Big Shots Carolina Open: Big Shots WV Reign Elite 2027

Scott Strode May 21, 2025 @ 03:35 AM

Here's the rundown of the squad that advanced and won the 16U Silver Bracket Championship. This squad was impressive especially in transition and shares the ball at a very high level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2434921' first='Cayden' last='Arnold'] showed some measurable improvement since the last time we had seen him in action. Arnold has improved in every area as well as kept his defensive clamps on full strength. Arnold did a great job sharing the ball as well as run the floor to put pressure on defenses to retreat in transition. Cayden is somewhat of a role player on this team however he's showing glimpses of being that alpha player in the not so distant future, especially vs God's Plan (NC) in the final, where he dropped 12 points that was certainly a deciding factor. Arnold fits this group very well and understands how to compliment everyone else.   [player_tooltip player_id='2340983' first='Connor' last='Balwanz'] showed his usual athletic and fast paced self with and without the ball. Already regarded as one of the best 27's in WV but likely one of the best guards in any class. Balwanz did an exceptional job of not only finding high quality shots for himself but also understanding how to set up teammates for success with delivery of the ball on target and on time. Balwanz was in double figures each game with a consistent 13, 12 and 12 respectively.   [player_tooltip player_id='2867472' first='Josiah' last='Heiney'] has been a bright surprise if you will, as we haven't been able to see him in person until this past four weeks. Heiney looks as though he has some growing left and could mature into lengthy wing. Already showing great effort on defense, Heiney has also showed a nice bag of not just triples but also pull up in mid-range. A promising young player with a bright future.   [player_tooltip player_id='2434923' first='David' last='Kucish'] is quickly gaining the reputation not just in WV as a fearless defender but coaches of other teams in Big Shots events are figuring it out fairly quick. Kucish has also been more assertive on offense and getting more looks not just from teammates but with creating his own which was evident in the 8am Saturday opener where he scored 13. Kusich took on some tough defensive assignments in Rock Hill and rose to the challenge nearly every instance.   [player_tooltip player_id='2867475' first='Maddox' last='Jones'] is a player we've been able to see multiple times this year and certainly see measurable improvement. Jones has a great foundation of a skillset to be a good player going forward. Jones has solid handles, hits open shots and defends with intensity and focus. I'd look for their to be times when he becomes a scorer out of necessity before summer's over which he showed in the opener getting three buckets.   [player_tooltip player_id='2867478' first='Isaiah' last='Nutter'] had another solid tournament showing displaying alot of hustle and speed. Nutter has the characteristics of a pure point guard in controlling tempo, eyes up the court in transition and making the right plays. Scoring was very consistent with Nutter where he had 7, 9 and 6 respectively.   [player_tooltip player_id='2867479' first='Jayden' last='Rockwell'] has worked hard to mesh into this group as it being his first taste of high level travel basketball. Rockwell has certainly showed he understands his role when he's on the floor and played accordingly by displaying a high effort on defense and getting the ball to scorers on offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='2867482' first='Wesly' last='Scott'] is the darkhorse of this group if you will. Scott continues to show flashes of outstanding play while having to typically guard someone bigger as well as score against bigger defenders. His confidence with the ball in his hands has grown as was shown in Rock Hill as Scott scored just 2 in the opener, but warmed up a bit with 6 in the second contest and closed out the weekend with a very meaningful 8 points in the championship.   [player_tooltip player_id='2306566' first='Isaiah' last='Turner'] has turned into Mr Consistency as he gives you the same output every game out. Not just scoring but on defense, floor leadership and effort, Turner is someone who can be depended on every possession. Turner was very efficient in his play on offense scoring 14 in the opener, 16 in the second and managing 17 in the silver bracket championship game that pushed the Fairmont based squad to victory.

Here's the rundown of the squad that advanced and won the 16U Silver Bracket Championship. This squad was impressive especially in transition and shares the ball at a very high level.