Spring Kickoff - Players That Impressed 17U

#PHSpringKickOff   The location was the Gold Crown Field House in Lakewood, CO. The competition was very good, this being the kickoff event of the AAU season. You could say the talent showed up & showed out their skills.   Below are prospects that I was able to see get after it. They impressed me in a certain way, and they deserve to have their effort shouted out. Whether it was turning defense into offense by playing intimidating defense or how about finishing at the rim. A few rebounded effortlessly while others made the extra pass. What I do know is that there were several guards who were very adapt at leading a team, whether they were score first players or they were the ones that set the table for their teammates.    The thing that I noticed first about Wisne was that his frame was more developed than many other 2027's. Then once the games started I saw him hit a 3-ball off the wing; what a sweet looking jumper. Then he hit another and that's when I decided to take a seat because the more I watched the more I enjoyed this prospect's game. He is always around the action because he works. I really like his potential to develop this summer as he heads into his junior year.     This player definitely looks the part of a ball player; long, lean, and with great size. Preston is very solid player and can find his shot with ease. At one point, he hits a nice step-back 3-pointer, with some close out from the opponent. He appears to be a team leader and his teammates often look for him to make plays. With improvement on some tough finishes and, at times, a better defensive stance, this one could have been one of the top players in the gym for the day.     Talk about effort. Talk about leading his team or making the correct play; this one did consistently. On the morning, I was able to take in most of two games that his team played. Both times, the opposing coach picked him as the player of the game. Even though he stands 5'7"ish, he just took it to the other team and gave them nothing but headaches. The first thing I noted about his play is the ability to turn defense into office on a regular basis.     Listed at 6'7", he was the one that does the dirty work for his team. He works on the inside and did not back down. Felt that he was a very solid rebounder. He then showed me a little power move and good footwork on the offensive end with a drop step move toward the baseline. He had multiple players hanging on him and was able to make the shot.     I like this prospect! He was doing a little bit of everything. He was smooth with the rock and gave us a couple of high-lights dunks off of the break. He is an uncommitted 2025, who is listed at 6'2", and during the contest he was definitely able to show case his athleticism.     Another chosen player of the game prospect who by the opposing coach. Even though his club dropped the contest that I watched, this prospect was solid and impressive. I agreed with those coaches and was definitely impressed. He was one of those players that puts in the work in several different areas of the game. From Erie, Colorado, who was playing with the [program_tooltip program_id='2078368' first='Colorado' last='Titans'], he is listed as 6'7" and is in the class of 2026. Going into what his senior campaign will be in the fall, count me in on keeping him on the radar. I am expecting big development from the young power forward.    Quick Hitters & Notes   *The three-guard tandem from 7070 Athlectics 17U Elite Grant:   [player_tooltip player_id='2382301' first='Matthew' last=''] Lebron / 2026 / 6'0"/ Banning Lewis, CO.   [player_tooltip player_id='1840225' first='Zander' last='Muna'] / 2026 / 5'7" / Doherty, CO   [player_tooltip player_id='2478537' first='Theo' last='Wilson'] / 2026 / 6'0" / Rampart, CO   I was very impressed with this group of players. They played hard and could go at an up-tempo pace. Often, they used defense to get into the break and into their offense. They definitely finished well on their drives and then made the extra or solid pass when needed to. If you happen to be in a gym for a game they are competiting in sit down and stay awhile.   *Teams and Coaches: Please make sure that your rosters are turned in the week prior to the tournament. There were 2-3 teams that seemed not to have rosters in or updated with correct information. You have solid players, and I want to report on them. Thank you & have a great season.

#PHSpringKickOff