Hard Work Region Kick Off: Saturday AM Standouts

<p>AAU basketball is back! The Hard Work Region Kick Off got underway on Saturday. Here are seven of the best prospects I saw during the AM on the first day of action: </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048327" first="Ryan" last="Kenney"] -- 6-foot-7 -- PF -- Chicago Lockdown 2023</strong></p> <p>I was really impressed with Kenney’s willingness to scrap for rebounds in the paint on Saturday morning. While most players like to slowly get warmed up and into the groove of a game, Kenney decided to go all-out from the first whistle. The power forward is a strong prospect that is not going to be pushed around easily. In the paint, Kenney was able to finish some contested layups and draw fouls. Also showed an ability to knockdown outside shots if left open. Recorded 13 points and ten rebounds in the win. </p> <p><strong>Brandon Beck -- 6-foot-7 -- F -- Illinois Elite 2023</strong></p> <p>Beck did it all for Illinois Elite in a razor close triple overtime loss. The 6-foot-7 forward converted on six triples and finished with 20 points. A long, rangy prospect, Beck used his size to drain jump shots over smaller defenders. A player with Beck’s size and shooting ability has the potential to develop into a real problem. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1215297" first="Nick" last="Niego"] -- 6-foot-2 -- SG -- Chicago Lockdown 2023</strong></p> <p>While most of his teammates were struggling to find their shooting rhythm, Niego was ready to go from tip off. He started hot, scoring six of his team’s first eight points in the opening minutes. Finished with 14 points on four made threes. I thought that Niego did a really great job of always being ready to shoot. This allowed him to get off some quick shots from behind the arc.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1240071" first="Ian" last="Mindrup"] -- 6-foot-4 -- F -- Iowa Prep 2023 Platinum </strong></p> <p>Mindrup was dominant in the paint on Saturday morning. The 6-foot-4 forward rebounded, scored, and threated to block shots. Around the rim, I was very impressed with Mindrup's post moves and his ability to finish contested shots. He is a tad bit undersized, but Mindrup's motor and heart more than make up for what he lacks in height. Scored 14 points in the winning effort. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1240089" first="Shamar" last="Benton"] -- 6-foot-1 -- SG -- Iowa Prep 2023 Platinum </strong></p> <p>Benton was all over the place for Iowa Prep in a 65-44 win over Real Phenom. He scored 13 points, rebounded the ball, blocked shots, and played terrific defense. No doubt one of the most athletic prospects in the gym, the shooting guard used his athletic gifts to impact the game on both ends of the court. </p> <p><strong>Ariyon Reuben -- 6-foot-2 -- G -- Real Phenom 2023 Silas. </strong></p> <p>In a tough loss for Real Phenom, I thought that Reuben was a real bright spot. He was able to put up 13 points while being very efficient. Liked how the guard was able to get to the rim and score pretty much whenever he wanted. Also was able to knock down a three late in the second half. Reuben is a prosect that college programs should continue to track. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1167704" first="Tate" last="Haughenbury"] -- 6-foot-5 -- F -- Iowa Prep 2023 Platinum </strong></p> <p>Even though he missed a couple of bunnies, Haughenbury still played a really good game for Iowa Prep. Standing at 6-foot-5 with long arms, the forward has great positional size. Because of this, he could become a great defender. I really think that this kid could just be scratching the surface of his true potential. Haughenbury was able to tally ten points on Saturday. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>