Run N Slam: Saturday Morning 17 U Standouts

The Run N Slam in Fort Wayne is always one of the most competitive events in the Midwest each spring and in this article I'll break down my 17 U standouts from Saturday morning's action.    It seems like James takes his scoring to another level with the [program_tooltip program_id='2075761' first='Ohio' last='Buckets'] as once again he fueled a key victory for his team to open Saturday morning. An impressive below the rim finisher at the rim and displaying soft touch on shots 15 feet and in, James is tough to stop when he gets a head of steam going downhill to the rim. Add in the fact James has the quick processing to make drop off or kickout passes to teammates off a live dribble and James is able to set his teammates up with easy looks. With some seniors graduating from Toledo St John's, I'd expect James scoring load to increase next season for the Titans as well.     One of the biggest stock risers early in the spring, Scholl has taken the next step in his game and turning heads. Always one of the elite shooters in Ohio's 2027 class, Scholl is playing with more toughness as a rebounder and interior defender, two areas that will be required for him to see the floor early in his college career. Add in the fact Scholl played well through contact with constant hacking and hand checking and he kept battling and helped his team come out on top. After scoring over 20 points per game at Midwest Mania, Scholl has continued his momentum as the live period approaches.     One of the more talented slashers in northeast Ohio, Hershberger had multiple and-1 finishes in the back and forth contest against the [program_tooltip program_id='2075761' first='Ohio' last='Buckets']. Such a tough player to stay in front of, Hershberger can burst past you from a triple threat, use a crossover move to get by or wait for a screen to operate in the pick and roll. Finding a lot of success getting downhill, Hersberger showed why he's one of the top players in the Akron/Canton area and is set for a monster senior season.     Coming out the gates hot and aggressive, Reef knocked down some key jumpers to keep [program_tooltip program_id='2078667' first='TNBA' last=''] tight with [program_tooltip program_id='2075761' first='Ohio' last='Buckets'] throughout the game. With the confidence to fire away against hard closeouts, Reef is a shooter who the defense must consistently be looking to locate when he's off the ball. Providing floor spacing to open up the court for his teammates, Reef and [player_tooltip player_id='1761782' first='Jace' last='Riccardo'] showed nice chemistry together as the pair have been dominating together with [program_tooltip program_id='2078667' first='TNBA' last=''] for years.     Making a nice spark off the bench, Hobson came in and helped set the tone for [program_tooltip program_id='2078667' first='TNBA' last='']. A utility wing forward who can space the floor in the pick and pop game, set strong screens and fight for loose balls, it felt like good things happened for [program_tooltip program_id='2078667' first='TNBA' last=''] when Hobson was on the floor on Saturday.     One of the smallest players in the gym, Shelton didn't let that stop him from being super active on both sides of the court for [program_tooltip program_id='2078667' first='TNBA' last=''] on Saturday. Able to get in the lane basically whenever he wants, Shelton's shiftiness is a special skill when the ball is in his hands. Flying around the court, Shelton had a couple steals, even got his own missed 3-pointer back and provided tough on-ball pressure. As an extremely undersized guard you must check almost every box for college programs to recruit you and Shelton's toughness gives him a good chance to earn minutes at the next level.     One of the bigger surprises for me this weekend, Ziegler was excellent for WV Gold Nxt as they were competitive against some top talent. Ziegler looked taller from the last time I saw him and his body has continued to fill out as he was one of the stronger primary ball handlers I saw all day. Making a handful of 3-pointers in the game I caught, when he gets going from downtown he's very hard to stop due to his positional size and passing ability. One of the more under the radar rising seniors out of northeast Ohio, Ziegler should get looks from Division II, III and NAIA programs this summer as his playstyle could fit at a handful of different programs.     OBC took two tight and extremely competitive losses on Saturday but considering the talent they faced, they proved themselves to be a strong team with numerous intriguing college prospects. While most of their names have already found themselves in our 2027 rankings, Hays is a guy who I just discovered at Midwest Mania in April and he played even better at the Run N Slam. The 6'7 lefty power forward knocked down at least three 3-pointers from the corner as he also grabbed rebounds and used his length to protect the rim. That combination of size, length and shot making will have Hays flying up small college radars once more schools get to see him play this summer. Look for Hays to make his debut in our 2027 rankings during the next update.

The Run N Slam in Fort Wayne is always one of the most competitive events in the Midwest each spring and in this article I'll break down my 17 U standouts from Saturday morning's action.