34 Players: 17U Watchlist #PHHardWorkRegionFinals

It's TOURNAMENT TIME!! Prep Hoops is putting on the Hard Work Region Finals this weekend in Minnesota. The bracket-style event will take place at Maple Grove Middle School and Shakopee High School.   PHD is a big fan of the tourney style event instead of pool play, the intensity level gets ramped up. It is always fun to see teams execute late in games when they know a win will move them on in the winners bracket and loss will send them to the left side.   Who are the players to watch this weekend in 17U?   See below, we have recommendations and reasons to watch these ballers...   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/image_3ddbdb.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/image_3ddbdb.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2867140" style="width:248px;height:auto"/></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1511372" style="width:249px;height:auto"/></a></figure>   17U    He is defending at a high level this spring. Abakar has great switchability, he can defend 1-5. He is leading BTG in scoring this spring. Abakar finishes above the rim but also reads pinching help D and kicks to shooters on the wing. He is a matchup migraine with his combo of shooting, ball handling, speed, and physicality.     He is the Draymond Green of MN Comets Kuhl. Of course, Kuhl does not get T's! Amani hoops with a high IQ and often takes the toughest defensive assignment regardless of position. Kuhl facilitates as a point forward, the swing post, and elbow. He leads the Comets in assists and nearly has a 7-1 AST/TO. He is less of a scorer and not a high-flyer but Amani is shooting around 40% from the arc on the season.     Expect him to be one of the most versatile BIGs in the tourney. Byrd scores off the dribble, finishes over multiple defenders, exploits mismatches, and cleans up the glass. Anthony thrives at getting to the rim and has showcased crafty finishes this spring. Byrd is strong around the hoop, runs the floor hard in transition, and scores in fastbreak situations.     Bruce is having a rockstar spring season with WCU. He is greatly skilled with a sweet shooting stroke. Brooklan makes the game look easy. His shooting range runs deep and he is crafty inside the arc. Take some time to what this baller from GFC hoop, you are sure to be impressed.     He is a Phoenix Prep baller but runs with Bradley Elite. He is a noteworthy defender who locks up full-court and pesters ballhandlers. He rattles the cage of opposing PG's all game long. Zell is averaging 3-4 steals per game while also putting up double-digit points in each game. Henderson is a 2-way dawg.     He runs with Power Circle. We expect Charles to be one of the top shooters at this event. He thrives in catch-n-shoot situations, consistently drills middys, and plays solid defense. Lewis has hit clutch 3's this spring, always seems the find the open man, plays quality help D, and forces TO's.     He likely has the highest ceiling on the Crossfire squad. He can shoot and hit out to 35-feet. Wilson can penetrate and rise into a really pretty mid-range J. He can also take it to the rim and deliver. He comes from a smaller school but is adapting superbly to the faster and stronger opponents. Elijah is Crossfire's go-to-scorer.     Fisher is full of versatility. He is shooting extremely well from deep. He also thrives at putting the ball on the floor to get buckets at the rim or pull-up for a sweet middy. Killins does a great job of guarding on-ball by applying pressure. He is constantly disrupting the opposing guards.     He is only a soph but Stadler has played up the last two club seasons. Pound for pound, Gabe is always one of the strongest players on the court. Gabe plays and defends multiple positions effectively. His biggest strengths are his back-to-the-basket footwork and ability to finish around the rim. Gabe does an excellent job of establishing position inside while taking advantage of mismatches.     He runs with [program_tooltip program_id='2075702' first='MN' last='Lightning'] 17U Ellerbusch and his height is up to 6'5". Peterson is a talented combo-guard who does well at PG and on the wing. His strengths are his speed, slashing, and catch-n-shoot ability from 3. Peterson is a smooth shooter. On D, Isaac is versatile, he guards multiple positions. He is a quality multi-sport athlete who stands out as a QB and pitcher.     Jackson is the Dennis Rodman of MN Comets Kuhl. He is an absolute monster on the boards. Boll is extremely physical and is the hardest worker on the floor. Jackson continues to improve as a scoring threat in the post, he hits open 3's, and has grown as a passer from the high post.     He is always the hardest worker on the floor. Jayden is particular about the details while constantly making winning plays. He makes the extra pass, dives on the floor, crashes the O-glass, and boxes out. Kennow creates his own offense by attacking close-outs, spacing the floor, and grabbing O-boards. Jayden has done a great job shooting the ball and keeping his man in front of him. Kennow is a high-IQ baller.     He runs with Power Circle. Wise is an underrated playmaking guard. Jerry is fearless and he does a nice job of finishing through contact. He forces many turnovers and those result in points on the other end. He dishes out a boatload of assists, drains clutch shots, and puts up points consistently.     Joe is leading MN Comets Kuhl in scoring this season. Couwenhoven has impressive length and athleticism as a scoring wing. I watched him live in Sioux Falls and this kid can make highlight-reel plays. When Joe trusts his teammates and plays within himself, he can really produce at an efficient level. This is his first year playing spring/summer ball and has shown a ton of raw ability. Once his game becomes refined and developed, Joe could be a dude. He has serious potential and high upside.     He is running with [program_tooltip program_id='2075693' first='MN' last='Crossfire'] 17U Thompson. Josh is exactly what a coach needs from a point guard. He handles the ball well, gets the offense moving, and is unselfish with the rock. Rickord can penetrate and drop dimes or cash in the open triple when needed.     Karson is a matchup problem as he is too strong for smaller forwards and too fast for true BIGs. Galvez is a solid 3-point shooter, he often hits 2-3 in a short stretch and key points in any given game. He is also an elite rebounder who anchors the defense.     He gets hot at a moment's notice and can put up 20 points in the blink of an eye. He was the most consistent shooter for WOTN Foley last season. Peterson shot 40% from beyond the arc. He is having a bit of a down season so far while shooting 35 3FG%. But do not worry, Kyle still has all the confidence and he can pull from anywhere around the arc.     His height is up to 6'6". Logan is a strong low-post scorer and interior defender. This spring, Shimek has outplayed multiple taller opponents by using crafty moves around the rim. He has the ability to step out and hit perimeter J's as well. Logan is also productive in the pick-n-pop game.     Luke is a versatile scorer who puts up points from all three levels. He has deep shooting range and is no stranger to cashing in at big moments. This spring, Roschen hit a game winner against MN Select Ohnstad near halfcourt. He is also a top defender and rebounder. Luke is a noteworthy 3-spot athlete.     He runs with Chippewa Valley Select 17U L & G. In high school ball, Noah started most games at PG for a team that won 20+ games. He is a great three-point shooter. Noah is a shifty guard with a solid mid-range game. He is also a pesky defender.     Myren is a southpaw who can elude, deceive, and get by most defenders. Nolan is a creative baller. He is also an elite level rebounder for a guard/wing. Expect Mr. Myren to have an impressive weekend at the Finals.     He is the leader of the team from WOTN Foley. Foss has not been the flashiest in the scoring column but the little things that he does make him stand out. Matthew rebounds, feed the hot hand, and play lockdown defense. He is the type of player he does his thing against top competition. Coach Foley is always confident when Foss is on the floor.     He is a pure shooter for BTG. Hamilton shot 40% from 3 this season at South. Mikey is a solid perimeter defender and an all-around offensive threat. He gets downhill and knows how to get to his spots for shots. As lead ballhandler for the BTG club, Hamilton has kept his turnovers low this season.     He is by far the most consistent player for WOTN Foley at this point in the season. Tietz gets downhill whenever he pleases and he shoots very well from behind the arc. Myles is very productive on the offensive end of the floor. During Battle At The Lakes, Tietz averaged 15 ppg while having 3 impressive scoring games with 17, 18, and 20 points. Keep eyes on this baller at the Hard Work Finals.     He is playing up an age group. Hazel is from McDonell Central High School. Nate is a strong and physical guard who gets downhill. He uses his strength and quality footwork to finish inside. He is also a capable shooter from outside. Hazel typically defends the top opposing player.     He is a Phoenix Prep baller but runs with Bradley Elite. Raheem is a talented scoring machine. Give him an inch and he will take a mile. Bradley is skilled with a natural feel for the game. He is scoring in bunches this spring. Raheem is averaging around 20 ppg.     He is the GLUE GUY for [program_tooltip program_id='2075672' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] 17U Reyes. Sanders does all the dirty work and makes many hustle plays. He is also the squad's best defender who can lock-up 1-5. As of late, Ryker is crushing on the boards, attacking the paint, and smartly finding shooters with kickout dimes.     Ryker is the grease guy for MN Fury17U Delo. He takes care of the ball, directs traffic, gets the ball into the offense, and controls the pace really well. If his Fury squad is playing well, a big part of it will be because of VonNostrand.     He does good work on the inside. Johnson hit the glass hard on both ends, he has a knack for gobbling up missed shots. Shevez is relentless on the offensive glass. He scores many second chance points while also getting his squad extra possessions.     He runs with NLG 17U Baker and is up to 5'10". Wilke is known for his ability to finish at the rack and shoot the 3-ball at a high level. He is only a soph but has exceeded expectations and is playing a pivotal role on his squad. Everyone is excited to see what Wilkie will do in high school ball next winter, he got game. But before we worry about next winter, lets watch Tayden this weekend and see what he has.     6'2" two-way leader for WOTN Kranz. This baller picks up full-court on D and handles ball pressure on the other end. Tony impacts the game at every level. His strengths include playing physical, getting downhill, and rebounding. This spring, Johnson has done a great job of leading the offense. He gets everybody involved while giving the team multiple opportunities with his tenacious effort on the glass.     6'0 CG from NLG 17U Baker. Cooper shoots the three well. He has a space-creating and super-explosive first step. Tyrus has a knack for getting into the paint and is crafty around the cup. He is a noteworthy finisher around bigger players.     Will is an elite-level shooter. On the other side of the ball, he can defend and slow down multiple positions. Lately, Gyarmaty has looked like a playmaker who gets downhill by attacking hard closeouts. Most defenders try to take away his 3-point shooting, Will is smart about taking advantage of that. He is turning himself into a scary offensive weapon.     He is long and he can cash in from the three-point arc. Wyatt gets into the paint and finishes above the rim. He can also hit the mid-range jumper. On defense, Zimny is a shot blocker and strong rebounder. He leads the BTG squad in offensive rebounds and putback finishes. Wyatt can play positions 3-5 and slash for profit.

It's TOURNAMENT TIME!! Prep Hoops is putting on the Hard Work Region Finals this weekend in Minnesota. The bracket-style event will take place at Maple Grove Middle School and Shakopee High School.