Grassroots Sneak Peek: Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's that time of the year when teams start gearing up for the grassroots season. This is just a little sneak peek at some of the players in a few programs across the state that you need to watch. The upcoming season promises exciting talent, and these players are poised to make an impact. With intense training and strategic development, these athletes are preparing to showcase their skills on the court. The grassroots scene is always a melting pot of emerging talent, and this year's crop looks particularly promising, with several players ready to elevate their games and capture attention from college coaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2089441' first='Jax' last='Clark'], American Fork</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'8 PF will suit up with the [program_tooltip program_id='3510287' first='Utah' last='Prospects EYBL'] team in the Spring. This is huge for one of the kept secrets in the West. He has the frame to compete for time as an incoming freshman at the D1 level. Clark holds offers from Utah State, Southern Utah, and Utah Tech. Clark is easily a player who could bolster his stock and make a dramatic change in his recruiting. He is poised out on the floor as he does not let the defense rush him. He can lean on a smooth midrange jumper. He can put the ball on the floor. In transition, he has gotten better over the years, and his motor has increased on both ends as well. He is at the top of the list to keep an eye on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2604919' first='Raidon' last='Barney'], [program_tooltip program_id='2091934' first='Utah' last='Gold']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2604919' first='Raidon' last='Barney'] is a player to watch, emerging from rural Utah and a smaller school, making him somewhat under the radar. He's a must-see prospect, a lengthy three-guard with the necessary elevation for his position. Standing at 6'8", he can also defend the four, and his perimeter shooting has significantly improved. With a bigger city program, he would attract more college interest. Barney is a player to keep an eye on; he could be a diamond in the rough.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1724367' first='Saxon' last='Young'], [program_tooltip program_id='2272999' first='Salt' last='Lake Rebels']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rebels will be on a new circuit after switching to Adidas and will compete in the gold division. As they always do, the Rebels will compete against anyone in the country, never backing down. [player_tooltip player_id='1724367' first='Saxon' last='Young'], a player who mirrors this intensity, is a feisty guard ready for any challenge. He's a skilled point guard with a knack for shooting, utilizing both under-the-basket and open-court opportunities. Defensively, he's active and versatile, making him a player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Avery "Tuk" Howe, Lehi</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Howe had a fantastic run at state, showcasing significant offensive improvements and increased quickness off the dribble. He exploited smaller, quicker defenders with his long, twitchy first step. Even when teams started to back off, Howe capitalized on the open space and demonstrated his improved shooting ability. Prime has a stud with length, standing at 6'7" and possessing excellent mobility. Tuk will suit up for [program_tooltip program_id='2214029' first='Utah' last='Valley Prime'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->