PHN Future Stars Classic: Interior Threats (13U-14U)

The Next Future Stars Classic was packed with standout talent and competitive fire. From tough-nosed defenders to poised offensive leaders, players across multiple squads stepped up in a big way. Here's a look at several who stood out with their impacts in the painted area.    Barnes brought relentless pressure to opposing defenses for the Mpls Hustlers. A skilled operator in the pick-and-roll, he punished mismatches and consistently found ways to get to the free throw line. His ability to break down defenders and make plays off the bounce was key down the stretch, where he took on the closer role with confidence and control.     McCoy anchored both ends of the floor with poise and physicality. A magnet for rebounds, he used his strength and instincts to win positioning and keep possessions alive. Offensively, McCoy displayed excellent vision when facing double teams, turning pressure into opportunities with smart passes. His role as an interior playmaker added valuable structure to the Hustlers' half-court sets.     Tronbak played with a fearless edge that lifted Sanford Sports. He wreaked havoc in the full-court press, using active hands and nonstop energy to force turnovers. Offensively, he attacked the rim with purpose—often finishing through contact for and-1 opportunities. With Tronbak on the floor, Sanford played with a physical, inside-out rhythm that wore teams down.     Lindquist was the engine behind M14 Hoops' offense. A cerebral floor general, he made sharp reads and delivered pinpoint passes after getting downhill. Whether finding cutters in the dunker spot or spraying the ball to shooters, Lindquist's decision-making and calm demeanor gave M14 Hoops consistent structure and momentum on offense.     Blackburn continuously provided a low post threat for Sanford Sports. He wields great size to go along with a willingness to find the open man. As a threat to take it coast to coast following rebounds, he also showed off timely outlets and quick witted decisions in the open floor. Blackburn was one of the top playmakers in his division. He proved capable of hitting some rhythm jumpers off of the catch when given the space.     Luckett scored it on all three levels of the floor over the weekend for PJ Hoops. He was a mismatch in most cases given his height and ball skills. There was a sense of grit and toughness when he was in the game, providing rebounding and interior defense as a wing. When PJ Hoops looked to pressure the ball fullcourt, he created chaos with his wingspan and quick reflexes. In clutch moments, Luckett was the guy to go to to close out games. He had an overall impact at the Next Future Stars Classic.       Wong was versatile as a combo guard for the [program_tooltip program_id='2075672' first='Minnesota' last='Fury']. He wields speed and a shooting ability from range which limited teams looking to over help on the ball. When he was run off the line he displayed next level playmaking. Wong finished at the rim seamlessly with either hand in a heart beat. The [program_tooltip program_id='2075672' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] was able to play with an advantage offensively when he was on the floor.

The Next Future Stars Classic was packed with standout talent and competitive fire. From tough-nosed defenders to poised offensive leaders, players across multiple squads stepped up in a big way. Here's a look at several who stood out with their impacts in the painted area.