Baller Notes-SSA ND 16U Black-Upper Midwest Finals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SSA ND 16U Black found a way to survive and advance on Saturday at the Upper Midwest Finals, battling past a solid MN Fury squad in an entertaining game from the weekend. The Sanford crew showed toughness, resiliency, and clutch playmaking after trailing in the second half, taking the lead, going to OVERTIME, and then taking care of business for the OT victory. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MN Fury delivered a dramatic moment with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to send the game into overtime, but SSA responded the right way. The SSA ballers stayed composed in the extra session and ultimately pulled away for a hard-fought four-point victory to keep their weekend alive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a gritty team win filled with big plays, hustle moments, and players stepping up when it mattered most. Below, we break down player notes and standout performances from Sanford's thrilling overtime win over the Minnesota squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">SCORES</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">HALF</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SSA ND 16U Black - <span style="text-decoration: underline">25</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MN Fury 16U Hibbs - <span style="text-decoration: underline">27</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">FINAL after 2 Halves</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SSA ND 16U Black <span style="text-decoration: underline">51</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MN FURY 16U Hibbs <span style="text-decoration: underline">51</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">FINAL after OT</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>SSA ND 16U Black -</strong> <strong>57</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MN Fury 16U Hibbs -</strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline">53</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3648943,"width":"145px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_c1b110.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_c1b110.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3648943" style="width:145px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3642351,"width":"143px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/PlayerNotes-crop-823x540-1774382521-crop-800x525-1779122312.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/PlayerNotes-crop-823x540-1774382521-crop-800x525-1779122312.jpg?w=799" alt="" class="wp-image-3642351" style="width:143px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Sanford Sports Academy 16U Black</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2378095"],"_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-6a122a15b46a7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Nice working driving &amp; kicking, found shooters</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-PNR slash &amp; dish, nice find &amp; great touch pass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Space &amp; shoot triple from the left wing, much needed score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-In-rhythm stroke, passes the eye test in the catch &amp; shoot game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Coast-to-coast push, impressive take &amp; score, cut the lead down to 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-5:00 left in the game, steps up to the FT-line &amp; cashes both 2/2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Loose ball steal when it really mattered</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Transition dish to Micah for a dunk</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-PNR drive, got to the rim, lefty score, impressive take/score, cut the lead back to 1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Scrappy &amp; pesky on-ball defender</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2573801"],"_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-6a122a15b4726"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Gathered in a tipped O-board, attacked and banked home a score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Extra-pass assist to Deutsch for a 3-ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Floater score from the left side, tough shot in traffic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Looked good w/ hard closeouts but still under control, contested/forced misses</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Extra-pass assist to Bloms for a triple, good ball movement by Triepke</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Deflected a pass &amp; forced a TO in crunch time</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Blocked shot late in the game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-2/2 on FT's with 4.2 on the clock, ice in his veins</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-1/2 FT's under a min in overtime</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-2/2 FT's with 2 secs on the clock, closed out the game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3624793"],"_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-6a122a15b47d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Stepped in front of a pass for a steal like a DB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Transition push, beautiful alley-oop lob pass to Zimmerman for a score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Skilled with the rock, natural playmaker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Knocked down a pretty pull-up J after coming off a ball-screen</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Catch &amp; cash triple, all net</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Came of a high basll-screen, got inside the elbow &amp; hit an J, shooters touch roll</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Perfect timing &amp; flow, knows exactly when to pull-up</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showing off the handles again, making double-moves &amp; creating space</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-PNR game with Knudsen, amazing pass to the BIG man on the roll</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-HUGE 3-pointer to start OT, catch &amp; shoot from the left wing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2848125"],"_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-6a122a15b483b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Lanky &amp; bouncy athlete, easy won the jump ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Blocked a shot with his long arms when recovering on defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Baseline catch &amp; score, first SSA points of the game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Alley-oop catch &amp; finish in transition, great timing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Explosive finish to the rim, he can really get up, used his length well to finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-AND1 score, bouncy athlete, hit the FT after for a 3pt play</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Highlight reel 2-handed SLAM in transition</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Crazy VB-swat out of bounds to end the first half</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Transition 2-handed SLAM, impressive flush, big bucket, cut the lead down to 1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-1/2 FT's under 60 secs, tied the game up</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Erased a shot late with his long arms</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-High-points rebounds, runs the floor well, can jump out of the gym, huge potential</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2360699"],"_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-6a122a15b48a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Great assist to get SSA on the board, found his Spud teammate on the baseline</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Tipped an O-board to a teammate that led to a score, Boll is active on the glass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hard ball-screen to free up a teammate</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-PNR screen, roll, catch, finish in traffic </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He must have great concentration, no problem finishing w/ multiple defenders around him</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Contested offensive board, high-pointed the ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Strong shot attempt from the right baseline, fouled, hit both 2/2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2417304"],"_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-6a122a15b48f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Catch &amp; shoot triple, fluid, soft touch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Transition assist to Zimmerman for a Slam Dunk, sweet pass in transition</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Drive-step &amp; slash, drew help, found a cutting Knudsen, good eyes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed good vision when hitting a cutting Knudsen for a score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2412050"],"_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-6a122a15b4949"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Big/strong/aggressive/muscular</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Outstanding across the paint pass to Zimmerman for a score, good eyes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Another assist, found his DL teammate in the corner for a 3ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Effective ball-screen to free up the DL kid for a score </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Post-D steal, good work using his outside hand</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Vertical cut, catch, score, nice finish, good pass from Deutsch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Excellent ball-screener with his size/wide body &amp; brute strength</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Ran the floor hard, cut hard in the secondary O, caught/catch, mobile finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-PNR screen, roll, catch in traffic, excellent reverse layup finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Another hard BS to free up Bloms for a score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Monster O-board putback with 15.7 one of the block, took the lead by 1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Inside-out pass to start OT, hit the DL kid for a triple, great pass for a BIG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-BLOCKED a shot in OT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Went down with an injury after the blocking the shot</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 -->