Bash in the Desert: Top Rebounders

<p>What players rebounded at the highest level in the Bash in the Desert event? Here’s my collection of top carom collectors. </p> <p>Upile Akridge of Minnesota Grizzlies (6’3 2023 from Apple Valley).  When it comes to vocal, active, and animated, that was Upile.  He was always battling to get to spaces regardless if he won the battle or or lost, his effort was always there.  Upile also did a great job of rebounding his area and out of his area, keeping possessions alive and sending outlets out to teammates moving up the floor. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1123041" first="Bradey" last="Henige"] of D1 Nation AZ (6’11 2024 from Cactus HS, Arizona).  We’ve spoken greatly about Bradey’s ability that has earned him a division one offer:  Brady is skilled facing up and continues to develop range with his jumper.  But the old school simple role of rebounding and rebounding in bulk as a big man, is something that Bradey does well.  Every time I have seen him play it’s not just double figure boards, it’s rebounding numbers well about the landmark of ten.  Bradey averaged 14 rebounds a game this winter and is doing the same thing now. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1032868" first="Drew" last="Owens"] of Taylor Made Elite (6’6 2022 from Mesquite).  Owens is more what I would call a stretch four based on the catch and shoot touch, mid-range game, and floor run to make plays, but he also used his size to also rebound for his team.  Drew did a great job of mixing all of the stretch four abilities with playing the role of being a physical big. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1284106" first="Chiang" last="Ring"] of Minnesota Spartans (6’8 2024 from Minneapolis North).  Ring was the most naturally gifted rebounder that I saw at the event.  There were some local teams that had rebounders that are also in discussion but in the games I saw, Chiang’s explosive bounce and his collection of the cup, was special.  Ring has natural gifts that others don’t, and as he continues to learn how to play and develop skill, his prospect status will rise. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1434057" first="Caleb" last="Shoenrock"] of Minnesota Spartans (6’7 2024 from St. Francis).  When Caleb entered the game he knew his role and his role was to play exceptionally hard.  He did that and that is why I saw him grab four boards one game, five the next, and six/seven the next.  He was an energy guy that played his role.  </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1139986" first="Brady" last="Varney"] of NoCo Elite (6’4 2024 from Severance, Colorado).  NoCo Elite went undefeated in Arizona and the sophomore who will soon be a junior was the tough guy for this team.  Varney played his role well:  rebounded, defended hard, fought off opponents, and regularly collected eight boards a contest.  Averaged almost eight boards a game this winter as well. </p> <p>Christian Wilson of D1 Southern California (6’5 2023 from John W North).  Wilson was spirited, he was active, he was engaged, and he even hit a big three for his team.  But the biggest things were his screens on the ball, his energy, and the rebounds he collected ending some possessions and keeping others alive.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>