In Depth — Elijah Poniewaz, One of UAA’s Top Scorers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2569202' first='Elijah' last='Poniewaz'] is one of the top 2028 prospects in the state of Missouri and put together a huge summer for [program_tooltip program_id='2078454' first='KC' last='Run GMC'], emerging as one of the most efficient scorers on the UAA Circuit. I had the opportunity to catch up with Elijah for a Q&amp;A to talk about what made the summer so special, what fueled his success, and what it all means as he continues to move forward and navigate the recruiting landscape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing in 19 games on the circuit, Elijah put up big numbers, averaging just under 15 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc. He also finished among the top 10 most efficient scorers on the 16U UAA Circuit, averaging 1.03 points per possession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Poniewaz was quick to point to several strengths in his game over the summer, including his ability to get out in transition, where he can step into his pull-up or knock down the three. He also found plenty of success operating out of ball-screen actions, getting downhill and consistently putting pressure on the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While he had several big performances throughout the spring and summer, Elijah pointed to his outing against Elevate in Kentucky at the UAA Finals as his best. He finished with 29 points, six rebounds, and three assists, showcasing a little bit of everything offensively while getting to the free-throw line at a high rate. But despite the stat line, Elijah said it was his favorite performance because the team played together, stayed on the same page, and found a way to win a tough overtime contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='2078454' first='KC' last='Run GMC'] closed out the circuit with a 13-6 record, winning its final three games in impressive fashion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no question that some of Poniewaz's success on the floor is a direct result of the work he's put into becoming stronger, more athletic, and leaner. He credits lifting weights four days a week, running hills, conditioning, and eating healthy as major reasons his body has taken such a big step forward over the past year and why his game is beginning to translate physically at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elijah also believes his productive scoring summer will carry over into the winter season with Chaminade, where he should have the ball in his hands more and continue to grow as a playmaker through his reads and ability to break down coverages coming off ball screens. He understands that great offensive players also know when to move the basketball, trusting it will find its way back to them if they continue to create space and make themselves available without the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Poniewaz credits all of his teammates for the success they enjoyed this summer and specifically mentioned [player_tooltip player_id='2607456' first='Titus' last='Moore'], [player_tooltip player_id='2820782' first='Greg' last='Stiger'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2141045' first='Ben' last='McKinney'] as players he developed strong chemistry with. He believes all three are names to watch as they continue building momentum heading into the coming year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elijah's success has not gone unnoticed, as he's already picked up Division I offers from Drake, Northern Iowa, and Southeast Missouri State. He's also drawing interest from Southern Illinois, Omaha, North Dakota State, Belmont, Liberty, Austin Peay, Oral Roberts, and Stanford.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While his development to this point has been impressive, Poniewaz acknowledges that he's still in the middle of a long process, continuing to work and grow each day to become the best player he can be. He's already set some lofty goals for himself and Chaminade this winter, including winning a state championship, earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors in the state, and breaking a few school records along the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->