NLBA 15U: Season Review

[program_tooltip program_id='2135832' first='The' last='Next Level Basketball Academy']'s (NLBA) 15U squad was a team built on chemistry, and it showed in everything they did. Coached by Jared Bledsoe, a man who knows the game inside and out from his own professional playing career, this group played for each other all season long, supporting one another, competing with serious intensity, and hooping with a genuine enthusiasm that made them a high-entertaining watch.   Leading the charge was a talented core of four: [player_tooltip player_id='2524107' first='Joseph' last='Malano'], [player_tooltip player_id='2447413' first='Liam' last='Hoganson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2447410' first='Tjay' last='Atar'], and [player_tooltip player_id='3430187' first='Cooper' last='Sweeney'], who set the tone game in and game out. Around them, the rest of the roster bought into their roles, creating a well-rounded, competitive team that racked up wins and found plenty of success throughout the season.   See below for player comments...   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/IMG_2021.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/IMG_2021.png?w=720" alt="" class="wp-image-2853410" style="width:293px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   <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:270px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   NLBA 15U    Malano is a lanky lead guard and floor general. He grew as a player over the club season. Joseph thrived at getting downhill; he was very good at getting to the hoop off the bounce. Malano's long wiry frame caused deflections and forced turnovers. He rebounded very well for a PG. Joseph became more verbal this season and he grew as a leader.     He and Hoganson made up the "Bash Brothers" for NLBA. Cooper is physical and a high-energy baller. He does the majority of his scoring around the paint. Sweeney runs the floor, crashes the glass, bangs in the paint, and stands out as a playmaker. Cooper also came up clutch on multiple occasions. His athleticism is improving; Sweeney is now dunking.     He and Sweeney made up the "Bash Brothers" for NLBA. Liam was by far NLBA's leading scorer. He ran the floor hard, was great in up-tempo, and responded well to adversity. Liam consistently produced; he had a huge season. He is versatile, a competitor, and is not afraid of taking big shots at crucial times in the game. Hoganson has a bright future.     He had a lot to do with NLBA's success. TJ was a leader who hooped with a chip on his shoulder. Atar is a three-level scorer. He hit clutch shots late in the season and even banged home a buzzer-beater. Atar is a nice player who responds well to constructive criticism; his game will continue to grow.     Morris was often the fastest player on the court. He is a quick and scrappy guard. When Slyvester locked in, he was super tough on defense; he moves his feet well. He made a difference by making the extra pass and scoring in transition. When there was a 50/50 ball, Morris always seemed to come up with it. This kid is a tone setter!     Bloom's calling card was shooting; he is a 3-point specialist. Adrian is not gun-shy and has the ability to drain 4 or 5 triples in a game. He did not just shoot, Bloom set up teammates with the pass. He is an emotional player with good character.     Teah is raw but VERY athletic. At 5'10", he can get up and grab the rim with two hands, not bad for a 2029. This Rebel is explosive. He blocked & altered shots, played solid D, chased down rebounds, and competed. Caleb is new to the game, but he wants to get better and is heading in the right direction.     This was his first year with NLBA and Edem was a nice fit. This Mustang is very athletic! Edem was a solid role player who sat down on defense, bought into finding the open man, and rebounded well. Do not forget about his bounce!     Gee was new to NLBA this season, but he fit in well. Prince has noteworthy size and strength; he is a scrappy ball player who is coachable. He rebounded well, shared the ball, and scored in up-tempo.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/IMG_2021.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/IMG_2021.png?w=720" alt="" class="wp-image-2853410" /></a></figure>

The Next Level Basketball Academy 's (NLBA) 15U squad was a team built on chemistry, and it showed in everything they did. Coached by Jared Bledsoe, a man who knows the game inside and out from his own professional playing career, this group played for each other all season long, supporting one another, competing with serious intensity, and hooping with a genuine enthusiasm that made them a high-entertaining watch.