17U Bigs Who Protected the Paint at The Stage

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This weekend at <em>The Stage</em> at the Pacers Athletic Center, it wasn't just guard play that stood out. The bigs made their presence known, protecting the rim, controlling the glass, and showing versatility that fits today's game. These frontcourt players impacted both ends and proved how valuable strong interior play still is.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2489650"],"_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-69e6c5ca60571"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Landon brought energy on both ends of the floor for We Different 17U. Defensively, he was active as a shot blocker and used his athleticism to protect the paint. Offensively, he showed he's more than just a traditional big. He can get downhill, attack the rim, and finish through contact. His ability to run the floor and impact both sides makes him a tough matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2401484"],"_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-69e6c5ca605d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rakale Johnson stood out as one of the better rebounders of the weekend. He consistently controlled the boards and gave his team extra possessions. What makes him interesting is his transition from playing the 4 to developing into more of a wing. He defended well, blocked shots, and showed improvement in his three-point shot. He also attacked the basket with force, showing he can play inside and out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2638035"],"_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-69e6c5ca6061f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dequane Stafford brings size, but what stood out was his ability to stretch the floor for 502 Elite 17U. He has a solid outside shot, which makes him difficult to guard as a big. Defenders have to respect his shooting, which opens up space for his team. That combination of size and shooting gives him real value in today's game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2141011"],"_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-69e6c5ca60661"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2141011' first='Preston' last='Johnson'] showed the versatility every team looks for in a modern forward this weekend for Legacy Ice. At his size and length, he creates mismatches, especially against smaller defenders. He's strong around the rim and comfortable playing with his back to the basket. At the same time, he can step out and knock down shots when left open. That inside-out ability makes him a difficult cover.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2882512"],"_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-69e78c414ed98"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2882512' first='Cooper' last='Malaski'] had a strong weekend and showed why he's a valuable frontcourt piece with Pro Skills Basketball 17U. He's a big who can shoot it and finish well around the rim. He also rebounded at a high level, consistently giving his team extra possessions. His combination of size, touch, and effort stood out throughout the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The bigs at&nbsp;<em>The Stage Tournament</em>&nbsp;proved they can do more than just protect the rim. They rebounded, defended, stretched the floor, and created mismatches in different ways. As the game continues to evolve, players who can impact both inside and outside are becoming even more valuable. This group showed they're trending in that direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->