Grind Region Finals: Underdogs Playing Up

Playing up a year at the Grind Region Finals, this group of young talent rose to the challenge and came out better for it. Facing older, stronger, and more experienced competition, each player stepped up and showed growth in their game. [player_tooltip player_id='2845346' first='Cole' last='Dallien'] used his speed and toughness to attack the rim fearlessly, while Gage proved he can light it up from deep under pressure. [player_tooltip player_id='2557213' first='Tripp' last=''] adapted by making smart cuts and finishing in the lane with his signature floater, showing poise beyond his age. [player_tooltip player_id='2848379' first='Jamen' last='Robinson'] embraced the physicality in the paint, flashing his rebounding dominance by battling bigger bodies, and Ansen displayed his versatility by holding his own in the post while continuing to clean the glass and handle the ball when needed. The experience pushed them outside their comfort zones—and in doing so, sharpened their skills, toughness, and basketball IQ.    [player_tooltip player_id='2845346' first='Cole' last='Dallien'] is an explosive 7th-grade guard known for his strength, quickness, and relentless drive. Though shorter in stature, he plays much bigger than his size, using his speed and power to slice through defenses with ease. Tough to stay in front of, Cole is a constant threat off the dribble and has a knack for getting to the rim, finishing through contact or drawing defenders in. His fearless approach and high motor make him one of the most challenging players to guard on the court.     Gage is a sharpshooting guard with the ability to catch fire in an instant from beyond the arc. Known for his smooth release and quick trigger, he can change the momentum of a game in just a few possessions. Whether it's coming off a screen or spotting up in transition, Gage doesn't need much space to get his shot off—and when he's feeling it, he's deadly accurate. Going 2-for-2 from deep in a matter of seconds is nothing new for him, making him a constant threat that defenders can't afford to lose track of.     [player_tooltip player_id='2848379' first='Jamen' last='Robinson'] is an emerging force in the paint, standing at an impressive 6'1” with the physical tools to dominate around the rim. He's already showing flashes of his rebounding potential, often out-leaping and out-muscling players older and more experienced than him. Jamen uses his size well, carving out space and attacking the glass with intensity. Whether it's grabbing boards in traffic or tipping missed shots to himself, he's a constant presence on both ends. With continued development, his natural athleticism and nose for the ball could make him a dominant rebounder in the years to come.     [player_tooltip player_id='2557213' first='Tripp' last=''] is a versatile player who can seamlessly fill multiple roles on the court, making him a valuable asset to any lineup. Whether handling the ball, working off it, or defending different positions, he brings consistency and energy. [player_tooltip player_id='2557213' first='Tripp' last=''] is at his best when he's moving without the ball, using smart cuts to slip behind defenders and get to the rim. His signature move—a smooth, floater-like shot in the lane—is tough to contest and even harder to stop. With his ability to adapt and make plays from anywhere, [player_tooltip player_id='2557213' first='Tripp' last=''] brings both reliability and impact to every game.       Blaze brought relentless energy on the defensive end, becoming a vocal leader and constant presence for his team. While he may not be the quickest player on the floor, he makes up for it with smart positioning, hustle, and a strong understanding of team defense. Blaze communicates constantly, calling out screens, directing teammates, and staying locked in on every possession. He also crashes the boards with determination, helping secure key rebounds and doing the dirty work that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet. His effort and leadership make him a valuable asset, especially on the defensive side of the ball.     Ansen is a versatile wing who isn't afraid to mix it up in the post, even when matched against older and stronger competition. While naturally a perimeter player, he's shown toughness and adaptability by battling down low when needed, holding his own with grit and physicality. Ansen has a developing handle, giving him the ability to push the ball in transition or make plays off the dribble. What truly sets him apart, though, is his rebounding. He attacks the boards with intensity and timing, consistently pulling down tough rebounds and giving his team extra possessions. His all-around game and willingness to do the dirty work make him a key contributor.

Playing up a year at the Grind Region Finals, this group of young talent rose to the challenge and came out better for it. Facing older, stronger, and more experienced competition, each player stepped up and showed growth in their game. Cole Dallien Cole Dallien 5'4" | SG KS used his speed and toughness to attack the rim fearlessly, while Gage proved he can light it up from deep under pressure. Tripp Tripp 6'0" Dallas PACE Academy | 2028 TX adapted by making smart cuts and finishing in the lane with his signature floater, showing poise beyond his age. Jamen Robinson Jamen Robinson 6'0" | C Brooks | 2030 KS embraced the physicality in the paint, flashing his rebounding dominance by battling bigger bodies, and Ansen displayed his versatility by holding his own in the post while continuing to clean the glass and handle the ball when needed. The experience pushed them outside their comfort zones—and in doing so, sharpened their skills, toughness, and basketball IQ.