NLBA 16U: Season Review

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next Level Basketball Academy's 16U group put together a productive summer, showing steady growth and plenty of competitiveness along the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Led by <strong>Jared Bledsoe</strong>, the team benefited from a coach with a strong basketball background. A standout at MSUM Moorhead before continuing his playing career professionally overseas, Bledsoe brought plenty of experience to the sideline and helped guide the group throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The core of the team has been together for multiple years, and that familiarity was evident. They played with toughness and grit, while their confidence continued to build as the season progressed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NLBA picked up many wins and finished <strong>undefeated in three events</strong>, giving the team several strong stretches of basketball. Along the way, the players grinded, competed, and improved together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was also a group that was simply fun to coach. The players brought energy and effort, played for one another and continued to build on the chemistry developed over numerous seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Bledsoe and the NLBA 16U group, it was a season built around <strong>hard work, growth and a love for the game</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1534492,"width":"332px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/08/nextlevelLOGO.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/08/nextlevelLOGO.jpg?w=720" alt="" class="wp-image-1534492" style="width:332px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player Comments</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2848933"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8817ea77195"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steckler was very good this club season. He worked his way into a starting role and bought in on the defensive end. Brody was efficient and effective off the bounce. He shot it well and set up teammates for good looks. Steckler always came up with 50/50 balls and was named a Top Performer at PH Circuit events multiple times. Brody was confident with the ball in his hands, communicated well, and thrived when driving and kicking. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2344662"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8817ea7727b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson was the team leader, as Chase went, the team went. Chase has been with NLBA since 6th grade and his game continues to grow. He is a competitor who hates losing. Johnson is a three-level scorer who had some big-time games. He wreaked havoc on defense and always brought "DGF Toughness". Johnson was quick to dive on the floor, could get hot from 3, and always knew when and where to put the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2573795"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8817ea7733f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">NLBA was impressed with his maturity this club season. Darius proved to be a big shot maker and game up clutch in closing time. He is a high emotion and high energy player Hamilton is also a real-deal 3-point shooter. He is versatile, as he can post up smaller defenders but also stretch/space the floor. Darius could be described as a microwave, he heats up in a hurry. He was not just a scorer, this Bruin blocked shots and made plays in the passing lanes. Hamilton grew up a lot this summer and has the potential to be an impact player for South this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2469061"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8817ea773fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McNally is a bona fide SNIPER and you have to like that length. Ethan had one game where he erupted for NINE 3-pointers! He holds himself to a high standard, has a quick trigger, and is smart about getting open for looks. Ethan is a grand master at reading the defense; he understands spacing very well. He McNally works hard on his game, he will only get better. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2845355"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8817ea774b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">SCARY ATHLETICISM! Watch him for 30 seconds and you know that this kid is gifted. Togba is raw, but wow, can he change the game with his explosiveness. Heze changed the game with his shot blocking, rebounding, and dunking. Togba threw down 1-handed, 2-handed, and even a few eye-popping windmills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2447425"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8817ea77552"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another Rebel who epitomizes toughness and grit. Oman has been with NLBA since 7th grade and his game has flourished in the program. Jaxon has matured into a scorer who is not afraid to play defense. He is physical and gets into ball-handlers. When there is a 50/50 ball, Oman gets it or it's a jump ball. Jaxon showed that he is a 3-level scorer who rebounds extremely well for a guard. He also added a sweet fadeaway shot from the block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2447427"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8817ea775ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was impressed with Cook this spring, he was an easy pick as a Top Performer. PHD is intrigued with Lincoln's length and versatility. He is another guy who has been with the program for many years and has turned into a very nice player with his length. Cook is a left-handed matchup problem; he looks like a forward but has guard skills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2548369"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8817ea77683"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Max showed out as a DAWG with NLBA. He was new to the squad and was a great addition; he fit in perfectly. Dahms was great at getting a rebounding, pushing the pace, and making plays in transition. He hit triples, drained middys, and was a playmaker around the rim. Max is versatile; he was an effective player positions 1-4. This Spartan was physical and tougher than expected. He certainly passed the eye test by ripping rebounds and finishing after contact. He played with confidence and showed the ability to get hot from 3. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2845345"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8817ea7770e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mullen is a football player at heart and was a fun player to have on the NLBA team. He used his body well and knew his role. Mullen ran the floor hard, played solid defense, and communicated well with his teammates. Parker brought positive energy to the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2839997"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a87cca5cdee5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rhonin is tough on the basketball court but is also a talented baseball player. He had a very nice club season with NLBA. Bjorem stood out as a utility hooper and understood his role. Rho rebounded tremendously well. He flew out of nowhere for boards, secured possessions, and gave the team 2nd chance opportunities on the offensive end. Bjorem is extremely competitive and played with an edge. Rhonin was fierce on both ends while playing physical basketball. He is capable from 3 and scored in a variety of ways. Bjorem is a player you want on your team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2845350"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8817ea777c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He played the 5 for NLBA and brought an inside presence. Most of his game came from within 15' and Anderson was very effective. He did good work moving around the rim, catching and scoring. Anderson was a coachable player and a positive teammate. Zach had great chemistry with many of his teammates and thrived moving without the ball. This kid wants to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2853410,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image -->