team FSA. Great length and he's got ball skills and shot-making out to the three point line. In the game I watched, he was aggressive off the dribble and his quickness kind of surprised me. He was gaining some separation off his dribble drive and attack. Brought on a lot of contact. He's wiry strong and plays with more toughness than his build suggests. He's a tough one to project, but if he keeps growing and improves his strength and functionality, he could turn out to be a nice prospect.     Whitlock can flat-out hoop. He was one of the most talented and impactful guards at the National Championship. Very skilled with the ball and plays with swag and confidence. An elite all-around skill set when it comes to operating with the ball. Cannot be left open from three, either. Needs to be guarded with attention from more than one defender. Easily one of the most gifted guards at the tournament.     Chapek is a nice player. He's most likely around the 6'4”-6'5” range if I had to guess. He's a power forward/stretch 4 that was hitting the glass hard, finishing at the hoop, and showed capabilities from three. Overall, a smooth offensive game and soft shooting touch. His rebounding was huge for [program_tooltip program_id='2075485' first='Gain' last='Elite'] to have such a strong showing. It could be said that he's one of the most underrated at the tournament. If I had a crystal ball, I'd say he turns out to be a college prospect. Good length, good shooter, motor, and a good head on his shoulders.

Prep Hoops Next is here with a breakdown of the 14U Prep Hoops Next National Championship, with standout prospects from Bears Tail Basketball (North Dakota) and Gain Elite 2028 and Team FSA 2028, both of Minnesota. All three teams I was familiar with prior, and it was a great opportunity to see the teams up against some high level and different competition. Let's look nine prospects that impressed.