National Open Championship: All Hustle Team 15U

Defense and intangibles were the name of the game for these young ballers! Every player on this list exemplifies the importance good all around play.    LIam is one of the hardest working players I watched over the weekend. He was always at the right place, at the right time. Whether it was battling for rebounds, scoring, defending or going after loose balls, Liam epitomized the definition of hustle. He scores in the paint and knocks down mid-range jump-shots. Liam was great at running the pick and roll. He set strong screens that led to him rolling to the basket for easy scores. Liam is an excellent passer who always made the right play. Defensively, his interior post defense was physical. Despite being smaller that his opponent, Liam held his own by forcing numerous turnovers and blocking a shot. He's a great team first player who will play a vital role in the success of Lapel basketball.     Cooper is the “ hustle guy “ for Legacy Ice Boost. He always found himself near the basketball. Whether it was rebounding, scoring inside, taking charges or defending, Cooper found ways to be effective on the basketball court. He is the kind of player who takes pride in being a good all around player. Cooper attacked the glass on both ends of the floor. Cooper also showed the ability to be a play-maker. Many of his assists led to easy scores and positive outcomes for his teammates. Don't be fooled! Cooper does all the intangibles, but he also scores. Whenever he was left alone behind the three-point line, Cooper calmly knocked them down. He is a hard-nosed defender who came up with timely blocks and steals. The pressure he applied on the opposition caused numerous turnovers.     Elijah is a great all around player. Whether it was grabbing rebounds, scoring the ball or defending, he was effective on all areas of the court. Elijah showed a knack for scoring tough lay-ups and put-backs around the basket. He has the ability to knock down perimeter shots and score during fast-breaks. Elijah attacked the glass with ferocity on both ends of the court. He did not mind battling opposing players for rebounds. Defensively, he excelled at guarding multiple positions. Elijah effectively defended post players within the interior by playing physical. Whenever he guarded smaller players it was more of a challenge. Well, he was up to the challenge because he generated multiple steals under these circumstances. I expect Elijah to have an excellent Sophomore season in high school basketball.     Tyler was the obvious leader of Davis Brothers 2028. He was the primary ball handler and facilitator. Tyler excelled at getting to the basket and making tough shots. He's a hard-nosed player who did whatever the team needed to be successful. If Davis Brothers 2028 needed a score, rebound or defensive stop, he gave it to them. If he was not attacking the rim, he was knocking down mid-range jump-shots. Tyler was great at using the dribble to free himself for clean looks at the basket. Whenever the team had an opportunity to score transition points, he was the catalyst who either scored or assisted teammates. Tyler is a great play-making guard who will easily lead his high school team to a successful season.     One of the best combo guards at the tournament. Keontae is an excellent ball handler. He easily broke down opposing defenders and scored at the basket. He showed a knack for scoring floaters in the paint and finishing through contact. Whenever he matched up with opponents on the wing, the results were always good. Keontae showed the ability to knock down mid-range shots and three-pointers. He also facilitates the ball. Most of his assists led to high percentage shots for his teammates. Defensively, is where he truly shined. He's a lock-down defender who plays great on ball defense. Keontae excels at forcing turnovers and causing opponents to make mistakes. He's an elite defender who is capable of being a great all around player. Especially, as he continues to improve offensively.     A tough player who showed the ability to score inside and knock down mid-range shots. Char is a tough shot maker. During the game against DTM Elite, he used a quick first-step to blow by his defender and score tough baskets around the rim. Sometimes these scores led to three-point play opportunities from the free-throw line. I was impressed by his rebounding prowess at the guard spot. Char attacked the glass with the same ferocity as he did on offense. Especially when he grabbed offensive rebounds. Many of his points inside came from put-backs around the basket. Whenever the team had chances to score, Char was the focal point of the Power House MN 15U offense. On defense, he excelled at forcing turnovers with on-ball steals. He also played the pass lanes with success. Char is a physical guard who should have a great Sophomore season in high school basketball.     I loved this young man's hustle. Elijah is the kind of player who does all the dirty work for Indiana Basketball Club 2028. Whether it's rebounding, scoring or defending, Elijah managed to be around the basketball. He used a quick first-step to easily get by defenders. This led to scores or assists for himself and teammates. He did not mind battling opposing players for rebounds in the paint. Elijah showed a knack for taking charges and diving for loose balls. If there was an all hustle team, he would be the catalyst! Defensively is where he shined! He's an excellent on-ball defender who forced multiple turnovers. Elijah showed his toughness by defending larger players in the post. He blocked shots and showed the strength to hold his own. In my opinion, Elijah will become a special player as he continues to develop offensively.

Defense and intangibles were the name of the game for these young ballers! Every player on this list exemplifies the importance good all around play.