Grind Region Kick Off 16U: Elite Performers
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Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy! A closer look at some of the players that either grabbed attention with big performances and why they’re posed for big summers. Xon Williams, 6’2 Guard,…
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A closer look at some of the players that either grabbed attention with big performances and why they’re posed for big summers.
Xon Williams, 6’2 Guard, Oklahoma Impact 4:13
The fast paced style of AAU games are the perfect environment for the speedy guard to thrive in. And that’s exactly what he did on Saturday. Williams was fantastic at pushing the ball in transition, where his good size not only allowed him to get inside but score as well. Far from being an one trick pony, Williams can play in the halfcourt as well. He’s willing to move without the ball and even hit jumpers.
The rising sophomore guard does not have a lot of varsity experience which is a concern when speaking of college potential. But a strong spring and summer as part of Impact 4:13’s three-headed monster backcourt alongside Rashaud Smith Rashaud Smith 6'1" | SG Heritage Hall | 2024 State OK & Malachi Schilreff; could be just what Williams needs to jump start his career. Which could lead to him making big noses in Oklahoma high school gyms this winter.
Dylan Snow, 5’9 Guard, Oklahoma Primetime
The 405 based squad went 4-0 on the weekend and it was the outstanding play from their Yukon Miller floor general that stood out in two viewings. Snow is a shifty floor general with a non stop playing style that leads to him creating for others as a driver who loves to get into the paint. He is also a non stop defender, constantly probing for weaknesses in full court coverage and showing good instincts when playing passing lanes.
Along with creating for others and his outstanding defense, Snow can score well for a smaller guard. He’s shifty into the lane, with a good understanding of angles to get off shots against bigger defenders. In a win over a Texas squad on Sunday afternoon, he finished with 20 points.
LaDavian King LaDavian King 6'1" | CG Eaglecrest | 2025 State CO , 6’1 Guard, PLUTO Prospects
A freshman playing up in the 16U, King might have been the most impressive prospect from a long term potential at the vent. In the first viewing he was promising as a scorer that hit open shots and had a crafty handle to create space. While the shooting potential was intriguing, he was still prone to sloppy moments with the ball leading to turnovers. And wasn’t finishing strongly at the rim. While there was promise, there was clear areas of improvement to his game.
Fast forward a few hours to a night cap game on Saturday and King was in complete control of the contest. Not only was he creating the same separation for his lethal jumper, he was exploding at the rim and finishing strongly. It was commanding performance, the type that he replicates under the eyes of college coaches during upcoming live periods, the Colorado guard will soon be racking up D1 offers.
David Wilson, 6’6 Forward, Thunder Elite
Athleticism and activity go a long way when evaluating developmental post players. Wilson checked both those boxes on Sunday morning with early rim shaking slams that showed his explosiveness. But he didn’t stop with slams, he was a monster on the glass on both ends. But especially on the offensive glass where he kept working to get second chance points. While also having good feel as a shot blocker on the defensive end. The big man left it all on the court and will require future viewings this spring and summer.
Nelson Shinkle Nelson Shinkle 6'8" | PF Jefferson City | 2024 State MO , 6’7 Forward, Mid MO Elite
Another forward that understands his role and excels in it is Shinkle from Missouri. Not quite the athlete Wilson is but Shinkle is another high motor motor who instead uses strength and positioning to make his impact around the rim on both ends of the court. He understands the importance of boxing out on the defensive glass, while where to get deep post positions on offense. Shinkle needs to continue to work on his finishing around the rim. But the energy he plays with is a good sign for his long term growth. His energy was best shown on one possessions where the recorded a block, which started the break and he was the transition scorer after running hard down the court.