Run N Slam: Friday 16 U Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Run N Slam got underway on Friday night and in this article I'll break down my 16 U standouts from the opening night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2542412"],"_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-69f57b17ed517"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The most productive player on the court, Kasten impacted the game in a variety of ways from the wing position. Able to operate as the ball handler in pick and roll situations and turn the corner to beat the hedge defense, Kasten showed patience and used his length to extend at the rim and finish. Being guarded by smaller wings, Kasten found success running the floor and catching it on the block and scoring at the basket. In the second half with the [program_tooltip program_id='2078448' first='Illinois' last='Wolves'] 16 U group looking to extend their lead, Kasten came from out of nowhere for a monster chase down blocked shot. Impressive all around performance from him on Friday evening in a win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2474926"],"_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-69f57b17ed5c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Turner came out the gates aggressive on Friday evening by making plays off the catch thanks to quick ball movement from his teammates in the half court. Turner could catch and make a move in two to three dribbles to keep an advantage and score while the defense was rotating. I thought Turner played on balance and was a nice complimentary piece as a play finisher for the [program_tooltip program_id='2078448' first='Illinois' last='Wolves'] 16 U group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2766431"],"_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-69f57b17ed64e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The size in the paint was a key advantage for the [program_tooltip program_id='2078448' first='Illinois' last='Wolves'] 16 U group on Friday and Payne did a nice job of using his size and frame to his advantage. Payne blocked a couple shots at the rim and more importantly created second and third chances for his team to score with his offensive rebounding. A load to stop in the paint and not afraid to be physical, opponents have to seek out Payne and box him out or he will eat on the offensive glass. Strong team performance where I could've picked another couple guys to spotlight from the [program_tooltip program_id='2078448' first='Illinois' last='Wolves'] 16 U group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2194985"],"_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-69f57b17ed6cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This was the first time I've gotten to see DiSanto in action in a while and it looked like he hasn't skipped a beat after a transfer held him out the second half of the OHSAA season. One of Ohio's top shooters in the 2028 class, DiSanto knocked in five or six 3-pointers in the contest with a couple coming from well behind the college 3-point line. With a quick trigger and range that extends well beyond the high school line, DiSanto can catch the defense off guard with the confidence he shoots the basketball and he's earned that confidence with excellent in-game shot-making. Add in the fact DiSanto looks stronger and has grown since the start of his sophomore season and he seems to be gearing up for a big junior season with Moeller in the GCL South.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2530726"],"_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-69f57b17ed749"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With his high school coach making the trip to cheer him</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>on from the sidelines, Burton had a big impact for [program_tooltip program_id='2440235' first='Bates' last='Fundamentals'] with his activity in the full court press. [program_tooltip program_id='2440235' first='Bates' last='Fundamentals'] seemed to find a rhythm late with a trapping defense that was led by Burton's quick hands and ball pressure. Burton also opened the game with a pickpocket steal and breakaway layup and overall was active looking for his shot or to set a teammate up. I think Burton is a prime candidate to breakout as a junior with Lima Sr and performances like this against top talent show he's ready to make a big splash for the Spartans in the winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->