TEAM Warwick 17U Knight: Season Review

For the 17U Knight squad, this AAU season carried extra weight, serving as the last ride for a majority of the group who have grown up together on the court. Rather than treat that finality as a burden, this team leaned into it, balancing individual skill development with a genuine team-first approach that paid off in big moments. A perfect run through the Falls Brawl and a strong showing at the Great Plains Alliance highlighted a season defined by resilience, including a gritty second-half comeback against a talented Minnesota Lightning team. When a midseason lineup change forced key players into bigger roles with almost no notice, the Knights responded not with panic, but with growth, as several guys stepped up to fill the gap and found new confidence along the way. From a hard-fought return from injury to breakout performances off the bench, this was a team that got better because its players trusted each other and embraced the process. As these seniors prepare to bring what they've learned into their high school seasons, here's a look back at the moments, players, and lessons that defined their final AAU run together.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/SeaonReview-.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/SeaonReview-.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1842251" style="width:294px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   See below for player comments and an informational Q&A session.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/teamwarwicklogo.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/teamwarwicklogo.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3607973" style="aspect-ratio:2.1741334675679562;width:431px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   17U Knight   Player Comments via Coach Knight    "Hayden moved up after the spring season. He was our best offensive creator and shooter. He also guarded the other team's best player. He looks to have a standout senior season."     "Ran the point for this group, did a great job creating for his teammates. He also did a great job of creating chaos on the defensive end for his team."     "Was a knockdown shooter all year. Coming into the season, he wanted to work on his mid-range game and finishing attacks. He did a great job developing those two levels of scoring. He will have a great senior season."     "Did a really nice job of finishing at the rim all year for us. He does a great job of running the floor and creating in transition. He also extended his range this summer."     "Collin is a long athletic wing who did a great job of finishing at the rim. Collin was also our leading rebounder, which allowed us to get out in transition."     "Lucas is a good shooter who can knock down open 3's, pull up in the mid-range, or curl into a shot. His defense improved all year. He looks to have a fantastic senior year."     "Neil was a younger player playing on a 17U roster against tough competition all year. He learned how to play at that pace and physicality. This will go a long way in improving his game as he heads into his school ball season."     "Braden is a younger player playing up as well. He handled the point guard and 2-guard spots for the team. He, too, adjusted to the pace and physicality for an easier transition at the varsity level."    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/QA.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/QA.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2511663" style="width:281px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   With Eric Knight   PHD: What are some of your best memories from off the court?   "This was a special group that took their last AAU season and made the most of it. They played to develop their own skills and game, but did it in a way that resembled a team basketball game. Going 5-0 in the Falls Brawl and 4-1 in the Great Plains Alliance tournament was memorable."   PHD: Can you tell us about a memorable play or game that really sticks out to you?   "At the GPA we were down 15 in the second half against a really good Minnesota Lightning team and fought back to win the game."   PHD: Who was your "go-to" player when you needed a basket?   "During the spring portion of the season, [player_tooltip player_id='2132818' first='Hayden' last='Heier'] was our instant offense when we needed a big bucket or when we were struggling to score. He moved up to our program's first 17U team. When Hayden moved up [player_tooltip player_id='2277844' first='Brady' last='Jewett'] and Lucas Pesky rose to the occasion and provided much-needed offense."   PHD: Who was your most improved player?   "[player_tooltip player_id='2449685' first='Dylan' last='Bettcher'] was our most improved player. Dylan tore his ACL during the 2025 football season. He came back during the July portion of our season. He got back into basketball shape with really good basketball movements. He provided a defensive answer and knocked down open shots."   PHD: How did the team improve from the start of the season to the end?   "We improved with stacking up quality offensive possessions. Early on, we played fast and made it difficult for teams. When they were able to slow us down, we struggled at times to score. During the second half of the year, we continued to play fast and were able to get into solid offensive possessions after getting slowed in transition."    PHD: Who were a few of your hardest workers?   "[player_tooltip player_id='2132811' first='Boche' last='Knight'] continued to be our point guard, pushing in transition and requiring the defense to scramble early. He also was able to fly around on the defensive end to cause havoc for other teams. [player_tooltip player_id='2550489' first='Lane' last='Sieber'] is a solid 3-4 man who filled in very effectively on offense and defense depending on the matchups that presented themselves."   PHD: Can you talk about a time when you and the team overcame adversity?   "Three days before we took off for the Great Plains Alliance tournament and the July portion of our season, we found out Hayden would be playing with the first team for the remainder of the season. The guys did a great job filling in that role and continuing our solid play."   PHD: Who was your top post player?   "[player_tooltip player_id='2250315' first='Collin' last='Weier'], who is naturally a winner, played post for us on the offensive and defensive end. He did a great job on both ends of the floor with bigger guys from the other teams to deal with."   PHD: Who emerged as an unexpected contributor or breakout star?   "Lucas Peskey filled this role in [player_tooltip player_id='2132818' first='Hayden' last='Heier']'s absence. He did a great job coming off the bench in the spring, in the summer, he filled the role offensively and defensively as a leader."   PHD: What lessons from this season go beyond basketball?   "As a 17U group, you know this is your last run at things. These guys did a great job cherishing opportunities on and off the floor while getting better at basketball. I really hope they can take these lessons on to their school team this winter."   BEST OF LUCK TO THE WARWICK BALLERS THIS WINTER!!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/teamwarwicklogo.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/teamwarwicklogo.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3607973" /></a></figure>

For the 17U Knight squad, this AAU season carried extra weight, serving as the last ride for a majority of the group who have grown up together on the court. Rather than treat that finality as a burden, this team leaned into it, balancing individual skill development with a genuine team-first approach that paid off in big moments. A perfect run through the Falls Brawl and a strong showing at the Great Plains Alliance highlighted a season defined by resilience, including a gritty second-half comeback against a talented Minnesota Lightning team. When a midseason lineup change forced key players into bigger roles with almost no notice, the Knights responded not with panic, but with growth, as several guys stepped up to fill the gap and found new confidence along the way. From a hard-fought return from injury to breakout performances off the bench, this was a team that got better because its players trusted each other and embraced the process. As these seniors prepare to bring what they've learned into their high school seasons, here's a look back at the moments, players, and lessons that defined their final AAU run together.