Hustle Region Classic – 17U Top Posts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hustle Region Classic featured plenty of competition in the 17U division. There weren't a ton of big guys at the event but those that were there made an impact. Here's a look at some of the top posts/forwards we watched on Saturday and Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='861088' first='Graham' last='Eikenberry'], BDH Elite 2024 (2024 St Andrews)</strong> - Arguably the top post at the event, Eikenberry simply produced. He may have been the top rebounder the entire weekend, with his offensive rebounds often leading to second or third chance opportunities. Defensively he stood his ground and blocked shots, and offensively he showed off some range by facing up and even knocked down a couple of threes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1495285' first='Nate' last='Gilkey'], More Than Hoops 2024 (2024 Gresham)</strong> - Gilkey <em>(pictured)</em> did have one game where he broke out scoring wise, but for the most part made a huge impact simply with his rebounding and defense. The 6-foot-8 rising senior moves very well in defending the rim and is just as effective affecting shots when he isn't rejecting them. Added strength and confidence will take Gilkey to the next level of his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nolan Kleiwer, CP Magic 2024 (2024 Rock Canyon)</strong> - Definitely more of a forward than a post at the college level, the 6-foot-7 Kleiwer still did most of his damage inside with some nice moves and feathery touch on his shot. He was very active on the glass in the game we watched and also dished out some nice interior passes that led to easy buckets for teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1232164' first='Jonah' last='Jones'], Team Progress 2024 (2023 Westside Christian)</strong> - Another guy who'll be playing more outside at the next level, Jones nevertheless served as the top post on Team Progress and got things done with his athleticism, specifically his leaping ability. Jones played above the rim grabbing boards or finishing plays, but also stepped outside to hit a face-up jumper or two.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kimani Winger, PA 17U (2024 Sheldon)</strong> - A raw athlete, Winger used his vertical and long arms to snare rebounds both when they were in his area and when they were outside. He ran the floor for transition buckets, but also showed off some basic post moves that led to some layins. He too may end up more of a perimeter player but there appears to be plenty of potential of development with his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1253126' first='Cabrayon' last='Odom'], Team RIZE 2024 Elite (2023 Antelope)</strong> - Possessing a rock-solid build at 6-foot-7, Odom was near unmoveable by smaller players so whenever he got position down low it was basically a bucket for his team. While most of his damage was done in the paint, the lefty showed the ability to step outside and hit face-up jumpers including threes from the top. He was also a knockdown free throw shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1119294' first='Isaiah' last='Waters'], No Fear Elite (2024 Vanguard College Prep) </strong>- He may be a bit undersized listed at 6-foot-5, but Waters more than made up for any shortage of height with his bulk and ability to use it to create space. He was able to bully his way around the basket and avoid fouling as he was fairly light on his feet. He was effective on the glass and was more than willing to bang around with opponents on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joaquin Powell, Pack 2024 (2024 Parshall) </strong>- Another undersized post at 6-foot-5, Powell's way to combat taller players was with his athleticism and raw strength. He really fought for rebounds and was a shot-blocking threat, especially coming off the weak side. While a bit raw offensively, he did a credible job finshing around the hoop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jack Clarke, Players Only 16U (2025 Lakeridge)</strong> - A developing big at 6-foot-6 and potentially still growing, Clarke had a big game against No Fear Elite. He finished through contact on the offensive end and did a nice job on the boards and contesting shots on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1957667' first='Talan' last='Yearout'], BDH Elite 2024 (2024 Raymond)</strong> - Yearout used his big body to create space down low and get physical with defenders. He did a nice job banging on the boards and had a fairly soft touch inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2348755' first='Colby' last='Getting'], ProTech (2025 Columbia Christian)</strong> - We didn't get to see a ton of Getting but it was clear to us that he can run the floor, has a decent motor, and has the potential to get better. Hard to argue with 6-foot-9 too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1883819' first='Liam' last='Slattum'], More Than Hoops 2024 (2024 Woodburn)</strong> - Slattum got limited minutes due to injury but he's a solid 6-foot-9, has good length, and the ability to play like a stretch four and knock down open threes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->