Big Shots Myrtle Beach Reviews: WV Reign Elite 2027

Scott Strode

July 19, 2025 @ 01:35 AM

Here's a review of the Reign 16U squad while in Myrtle Beach. This group was one of the more exciting and up and down teams in any division and drew a crowd at every game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2434921' first='Cayden' last='Arnold'] is simply one of the "trigger men" as I'd call it for this squad as he sets the tone on defense and defends 94 feet. That intensity gets ballhandlers uncomfortable and allows teammates to make plays behind him. Arnold has a developing half court offensive game that is starting to show consistency from three as well as finishing at the rim on drives.   [player_tooltip player_id='2340983' first='Connor' last='Balwanz'] is one of the most multi-skilled 2027's in WV and of course on this team. He displayed about every offensive skill you could ask for including some point guard skills that was highlighted with some dandy drop offs in the paint for assists. He's crafty with everything he does and seems to never get sped up or slowed down. He recognizes plays before they happen and is able to react accordingly.   [player_tooltip player_id='2434923' first='David' last='Kucish'] is the other "trigger man" as I've deemed it. He clamps down on ballhandlers relentlessly and doesn't let up. Kucish has an incredible motor and seems to never run out of steam. He plays defense with great intensity and fundamentals while we've seen week to week his ever-developing offensive game. Time and time again Kucish made crucial plays at meaningful times of the game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2306566' first='Isaiah' last='Turner'] is arguably one of the best point guards in WV regardless of class. He showed some high level traits in Myrtle Beach while facing heavy ball pressure which he handles with ease. Turner is now showing his offensive bag and scoring on all levels while finishing at a dunkers level at the rim. His road back from injury has been a long one but he's very close to where he was last winter if not there already. Turner has recently transferred to Expressions Prep in Huntington for the remainder of his high school seasons.   [player_tooltip player_id='2867478' first='Isaiah' last='Nutter'] was undoubtedly one of the more exciting players we saw. Nutter drew a crowd at multiple games by playing at a blistering pace and scoring at ease while being the smallest guy on the floor most times. Nutter is a skilled ball handler, solid shooter in midrange and a streaky but scary shooter from deep.   [player_tooltip player_id='2437132' first='Jayce' last='Gum'] came aboard for his first experience with the Reign and got acclimated quickly it seems. Gum is a tremendous and long athlete standing about 6'5" and jumps outta the gym. Gum looked to match his teammates defensive intensity and try to get in where he fit in offensively. Jayce did an exceptional job finding his offensive niche with the Reign crew and scored in double figures in every game but one while averaging 12 points over the four days. Gum's first offer will likely come soon as coaches are just now discovering his height and athleticism.   [player_tooltip player_id='2867472' first='Josiah' last='Heiney'] has been one of the players I've enjoyed watching develop most on this squad. This program was exactly what he needed and it should pay huge dividends come school season. Watching Heiney in Myrtle I was impressed with his poise under pressure, recognizing scoring opportunities and defending bigger opponents. Heiney has a great foundation in terms of skill as he can do a bit of everything but will max his potential with getting stronger physically.   [player_tooltip player_id='2867475' first='Maddox' last='Jones'] has continued to impress with his range of development. Jones is quietly getting more comfortable with his role off the bench recognizing scoring opportunities especially at times when the offense breaks completely down. He's had measurable improvement on both ends of the floor and is one of the better bench players we saw in the 16U division.   [player_tooltip player_id='2867482' first='Wesly' last='Scott'] is similar to a couple Reign 15U players as he's had an incredible growth spurt going from 6'2" to 6'4", along with adding some noticeable muscle the last four months. Scott's game is improving rapidly while he's worked to add some traits to become a stretch forward type player. He has the physicality in the paint but if he's able to get consistency from three, lookout. Scott displayed a good motor as well as strength in the paint on both ends I thought.

Here's a review of the Reign 16U squad while in Myrtle Beach. This group was one of the more exciting and up and down teams in any division and drew a crowd at every game.