Grassroots Finale: 8th Grade Rebounders

North Augusta, SC — The Grassroots Finale concluded the summer AAU schedule with 24 eighth grade teams competing in North Augusta, as Florida Vipers defeated Alabama Fusion Turbo in the championship game. After highlighting the top athletes, ball-handlers, and defenders from the eighth grade division, our coverage continues with a look at the top rebounders. The players featured below consistently produced on the glass, using their size, strength, timing, positioning, and effort to secure contested rebounds, finish possessions on the defensive end, and create second-chance opportunities on the offensive boards...    Yazeer Azeez was a consistent force on the boards at the Grassroots Finale. He went after rebounds with authority and did an excellent job securing the basketball rather than giving opponents opportunities to knock it loose. Azeez regularly finished defensive possessions with a rebound while providing his team with additional chances on the offensive end. His ability to control the glass had a substantial impact on the game.     Caleb Brutus consistently tracked down rebounds on both ends at the Grassroots Finale. He read missed shots well and was quick to react once the ball came off the rim, putting himself in position to collect a high volume of boards. Brutus maintained that effort throughout his time on the floor and rarely became a spectator when a shot went up. Rebounding was one of the strongest and most reliable elements of his game.     Darius Creer offered plenty to be encouraged about at the Grassroots Finale, particularly with his work as a rebounder. His long arms and impressive length expanded his rebounding radius, helping him reach balls that other players simply could not get to. Creer was productive chasing misses and consistently used his reach to his advantage around the paint. As the rest of his game develops, his length and natural ability on the boards give him considerable upside moving forward.     Landin McCoy attacked the glass with force at the Grassroots Finale and consistently generated rebounds on both ends of the floor. He was assertive pursuing misses, coming from different areas of the court to put himself in the mix around the basket. McCoy's strong hands were a major asset, as he secured the ball firmly once he got his hands on it. His aggressive approach to rebounding was a significant part of his effectiveness.     Avion Smith created valuable extra chances for his team with his work on the offensive boards at the Grassroots Finale. He routinely kept possessions alive by getting to missed shots and giving the offense another opportunity to score. Smith was equally productive at the other end, where he collected defensive rebounds and helped prevent teams from extending their own trips. His presence around the glass consistently tilted the possession count in his team's favor.    Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!

North Augusta, SC — The Grassroots Finale concluded the summer AAU schedule with 24 eighth grade teams competing in North Augusta, as Florida Vipers defeated Alabama Fusion Turbo in the championship game. After highlighting the top athletes, ball-handlers, and defenders from the eighth grade division, our coverage continues with a look at the top rebounders. The players featured below consistently produced on the glass, using their size, strength, timing, positioning, and effort to secure contested rebounds, finish possessions on the defensive end, and create second-chance opportunities on the offensive boards...