Grind Region Finals: 16U Standout Shooters

<p>The Prep Hoops Circuit came to a conclusion this past weekend at the Grind Region Finals in Dallas. Some of the best grassroots programs from a variety of states took part in the event to see who would be crowned Grind Region champions, with 68 teams competing in the 16U division. I was able to see a bunch of them in action, and will be highlighting standout prospects from the tournament throughout the week.</p> <p>With that in mind, here are some of the best scorers from the 16U division:</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Jace-Steinmetz1.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1171297" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Jace-Steinmetz1-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1212149" first="Jace" last="Steinmetz"] | 2023 | 6'3'' Shooting Guard/Small Forward | SSA Hoops Elite 2023 Black | Garden City HS</strong> - Steinmetz was one of the most consistent shooters I saw this weekend. He displayed NBA range from three-point land and fabulous off-ball movement. The Garden City prospect hit jumpers off the bounce as well as from the catch, and was efficient from both mid-range and deep. He didn't rush his shots and did a good job of getting himself squared up before releasing the ball. Steinmetz recorded a 17-point outing on Saturday in a win over Top Achievers Elite.</p> <p> <br /> <br /> <strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/D63F64FC-722D-4EF3-B4BD-8579E58AC411-rotated.jpeg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1258086" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/D63F64FC-722D-4EF3-B4BD-8579E58AC411-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Jordan Carter | 2022 | 6'0'' Combo Guard | Team Buddy Buckets 2023 | Bartlesville HS</strong> - Carter knocked down five threes in his Saturday afternoon contest, finishing with 19 points and leading his team to a dominant mercy-rule victory. He provided some dagger threes to earn that win, showcasing good range from behind the arc. His shooting from the catch was excellent, always looking ready to fire whenever he got a touch on the perimeter. He was one of the few kids who actually smiled when I took his head shot, but don't let that fool you because he is a killer on the court. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Evan-Barber.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1165837" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Evan-Barber-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="981279" first="Evan" last="Barber"] | 2023 | 6'1'' Point Guard | Rogue 2023 | Westmoore HS</strong> - Barber played a huge role in getting Rogue to the quarterfinals, dropping a game-high 24 points with four threes in a competitive matchup against the Tulsa Hawks. His three-point shooting down the stretch really helped his team edge out the opponent. The Westmoore floor general exhibited his shooting versatility, burying shots after coming off screens, spotting up from the catch, as well as pulling up off the bounce. He works hard to get open when operating away from the ball and was a timely shot-maker for his squad.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Jayden-Saa.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1195995" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Jayden-Saa-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1172865" first="Jayden" last="Saa"] | 2023 | 5'8'' Point Guard | Team United Texas 2023 Yellow | Rockwall HS</strong> - Saa is another three-point marksman with the ability to consistently hit catch-and-shoot triples as well as threes off the dribble. He possesses a quick release that constantly caught defenders by surprise. It's hand down man down with this kid. The Rockwall guard scored 15 points via five threes in one of his Saturday matchups, helping to keep his squad connected after falling behind early. Beyond that, he sprints to free himself up and plays with some emotion on offense. Saa is a great energy guy with a strap.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/07/Xavier-Miller16.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1247130" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/07/Xavier-Miller16-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Xavier Miller | 2024 | 6'1'' Combo Guard | Top Achievers Elite 2023 | Plano East HS</strong> - Playing up in the 16U division, Miller never looked rattled. He casually put up 15 points Saturday afternoon, looking comfortable throughout the matchup. The Plano East guard did a great job getting his shots up in rhythm and was effective when spotting up from deep. Furthermore, he knocked down a super-deep three after recognizing that the defense wasn't going to respect his range. The soon-to-be sophomore is certainly someone to keep an eye on this upcoming high school season. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/07/Deangelo-Ponder11.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1244103" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/07/Deangelo-Ponder11-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Deangelo Ponder | 2023 | 6'4'' Combo Guard | Top Achievers Elite 2023 | Arlington Bowie HS</strong> - Ponder has a dangerous step-back in his arsenal that he can deploy from just about any spot behind the arc, though, he seemed particularly fond of utilizing it from the right wing. He didn't have any trouble creating his own shot and showed that he doesn't need much space to get it off. Moreover, the Bowie prospect made several heavily contested jumpers. He possesses good size for a guard and is a fearless shot-maker with solid mechanics. </p>