Grit Finals: Teddy’s Sunday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Grit Finals wrapped up Sunday afternoon. Here's a look at some of my top takeaways from all the action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Articles from the event coming later this week include:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2027 Shooters</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2027 Forwards/Bigs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2027 Playmakers</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2027 Game Changers</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>First Look at Chicago Cannons 16u</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sunday Morning was my first time covering 16u Chicago Cannons. The group isn't big with size, but plays with lots of heart. Almost every bucket they scored came off an assist in the early stages of this contest. Much of that thanks to 6'0” G [player_tooltip player_id='2844367' first='Gavyn' last='Reilly']. I also was intrigued by the interior presence of [player_tooltip player_id='2844900' first='Kamarion' last='Fagairo']. Fagario was a difference-maker down low despite his size at just 6'3”. Blocked multiple shots in the paint and won a vast majority of rebounds with his physical capabilities. Even making plays as a passer while stretching the floor.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2749990' first='Zane' last='Schneider'] Catapults Flight&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first quarterfinal game of the afternoon was [program_tooltip program_id='2622592' first='Flight' last='Athletics'] vs Chapman basketball academy. It was a fast start for flight behind [player_tooltip player_id='2749990' first='Zane' last='Schneider']. The explosive 6'4” guard flew down the lane for numerous deuces in the early going. I saw him stretch out for a 3-pointer later in the contest too. The most exciting part of his game is his ability to play with pace. It was hard for Chapman to keep pace with his play, and Schneider made them pay for it. Especially as a playmaker. A tough and-one pushed the lead to 20 pts late in the contest. Finishing with 18 pts in a 73-53 win in the quarterfinal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2496167' first='Pro' last='Lane'] Keeps Tight with Power 5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='2496167' first='Pro' last='Lane'] - Walz was the first team this weekend to create a challenge for Power 5. They had a good start with their shooting, and the 3-2 zone they played with also created some issues. A ton of guys contributed. One of them being 6'4” W [player_tooltip player_id='2412856' first='Theo' last='Toepel']. Showed he can defend anywhere on the floor and be a super effective rebounder. As a scorer, he hit shots from all three levels. We also saw strong playmaking g capabilities from [player_tooltip player_id='2412809' first='Riley' last='Walz'], [player_tooltip player_id='2140938' first='Jonah' last='Schaefer'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2412841' first='Rylan' last='Schulz']. But P5 still handled it and pulled away with a win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brown, Rademaker Propel KL Power 5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a string of blowouts on Saturday, I got a much better look at this Power 5 Group Sunday. The first player to catch my eye is [player_tooltip player_id='2288469' first='Jalen' last='Brown']. His build for a 6'4” combo-guard is superb. Super lengthy and athletic with great explosiveness off the dribble. Scored several key buckets through tight windows in the opening stages of the Semifinal game vs NK Legends. I also got a great look at 6'9 PF [player_tooltip player_id='2140983' first='Tref' last='Rademaker'], who excelled in pick-and roll opportunities and showed he can score from all three levels in the two games I covered Sunday. Converted multiple and-one and second chance opportunities late in the semifinal matchup. Both Rademaker and Brown finished this semifinal with 19 points. Then blew out Flight for the 16u championship later in the afternoon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->