Upper Midwest Finals: The 16s Standouts

Ryan James May 28, 2026 @ 01:29 PM

<p>In watching the 16u level this past weekend it was a chance to get a look at some new names that stood out and we note them here. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Romeo the MVP</strong></h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2417305' first='Romeo' last='Kromah'] just had one of the single best days of championship Sunday basketball you will ever see. His three point/perimeter touch was on and he's always one of the most aggressive basket attacking players using his strength, speed and quick lift to the rim. </p>   <p>Kromah brought [program_tooltip program_id='2076003' first='West' last='Central United'] back from double figures down in the semi-finals against Unbreakable Elite to win scoring 33 points in one of the best efforts of the weekend. His rapid floor run, catch, and finish before the defense could help led to the game winning score with four seconds to go. And then in the title game against the Titans, Kromah scored over 20 plus starting with the perimeter jumper followed by the attacks. </p>   <p>Romeo is from Moorhead, Minnesota and is pretty much the face of [program_tooltip program_id='2076003' first='West' last='Central United'] right now. They went a strong 5-0 this weekend to capture the Upper Midwest Finals title and they remain one of the top 8-10 teams in 16u play. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Titan Standout Backcourt</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2954092' first='Fred' last='Onyinkwa'] is the lead guard of the Titans and he comes from PACT Charter. Fred appears to be the type of player that you can expect to come through for the time on just about every possession. Half court offense, Fred moves the ball the way he needs to. Attacking to score, Fred is a strong player and quick to the rim to finish. Defensively he has a work ethic and moves well laterally. A top player from the 16u division last weekend.</p>   <p>Teaming with Fred is guard Alex Deah from Monticello. And when you see Deah attack, defend with pressure, and play aggressively you see a perfect pair with Onyinkwa for the Titans. In the semi-final win over the Rise, Deah had 18 points on 7 of 10 shooting and he just seemed to be at every loose ball. Looking for a weekend 50-50 ball champion? That would like be Deah.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">16U Finals Notes</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2909458' first='Braylon' last='Nelson'] from Minnesota Rise is a player that caught the eye. The Sleepy Eye frontcourt player grew up a guard but is now about 6'5 and strong. He has good hands and footwork but also the toughness to approach double-doubles like he did against the Titans in the semis. </p>   <p>A shooter to make note of is [player_tooltip player_id='2864363' first='Abe' last='Willett'] of the [program_tooltip program_id='2075674' first='Minnesota' last='Heat'] by way of Centennial High School. His six threes and 27 points scored allowed Heat Gunderman to knock off [program_tooltip program_id='2078859' first='Starks' last='Elite']. </p>   <p>Another lead guard that stood out over the weekend was [player_tooltip player_id='2848154' first='Allan' last='Omare'] of Elevate Skills. A Wayzata player that produced 13 points a game this weekend helping Elevate to earn a couple good wins. Attacking down hill player. </p>   <p>And one more guard that teams are having a terrible time staying with is Jayden Post, a St. Louis Park quick athlete that is with Heat Gedeon. He had a combined 37 points on Sunday led by is quick transition game with the pass or dribble, and three triples to beat PGA.</p>

In watching the 16u level this past weekend it was a chance to get a look at some new names that stood out and we note them here.