Team Profile: Team Loaded 757 16U Continues to Turn Heads

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more impressive stories coming out of the spring grassroots season has been the play of Team Loaded 757 16U. Sitting at 13-4 on the season, this group has consistently proven they can compete with some of the top teams in the region while continuing to develop as individuals and as a unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their season has featured several quality wins, including a statement victory over the highly regarded Local Legends Pro16 squad, a team that entered the event as the No. 1-ranked team on the Puma Circuit. Wins like that don't happen by accident. They are the result of preparation, toughness, and players buying into a common goal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A major reason for the success has been the leadership of Coach Nick Walker. Anyone who has watched Team Loaded 757 this spring can see the discipline and attention to detail they play with. Walker has done an outstanding job demanding accountability while continuing to push his players to reach another level. Practices have been competitive, intense, and purposeful, and it's showing when the lights come on during tournament play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The growth across the roster has been noticeable, but several players have been especially impressive throughout the season. They also just won the CBG Championships Spring Series. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Tevaughn Bell","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Northeastern HS (NC)","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Team Loaded 757","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a18d2217868d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few players in the region possess the combination of size, strength, athleticism, and versatility that Tevaughn Bell brings to the floor. A standout two-sport athlete, Bell impacts the game in virtually every area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-foot-6, he presents matchup problems from the opening tip. He can attack the basket with power, finish through contact, rebound at a high level, and defend multiple positions. What makes Bell special is that he doesn't rely solely on his physical gifts. His feel for the game continues to improve, and he's becoming more comfortable making plays for teammates when defenses collapse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There simply aren't many players in the 2028 class who can affect winning the way Bell does.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"MJ Fitch Jr.","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Kellam","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Team Loaded 757","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a18d22178726"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MJ Fitch Jr. continues to establish himself as one of the most reliable players on the roster. His confidence and overall skill set have taken a noticeable jump this spring, and he's become a player the team can count on in key moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether he's making shots, creating opportunities for teammates, or bringing energy on the defensive end, Fitch consistently finds ways to contribute. His ability to impact the game without forcing things has been a major factor in Team Loaded 757's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kevin Whaley Jr.","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Green Run","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Team Loaded 757","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a18d22178797"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kevin Whaley Jr. has quietly put together a strong season and continues to improve every weekend. He's a player who embraces doing the little things that help teams win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His toughness, willingness to compete, and versatility have allowed him to fill multiple roles depending on the matchup. Coaches love players who can be trusted to execute their responsibilities, and Whaley has consistently shown that throughout the spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Leyton Harrington","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Cape Henry HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Team Loaded 757","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a18d221787ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leyton Harrington has been another player whose development has stood out. His confidence has continued to grow, and with that confidence has come increased production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harrington brings a competitive edge every time he steps on the floor. He plays hard, understands his role, and consistently gives Team Loaded valuable minutes. His improvement from the beginning of the season to now has been significant—a very athletic wing who can play above the rim. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3554560"],"_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-6a18d2217881a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3554560' first='Grant' last='Rohner'] continues to trend upward as a prospect. His ability to impact both ends of the floor has made him an important piece of this group's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rohner plays with a high motor and does a great job making winning plays. Whether it's securing rebounds, defending tough assignments, or capitalizing on scoring opportunities, he continues to make his presence felt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3583026"],"_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-6a18d2217883c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One player who deserves plenty of recognition for his growth this season is Ciyeh Suydam. His confidence level has risen dramatically, and it's translating directly to his play on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Suydam has embraced coaching, trusted the process, and continued to improve each weekend. The results have been evident, as he's playing some of the best basketball of his young career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Christen Mason","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Atlantic Shores","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Team Loaded 757","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a18d2217887a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perhaps one of the most intriguing stories on the roster is Christen Mason. Despite being a member of the Class of 2029, Mason has been playing up and holding his own against older competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That alone is impressive, but what's even more impressive is how comfortable he's looked doing it. His maturity, skill level, and willingness to compete have made him a valuable contributor despite being one of the youngest players in the gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The future is extremely bright for Mason, and his experience playing against older competition should only accelerate his development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A Program Moving in the Right Direction</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One thing that stands out when talking with families around the program is how often the same message comes up: many parents believe their sons are playing their best basketball since joining Team Loaded 757 under Coach Nick Walker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That's a testament to the environment being built within the program. The development has been real. Players are improving individually while learning how to contribute to winning basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 13-4, Team Loaded 757 has already put together an impressive spring. They've earned quality wins, developed multiple prospects, and established themselves as a team nobody wants to see on the opposite side of the bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the way this group continues to improve, it wouldn't be surprising to see their best basketball still ahead of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->