Inside The Program : Invictus Basketball

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Invictus has established itself as one of Utah's respected AAU programs over the past few years, with teams ranging from second grade all the way through high school. The program has plenty of skilled players, talented coaches, and young athletes who are starting to make a name for themselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The talent throughout the program is showing, especially with the teams competing in championship games. In this article, I want to highlight some of the young talent coming out of Invictus, specifically the 2030 2031 and 2032 classes. There are a lot of players worth watching in these groups, and I'm excited to recognize some of the names that caught my attention and continue following their development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2031 Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3793898"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad063dde4eeb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3793898' first='Graham' last='Sharp'] was arguably the MVP of the 8th-grade Division One championship game, and the kid went off. He led the game in scoring and rebounding, making his presence felt all over the floor. Graham showed off his strong post game, mid-range touch, and ability to get to the free-throw line. He finished through contact, converted several and-ones, and showed he can be a force on the glass and a rim protector on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Graham made a strong case for being one of the best big men in the class of 2031 in Utah. He has a lot of potential, and I'd like to see him continue developing his ball handling and shooting from beyond the arc. He already has a good-looking shot and knocks down his free throws, giving him a strong foundation to build on. There is a lot more he can add to his game as he continues to grow and develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I also spoke with Invictus coach Yannick, who highlighted Graham's footwork, pace, and touch around the rim as the biggest strengths in his game. Coach Yannick said the work they put into Graham's footwork and aggression over the past year is really paying off. In the championship game, Graham's scoring at the high post forced the defense to collapse, creating open three-point opportunities for his teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Congratulations to Graham on an outstanding championship performance. He is a bright young star for [program_tooltip program_id='3793911' first='Invictus' last='Basketball'], and I'm excited to see what's next for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3793900"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad063dde4f67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3793900' first='Josh' last='Blackham'] is a 6'1” long guard who was another standout from Invictus' 8th-grade Division One championship team. Defensively, this kid is a pest. His length and athleticism make him a great player to use in trapping situations and he does a great job getting tip balls, creating deflections, and jumping passing lanes. Offensively, Josh has good pace, can handle the ball, and has a good-looking shot. I'd like to see him continue to develop his ball handling, but he already shows a strong ability to attack downhill and finish at the rim with long strides and athletic finishes. Josh played an amazing game in the championship and is another young prospect from Invictus with a lot of potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3793913"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad065bae545b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3793913' first='Franklin' last='Sargent'] is another Invictus player I got a chance to watch this week at the 8th-grade Division One championship, and he put on a show. That's the simplest way to put it. He was knocking down threes from well beyond the arc and showed just how pure his shot is. Franklin is one of the best shooters in the class of 2031, and he is a lot of fun to watch. He's also growing, getting stronger, and continuing to improve his handle. There is still plenty of room for him to develop, but the potential is there. Every time I watch him, I see improvement, and I'm excited to see how much more he can add to his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3793928"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad06a6cdda0e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liam Osler is another Invictus player who really stood out to me when I watched him this week in his 8th-grade Division One championship game. He is super crafty with the ball and does a great job getting downhill, using his handles to create opportunities and finishing strong for his size. One thing that really caught my attention was how well he controlled the pace of the game. He is a great passer who knows how to get his teammates involved, and he makes his presence felt on the defensive end with his activity and deflections. Liam also showed off his shooting ability by knocking down a couple of threes. He has a lot of ways to impact the game on both ends of the floor, and I'm excited to keep watching him develop with Invictus. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3793931"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad06a6cdda58"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3793931' first='Max' last='Pearson'] is another player I got to show up and watch this week in his championship game, and he stood out with how he controlled the game at the point guard position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Max does a great job getting downhill with crafty pickups to get to his layups. He's a good playmaker who knows how to get two feet in the paint, finish around the basket, and find his teammates when the defense collapses. His floater also stood out to me, especially how often he was able to get into the paint and create opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What I liked most was how Max ran the offense. He controlled the pace, made plays for his teammates, and did a great job orchestrating the game for his team. He also finished with a solid amount of points while continuing to create for others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Max is a young guard with a lot of potential. I'm excited to keep watching his development and see how he continues to grow as a point guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3793937"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad07e0679a32"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3793937' first='Maximus' last='Fa'] is a 5'10 guard who has some of the most potential I've seen out of this Invictus group. I've talked to several coaches from Invictus, and they've had nothing but great things to say about him. I made sure to pull up to his championship game this week, and after watching him play, I could see exactly what they were talking about.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maximus does a great job getting to his spots and loves that mid-range jumper from the corners. He has a strong, athletic spin move that helps him get downhill and finish at the basket. His finishing ability stands out, and he has a pure, smooth-looking shot. He also does a good job rebounding for a guard his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Zay had great things to say about Maximus and highlighted his athletic ability, shot creation and work ethic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Maximus is an exceptional athletic talent who can create his own shot and consistently make plays on offense. His ability to block shots in transition makes him a valuable two-way player.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maximus has a lot of potential, and I'm excited to see how he continues to develop his game. After watching him compete in the championship game and hearing from the coaches at Invictus, he's definitely a young prospect I'll be keeping an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3793939"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad07e0679a7d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3793939' first='Romeo' last='Garcia'] is a young point guard who caught my attention in the championship game this week. He plays with good pace, has a solid handle and shows good basketball IQ. One thing that really stood out to me was how well he took care of the ball. He finished without turning it over while making plays for his teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Romeo did a great job drawing two and sometimes three defenders before finding his teammates for open looks in the corners. He knows how to create opportunities for others and has a good three-point shot to go along with his playmaking ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's still plenty of room for him to grow and add to his game, which makes him an exciting young prospect to follow. Invictus has another young player with a bright future, and I'm excited to see how Romeo continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3793927"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad07e0679ac3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ky'Ron Randle is another Invictus player I got a chance to watch in his 8th-grade Division One championship game. He has good point guard instincts, plays with solid pace, and has a good handle to go with a nice three-ball. Defensively, I like his length and ability to create deflections. Ky'Ron still has a lot of room to grow and areas of his game to develop, but the potential is there. I believe he can become a solid player as he continues to put the work in and grow into his game. Invictus has been one of the best developing programs in Utah, and he is in a good place to keep improving. I'm excited to see where his game goes from here. #PrepHoopsUtah</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3794421"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad139446c81c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lu is a player I got to watch this week, and he definitely caught my attention. He's a big-bodied combo guard with a strong frame who takes up a lot of space on the floor. One thing that stood out to me was his defensive activity. He stays in a stance, gets deflections, and makes things difficult for opposing guards. Offensively, he has a smooth jump shot and knocked down several threes from beyond the arc, especially straightaway. Adding more touch and consistency to his shot will be important as he continues to develop. Lu is also a strong rebounder on both ends, creating extra possessions with offensive boards, putbacks, and some strong and-ones. He has a lot of potential, and with the athletic ability that runs in his family, I'm excited to see how far he can take his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3794466"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad139446c861"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brock Capell was a player whose size and strength stood out to me right away. He has a strong frame, good athleticism, and the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he uses his size well to create deflections and steals, and he really stands out in trapping situations. Offensively, Brock has a smooth, natural-looking shot from beyond the arc, and I liked his ability to knock down shots from the mid-range. He also does a great job on the glass and shows good leadership on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next step for Brock is continuing to develop his ball handling and building confidence in his offensive game. I'd like to see him look for his shot more because he has the tools to be a bigger scoring threat. There's a lot of potential here, and I liked what I saw from him. Invictus has another young player worth keeping an eye on, and I'm excited to see how Brock continues to develop and add to his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2032 Player</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3793941"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad07e0679b09"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I got a chance to watch [player_tooltip player_id='3793941' first='Daxton' last='Olsen'] play with an eighth-grade team at Invictus this week, and this young prospect is worth writing about. Daxton is a 2032 player who is already playing up with older competition, and after watching him, I can see why. He has a lot of potential, and I really like his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daxton has great touch around the hoop, a good downhill attack and a pure three-point shot. He plays with a lot of confidence, and his ability to score really stands out. For such a young player, he has some exciting tools and a lot of room to keep developing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Invictus has a really good one in Daxton. I'm excited to keep watching him, see how he continues to grow and watch him add more to his game. He's a young prospect I'll be keeping an eye on moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2030 Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3793942"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad07e0679b4f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I got a chance to watch [player_tooltip player_id='3793942' first='Jonas' last='Pugh'] play in his high school basketball game this week, and I liked what I saw from this young point guard. He plays with good pace, has a solid handle and can knock down shots from beyond the arc. He has some good tools to build on as he continues to develop his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jonas is a young prospect with potential, and I'm excited to see how he continues to grow. He may not be a name everyone knows right now, but with continued development, I believe people will start to hear more about him. Invictus has another young player worth keeping an eye on, and I'm looking forward to following his progress.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3794488"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad139446c8ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jack Hansen is a young player I had the chance to watch this week, and he definitely caught my attention. He has good length, athleticism, and a smooth-looking jump shot. I like his pace and handle, and he does a good job using his length to get downhill. He also rebounds really well for his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I talked with his coach, Coach Dace, who had nothing but great things to say about Jack and the progress he has made in his development. After watching him play, I can see that growth for myself. He's added new things to his game and continues to improve each year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is still plenty of room for Jack to grow. I'd like to see him get stronger with the ball, become more consistent with his shot, and continue building his confidence. He's still young, and as he gets older and continues to develop, I think he has the potential to become a well-rounded player and a name people around Utah basketball will start to recognize. I'm excited to see where his game goes from here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Future of [program_tooltip program_id='3793911' first='Invictus' last='Basketball'] </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is just a small look at what [program_tooltip program_id='3793911' first='Invictus' last='Basketball'] has to offer. This is a program focused on developing young players and helping them reach their goals. As you can see, there is a lot of young talent in this club, with plenty of players I couldn't even get to cover in this article. I'm excited to continue watching these kids grow, following the program, and scouting more of the talent coming out of Invictus.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I also spoke with one of the owners of Invictus about the talent in the program and what makes the club special. She shared, “What stands out most about the talent at Invictus is the hunger our players have to grow. There's a lot of raw talent in our gyms, and we love watching players gain confidence, sharpen their skills, and realize what they're capable of.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She also explained that Invictus is about more than winning games, emphasizing the importance of “building complete basketball players through strong fundamentals, basketball IQ, discipline, confidence, and competitive experience.” The goal is to help each athlete reach their potential and prepare for whatever their next level may be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the talent in this program and the emphasis on player development, I'm excited to continue watching Invictus and seeing what these young players become. There is still plenty of talent to recognize, and I look forward to continuing to evaluate and scout this program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->