Hard Work Region Finals: 16U Standouts

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This weekend was the Prep Hoops Region Finals, here were the top 16U performers playing at Bloomington Jefferson.</span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="962206" first="Max" last="Shikenjanski"] </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">of MN Fury (6’3” Guard, Stillwater 2023) Max is one of the most consistent players I’ve watched all spring/summer. He scores the ball in a variety of ways, always making it look easy. He is an automatic finisher around the rim, but can also scorch a team from anywhere beyond the three-point line. I am looking forward to seeing him go off for 30, 40, or even 50 point games this winter!</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="1140142" first="Isaiah" last="Hanson"] </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">of MN Heat (6’4” Guard, Rochester Mayo 2023) [player_tooltip player_id="1140142" first="Isaiah" last="Hanson"] was the best shooter I watched this weekend! I was fortunate enough to watch Heat’s first matchup versus Wisconsin Crusaders where Hanson hit 6 three-pointers! He was doing a great job moving without the ball to get open shots and defenders could simply not keep up. The 6’4” guard also got easy layups caused by defenders jumping at Hanson’s ball fakes. I was very impressed with Isaiah’s performance. </span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="1139192" first="Dylan" last="Omweno"] </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">of Gain Elite (6’1” Guard, Apple Valley 2023) It was a treat to watch Dylan facilitate all weekend. He was always the fastest player on the court, leaving defenders in the dust in transition and isolation situations. The incoming junior shot the ball very well from beyond the arc as well. Omweno was hitting tough shots off the dribble in all the games I watched. </span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="958816" first="Akeem" last="Nelson"] </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">of MN Heat (6’1” Guard, Minnesota Prep 2023) Akeem was putting on a show this weekend with his ball-handling and passing! The 6’1” guard was also putting in work on the defensive side of the ball, coming up with a handful of steals and poking the ball loose from players on the other team. Nelson will be playing on The Grind Session with Minnesota Prep for this winter season!</span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="1158739" first="Raoul" last="Vaidya"] </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">of MN Bounce (5’11” Guard, Maple Grove 2023) Raoul was doing it all for his team this weekend. Playing defense, hustling for loose balls, shooting threes, ball handling, passing, you name it! Vaidya had a breakout game in their last matchup of the weekend versus MN Fury Antl. He finished with a team-high 16 points, leading Bounce to the victory. Be expecting a breakout season from the 5’11” guard!</span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="1167554" first="Hayden" last="Tibbits"] </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">of MN Fury (5’11” Guard, Wayzata 2023) I am amazed every time I see Hayden finish at the rim over taller opponents. He has so many different ways that he can finish and I rarely ever see him get blocked or see his shots get altered. Not just that, but Tibbits is very quick and has great vision to see cutting teammates and is always creating easy scores. He joins the reigning state champs in Wayzata again, but will see a much larger role this season. </span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="962223" first="Khalif" last="Bettis"] </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">of MN Chill (6’5” Guard, Apple Valley 2023) A big guard, Khalif was able to use his size and athleticism to dominate this weekend. A great defender, as well as a great ball-handler he was able to make an impact on both sides of the floor. He made it look easy taking it to the hoop and finishing with dunks in transition. He will play with an intriguing squad at Apple Valley where he will be one of the main key players. </span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="1221176" first="Owen" last="Carlson"] </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">of MN Chill (6’3” Guard, Mahtomedi 2023) My first time seeing Carlson play, I was impressed to say the least. One play stuck out to me right away. He used his long arms to reach into a passing lane and steal the ball, then used his speed to beat an opponent to the hoop and rose up for a big-time dunk. The unique skillset he possesses will be one to watch this upcoming season!</span></p>