17U Watchlist: Upper Midwest Finals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Hoops Circuit heads back to Minnesota this weekend for the Upper Midwest Finals, and there should be plenty of excitement with bracket play officially taking center stage. The event will take place throughout the Minneapolis metro area, where talented programs from across the region will battle it out with Championship weekend intensity. With win-or-go-home matchups, every possession matters, and that always seems to bring out the best in players looking to make a statement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, the 17U division is full with talent, featuring a strong mix of proven names, rising prospects, and under-the-radar hoopers capable of breaking out in a big way. Fans can expect competitive games, high energy, and plenty of standout performances throughout the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">We've put together a 17U Watchlist featuring ballers from both Minnesota and North Dakota who are worth keeping an eye on. Below, we'll break down each player and give you three reasons why they deserve a look this weekend at the Upper Midwest Finals</span>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3645962,"width":"180px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_0a4f42.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_0a4f42.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3645962" style="width:180px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3621958,"width":"177px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-3621958" style="width:177px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2405944"],"_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-6a0e88301dbd8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Went off for 45 points in the high school season &amp; set a school record</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Long &amp; athletic, hard worker &amp; hustler, plays with heart &amp; energy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-A standout on the defensive side, stingy D, locks dude up</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1543338"],"_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-6a0e8109efb09"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Had a breakout high school season w/ the Packers &amp; looking good with NLBA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Aggressive off the bounce, quick feet &amp; speedy, puts pressure on the defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Disruptive on defense, plays fast, he will stand out as a playmaking slasher</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237847"],"_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-6a0e8c069c651"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Another SSA baller who is having a nice spring hoops season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Scores the ball well, shoots it hot from the arc &amp; also gets to the rack</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-For Touche's size, he does very good work on the offensive glass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1537903"],"_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-6a0e8c069c6d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Had some big games in the HS season, showed that he can score in a hurry</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Quick trigger from beyond the arc, microwave from 3-point land</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Long &amp; lanky, runs the court well, bouncy to the basket</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237807"],"_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-6a0e88301dcab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-An All-EDC baller, skilled w/ ball, 20.9 ppg (46 FG%), 4.2 rpg, 3.4 apg, 19 EFFpg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Consistently takes care of the ball, runs the show for SSA, shooting it well</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Has some real upside as a defender, but also a talented offensive baller</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2139200"],"_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-6a0e8c069c75b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Phenomenal high school season, averaged 23.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.3 spg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Elite shot-maker, ball-on-a-string handles, college &amp; NBA shooting range</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Beautiful shooting stroke, outstanding pull-up game, crafty/creative finisher </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1925132"],"_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-6a0e8c069c7b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-2nd Place at State, All-Region 1, NDHSCA All-State, All-Tourney Team at State </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-18.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2 apg, 1.4 spg, 65 made triples (40 3FG%), 48 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Extremely skilled with the rock, smooth &amp; accurate shooter, talented slasher</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2427862"],"_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-6a0e8c069c7fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Runs with SSA Grey, looked good earlier this spring, named a Top Performer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He is great at getting to the basket and he can jump out of the gym</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Physical ball player, runs &amp; moves well, full of versatility, solid on defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1539675"],"_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-6a0e88301dd0e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Got the Mavs to State, All-WDA, 14.6 ppg (55 FG%), 9.3 rpg, 3.6 apg, 21 EFFpg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Playing downhill and physical in the SSA Black spread attack</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Aggressive scorer and rebounder, strong/physical ball player, tough kid</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1539676"],"_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-6a0e8109efb87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Had some splashy HS games, 15.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.8 apg, 55 made 3FG (32%)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Having a nice spring, one of the top offensive players for SSA Black</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Three-level scorer, tough matchup with his size/strength &amp; aggressive player</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3554001,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/circuit-logo_b3ebdf80-crop-2021x1327-1773331424.webp"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/circuit-logo_b3ebdf80-crop-2021x1327-1773331424.webp?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3554001" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->