Run N Slam: Ohio / Kentucky 16 U Standouts

The Bill Hensley Run N Slam brought hundreds of teams to Fort Wayne, Indiana to compete in a competitive grassroots tournament. I mostly focused on 17 U action this weekend but did catch a couple 16 U games and in this article I'll break down the 16 U standouts I caught from Ohio and Kentucky.    [program_tooltip program_id='2673282' first='Ohio' last='Basketball Club'] had a really nice weekend going 5-1 and winning the gold bracket for the 16 U age group. One of our other writers Shane Garcia spotlighted a few of their players but I wanted to also show some love to [player_tooltip player_id='2476474' first='Ian' last='Murray'], one of the more interesting stretch 4's in Ohio's 2027 class. Murray was making shots from the outside and using his length to disrupt layups at the rim and grab rebounds. I liked the experience Murray got on a younger Saint Edward team last season and he should be ready to play a more prominent role the next two seasons as the Eagles look to get back to the top of northeast Ohio basketball.     Known as one of the best shooters in Ohio's 2027 class, Reef was making it rain from long distance this weekend. A very efficient shooter when he feet are set, more often than not it's three points for his team if Reef gets a set look from long distance. While shooting is what Reef is known for and he did that at a high level, I was also impressed by his defensive activity as he jumped a few passing lanes for steals that started the fast break. Also able to set his teammates up as a secondary creator, Reef made some simple but effective passes when he attacked off the dribble. This [program_tooltip program_id='2078667' first='TNBA' last='']-Ohio 16 U group won the 15 U HGSL championship and are looking to go back-to-back this season with the same cast of characters leading the charge.     One of the more naturally talented players in Ohio's 2027 class, when Riccardo is knocking down shots he is very tough to slow down. With his size and ability to attack off the dribble, teams usually force Riccardo to beat them with jumpers and he's continued to improve this aspect of his game. For Riccardo to take the next step in his game, becoming a consistent lockdown defender is very attainable for a player of his physical talents and should be the top priority going into his Junior season.     I liked a couple pieces on [program_tooltip program_id='2229551' first='Moss' last='Elite']'s 16 U group but Myrick stood out the most to me. Physically, Myrick looks like an athlete and displayed a quick first step off the dribble. Myrick also knocked down a couple shots off the bounce, creating a lot of his own offense. His best move of the game came off a stop and go dribble move that allowed him to get by the defender for an easy scoop layup. When Myrick adds some weight to his frame he'll be an even tougher player to stop on the hardwood.     I liked what I saw from Bilton as a wing guard who moved like an athlete on both ends of the court. With the length to impact the game defensively, Bilton had one really impressive block and physically has the upside to consistently generate defensive stocks. Making strides as a shooter, Bilton right now can knock down a shot if he's left open on the perimeter. Bilton also has impressive vertical athleticism as he was challenging players at the rim and finishing through rim protectors. His best move of the day came when he caught the ball on the wing and took a jab step one way and immediately attacked going the other direction to get to the foul line after the defense hacked him from behind. Those types of quick twitch moves will be what I'll be looking for him to do consistently as he matures as a prospect.

The Bill Hensley Run N Slam brought hundreds of teams to Fort Wayne, Indiana to compete in a competitive grassroots tournament. I mostly focused on 17 U action this weekend but did catch a couple 16 U games and in this article I'll break down the 16 U standouts I caught from Ohio and Kentucky.