The Tune Up: 19 Players To Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is our second take on the first annual <span style="text-decoration: underline">The Tune Up</span> hosted by <span style="text-decoration: underline">Prep Hoops</span>. We are looking at Players To Watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">To see the previous Watchlist, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/07/weekend-watchlist/">CLICK HERE</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}}} --> <p style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">The PH Circuit is back in Minnesota! Prep Hoops The Tune Up is going down this weekend (July 5th &amp; 6th). This tournament is a lead-up/tune-up to Prep Hoops 2K25, which happens next weekend (July 11-13) in the Minneapolis metro, expect this one to be a massive &amp; thrilling event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">The Tune Up is not a huge tournament, but there will be quality teams playing and noteworthy ballers to keep eyes on. PHD has put together a Watchlist of players to check out at the event</span>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>See below for comments…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}}} --> <p style="font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">Happy early 4th of July to all the basketball players, coaches, and fans!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2894348,"width":"329px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2894348" style="width:329px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2894349,"width":"330px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_02f8ea.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_02f8ea.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2894349" style="width:330px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2813485"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865d1c0da152"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When Olson gets hot, he is SCARY! Alex has proven himself as a shooter/scorer from anywhere on the court. His length is a huge asset to the team defensively. Olson is also a fruitful rebounder. He gets it done on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2794402"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865effe38734"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He hoops with 16U Real Phenom TMason. Amey is a super quick point guard who puts a heap of pressure on defenders to stay in front of him. Gondekar has a way/knack for getting into the paint and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140885"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865cdd1ee459"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Landa is known as a SNIPER and a dead-eye shooter. Braxton has quality ball skills and is a threat whenever he is on the court. Look for Landa to be one of the better shooters in the 16U division at The Tune Up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2858471"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865cdd1ee4d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He has sprouted up a bit and is up to 5'11". Bangu is an ELITE defender! He takes a few risks on defense, but that creates turnovers and offense going the other way. Deandre gets stops when the team needs it. He can also hit the open shot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2825709"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865cdd1ee538"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He hoops with MN Comets Kuhl. Rutten is coming off an OT buzzer-beating shot in the last game of the Great Plains Alliance. Eli had excellent all-around play during the Comets 3-1 weekend. Eli is a player that college coaches should get to know. He is an excellent shooter, but contributes in nearly every statistical category and has virtually no weaknesses in his game. Besides that, Eli is a great teammate and a fantastic kid who anyone would love to coach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2464702"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865ca0a551a7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with [program_tooltip program_id='2075808' first='Powerhouse' last='MN']. Elijah is a versatile wing who hits perimeter shots at a consistent rate. Benepe is also an effective downhill slasher. He is a solid and versatile player on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2835693"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865c18baa66b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with Elevate Skills. Sell is a winner; he helped the squad take home the NHR State Tournament Championship earlier in the season. Sell is a dawg on the court and a high motor baller. He always defends the opposing team's top offensive threat, Griffin is a scrappy and physical player. He is aggressive to the rim, but is also effective hitting middys and step-back triples. Sell is a vocal leader and an underrated baller that every coach would want on his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2845899"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865c18baa6e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with Elevate Skills and was a key playmaker in the run to the NHR State Tournament Championship. At 6'4", Jack is the starting PG with an amazing feel and court awareness. He pushes the pace while creating for himself and teammates. Gunderson is also a tremendous shooter. He accurately catches &amp; shoots from 30 feet. He is the ideal guard with length, a controlling tempo, deadly 3 shooting, and versatility on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2124212"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865bb629303d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He is a jack-of-all-trades. Jaylen will do anything that is needed to help the team on the court. Goergen rebounds and passes at a high level. He uses his length and athletic ability to finish around the rim and protect the hoop on the other end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2858361"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865ca0a5525e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He is a versatile and playmaking forward. Omoyeni is a high-level shooter but can also be a force on the inside. He is a useful defender who can match up with all positions and get the job done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2834228"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865c18baa770"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ebbers has had a nice club season so far. He helped the squad win the NRH State Championship earlier in the season. Justin is a walking Double-Double and a beast of a forward. He is an efficient machine who averages 15 ppg. Ebbers is a level-headed baller, he never gets sped up, and he plays at his own pace. Justin thrives by getting 2nd chance points and scoring from all three levels. He is also an effective defender who can slow down positions 1-5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kyle Johnson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Robbinsdale","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"16U Real Phenom TMason","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865d1c0da2fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Slowly but surely Kyle has developed into a high-motor, extra-active defender and productive rebounder. Johnson has a high hoops IQ and he does the dirty work that does not show up in the scorebook.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140657"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865a2727ba67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with Power Circle Basketball Academy. Ongeri has performed well in the past on the PH Circuit. Lawrren is a physical guard and all-around player. He makes plays while slashing downhill and is a capable three-point shooter. Ongeri's strength helps him finish at the basket. He is also a skilled ball handler who is not bothered by pressure. Lawrren plays composed and creative basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2126151"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865cdd1ee6b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with [program_tooltip program_id='2075808' first='Powerhouse' last='MN']. Marco is an impressive and dynamic guard who has no trouble creating his own shot. London is also a playmaker for his teammates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2119654"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865bb62930da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This Titan is a 2-way dawg. Stewart is a pest with his frustrating on-ball defense. He is a high-octane athlete who will be sure to catch your eye. Quan is also an efficient three-point shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2381759"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865cdd1ee750"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Parker is an intriguing baller, some say that he has D2 potential. Parker makes positive plays inside and out as a BIG man. He has been productive all season and is averaging a Double-Double in points and rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2463188"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6865bb6293127"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hussein is effective inside and out. He shoots a high percentage from beyond the arc. He also uses his size/length to post up smaller defenders near the hoop. Salman does a good job of protecting the rim and rebounds at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marques Simpson (2026) |6'4"| &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='2843943' first='Denard' last='Simpson'] (2026) |6'4| John Marshall/MN Lace Up 17U Black</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They are dynamic twins who can do it all on the hardwood. Marques and Denard actively/effectively defend BIGs and guards. The Simpson twins are each averaging a Double-Double in points and rebounds. These two are stat stuffers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2894477,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_3fa956.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_3fa956.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2894477" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->