PH Grind Region Finals: Saturday Standouts who Caught My Eye

This weekend at PH Grind Region Finals, several standouts made their mark on the tournament. Divisions 16u-17u were highly entertaining to watch, and teams were vying for a spot in the Sunday championship bracket. Several new teams emerged that I had not seen before, and this article will talk about a few prospects who I think should definitely be on all radars moving forward.    Bateman was impressive in bracket play on Saturday and he pretty much dominated the post whenever he was in the game. Camran knows how to seal off his defender and finish easy post up attempts with smaller matchups on him, as well as draw numerous fouls and get free throw opportunities. Bateman also has a good midrange in his bag, and I can see his game taking a huge step up if he develops a long range shot to go with his post play. Camran was very impressive and raised his stock a lot with this being the first time I got to watch him play.     [player_tooltip player_id='2866171' first='Tejay' last='Daley'] was by far and away the most energetic and high motor player on the floor in the Jaguars win over In and Out Elite. Daley was a hands-on machine on defense and kept up the positive energy for his team all game, leading to a complete statement victory. Daley knows how to finesse his way to the basket past strong perimeter defense and finished with ease, as well as keeping teammates involved dishing the basketball. If I was putting together an all-tournament team, Daley would easily be at the top of that list due to his physical play, dog mentality, and aggressive slashing/court vision.     Maddox was an interior threat for the Jaguars on Saturday in the games they won. Ball possesses a lethal midrange fadeaway and uses a variety of other moves under the rim to score the ball. Maddox has good fundamental post defense, knowing not to bite on pump fakes and he sent several shots back at the basket playing the role of an interior lockdown man. Ball runs the floor extremely well for his size and was an adept finisher on fastbreaks.     Keven was a dynamic, hybrid guard/wing for SB Elite 17u last weekend. Aaron has good scoring ability from all three levels and was a good full court press defender, giving opposing ballhandlers fits as they tried to advance past half court. Keven had a good jumpshot and did not hesitate to shoot when his matchup gave him space. He also constantly slithered his way to the basket and cashed in on easy layups or dished it off to teammates when he was doubled. I like the way that Keven plays the game on offense with great fundamentals, and you can tell that he has infectious energy that impacts the rest of his team when he is on the floor.     Cassius was by far and away the most athletic player for Dirty South on the floor in their first game win on Saturday. Kopaddy knows how to fly above the rim and threw down several dunks that helped Dirty South 17u keep the momentum in their favor. Cassius knows how to be an elite playmaker on the offensive end and helps his team control the pace and make winning plays. He can hit shots off the dribble, draw fouls, throw assists to teammates, and even make tough blocks and notch steals by playing passing lanes. He is a great vocal leader for this team and will be on everyone's notes to scout this summer if he continues playing at this level.

This weekend at PH Grind Region Finals, several standouts made their mark on the tournament. Divisions 16u-17u were highly entertaining to watch, and teams were vying for a spot in the Sunday championship bracket. Several new teams emerged that I had not seen before, and this article will talk about a few prospects who I think should definitely be on all radars moving forward.