Twenty 17U Game-Changers #PHHardWorkRegionFinals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The NHR State Tournament is 2 days away from tipping off. Before we focus on that event, we are looking back at the <strong>Hard Work Region Finals.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Game-Changers is the topic!</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">How do you get into the&nbsp;Game-Changer article?&nbsp;By being a difference-maker for your team, being unselfish, consistently making plays, diving on the floor, playing hard all game, boarding up, getting D-stops, being a glue guy, scoring timely buckets, hitting game-changing triples, and many others.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>Shout-out &amp; congrats to [program_tooltip program_id='2075672' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] Antl for winning the Hard Work Region Finals Championship!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}}} --> <p style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">See below for players comments...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2872060,"width":"185px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/image_23d580.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/image_23d580.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2872060" style="width:185px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">17U Game-Changers</span></strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/image_1ad908.png"></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2575624"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68376d60ad3fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alan played great defense at the Finals. Moore collected timely steals and shut down opponents. Alan showed a great feel for the game and his finishing around the rim was impressive. He runs with Power Circle Basketball Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560747"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68376acf9b3b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Difference maker for the Hard Work Region Champs! Alex defended 1-5 while scoring from all three levels on and off the ball. He rebounds and pushes the tempo nicely. Schroepfer hit the game-winner in the Championship and the bucket before to tie it up. This kid is a gamer and clutch performer!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560742"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6837644347bc9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was a game-changer this weekend because he happily took on the toughest defensive assignment in each game and locked down some really nice scorers, particularly in the first 3 contests. Kuhl's ability to stay completely focused on the details defensively, to guard multiple positions, to play angles very well and to remain disciplined in taking away an opponent's strengths gives the Comets comfort and assurance. This past weekend, [player_tooltip player_id='2395520' first='Amani' last=''] guarded an athletic 3/4 man who likes to create off the dribble, a 2 guard who scores at multiple levels, a 1/2 skilled knockdown shooter, and a long wing shooter who constantly runs off screens and needs only an inch of daylight. Combine that with high IQ play and ball security as the Comets Point Forward, and you have a player who does so many little but important things that do not show up in a box score. This allows Kuhl to make a huge impact and bring great value even in games in which he doesn't score many points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140557"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6837644347c25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is playing up an age group and had no trouble standing out as a quality player. Dryburgh played stingy perimeter and stout interior defense. He did a good job of getting into passing lanes. Austin created turnovers and forced steals, which led to noteworthy fastbreak dunks! Dryburgh has exciting potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560869"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6837644347c69"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a versatile defender who can effectively guard multiple positions. Omot showed that he is one of the best defenders on the Lightning squad. He is also a standout rebounder and shot blocker. Banyaan is an unselfish player who looks to make the extra pass on offense and brings high energy on defense. Omot does a good job of slowing down the top dudes from the opposition. Banyaan helped Lightning to a 3-1 record at the Finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560801"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-683771cd6c8e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He runs with MN Select Ohnstad. Brady helped the team go 5-1 and finished 2nd Place at the Finals. Lam did a bit of everything to help the team, he is a well-rounded baller. Brady brought the juice and energy. He put up serious points off the bench and played tough/physical defense all weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1874800"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68376acf9b478"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His length is game-changing. Gorton was everywhere on defense! He is always in the correct sport on the floor, at 6'8", he is an excellent rim protector. Brayden is also a productive shooter from deep. He is a stat stuffer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120490"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68376acf9b4be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was a key player to Fury's success. Siroin has always been an offensive-minded player. However, defense has picked up, and he is becoming a two-way player. Brett has deep range and he throws down momentum-changing breakaway dunks. Siroin also pins guys and jumps passing lanes. He is a good one to watch! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2390673"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-683755f1472b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He runs with Bradly Elite, Young played well this weekend. He was flying all over the place. Damann defended positions 1 through 5 all weekend. This impressive wing led his team in rebounds and won every loose ball that came his way. Damann is a high-energy baller from Phoenix Prep. Keep eyes on Mr. Young. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120500"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68376acf9b51c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is the PG for the Hard Work Region Champions! As the #1, Moseman rarely turns the ball over and is always looking to make the correct pass. He is able to score on the block by overpowering smaller guards and he shoots a high percentage from three-point land. Eli defends the opponent's best players, leads on the floor, and is always positive with his talk, and energy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2418564"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6837644347cc9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He runs with [program_tooltip program_id='2870928' first='Beyond' last='The Game'] (BTG). Jack is a talented shooter from three-point land. He is playing inspiring defense this spring and has shown amazing leadership with the youngers players. Dauner is selfless, he finishes through contact, moves well w/o the ball, and is a scrappy defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2825707"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6837644347d07"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joe was a game-changer this past weekend. He was scoring at all 3 levels, including one massive highlight reel dunk over 3 defenders for an AND1! Joe also hit a running 3 at the buzzer at the end of regulation to send the 3rd game to overtime. The Comets ultimately lost in triple OT, but Joe made many clutch plays throughout the weekend. But, more impressively, Couwenhoven has really started to improve his decision-making and IQ. The Comets are seeing more and more instances of Joe getting a paint touch, drawing defense, and making the right basketball play, and Joe has also embraced the notion of making the simple play and allowing the ball to come back to him in a better scoring opportunity. His growth is intriguing. A really bright future is ahead as college coaches are now taking notice!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560860"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68376d60ad63e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mkali is a gamer with ice in his veins. He hit clutch shots and got timely buckets when his squad needed them. Kahlil provides energy and effort. He crashes the glass and plays reliable defense. Mkali runs with Power Circle Basketball Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2447449"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6837644347d43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>BIG Luke played solid interior defense. He blocked/swatted shots and altered many more. Hanson also rebounded on both ends of the floor. Not to mention, Luke threw down his first SLAM DUNK of the season in dramatic fashion!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2391900"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-683755f147321"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Markell runs with Bradly Elite, he played tough on the defensive end. Causey lets his D do his talking. At 5'10", he was a pest all weekend. Markell also rebounded, collected steals, dished assists, you name it! This 2-way guard from Milwaukee Lutheran left an imprint in every game he played. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1534507"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6837644347d9d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid is really hooping! Mikey's level of shot-making is very high right now. He only needs a sliver of space to get his shot off and he is clutch. Hamilton shoots with great touch and he is an athletic slasher. On defense, he picks up fullcourt and plays tough overall D. His handles are solid, he runs the 1 for BTG, so he is getting good reps with the rock. Mikey's gravity opens up great looks for the rest of the team. He checks all the boxes, Mikey is going to tear it up next season for South.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2121334"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-683771cd6ca48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He defended 1-5 at a high level all weekend. In game 3, Ryker started the second half on a personal 10-0 run that blew the game open from a 8-18 point game! Sanders put up some nice numbers and averaged 3-4 apg, 6-7 rpg, and 2 bpg. Most importantly, he impacted the game in an efficient, non-flashy way that led the team to a 4-1 semifinal weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Southwest MN Stars</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2842706' first='Connor' last='Bose']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2841024' first='Jaydon' last='Johnson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2436768' first='Brody' last='Dack']</strong>. They are all very coachable and do the little things consistently to help the Stars. They plays hard on defense, win loose balls, cut hard, and cut to open up for their teammates, run the floor aggressively, look to make the extra pass, and play to their strengths.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2801174,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/circuit-logo_b3ebdf80.webp"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/circuit-logo_b3ebdf80.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2801174" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->