Grind Region Finals Day 3: 17U Standout Performers
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Teaghan Raffo HEIGHT 5'11" POS PG CLASS 2024 Teaghan Raffo School: SEDA College NSW (Australia) Club: AUSA Australia Team 2024 (Norman) Australian native, Teaghan Raffo played with a great understanding of the game and a high basketball IQ. He displayed…
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Teaghan Raffo
Australian native, Teaghan Raffo played with a great understanding of the game and a high basketball IQ. He displayed his quick thinking with the way he exploited weaknesses in the opposing team’s defense. Raffo had an eye for spotting openings for backdoor cuts, taking advantage of defenders who fell asleep on the job. Good decision maker with the ball, he made precise bounce passes to his teammates cutting through the lane the moment they were open. Inside the paint, Raffo used ball fakes and pivots to deceive his defenders and get them off their feet when faced with traffic. Raffo also thrived playing at a fast pace, using his athleticism to snatch rebounds and quickly initiate the offense in transition where he showed the court vision to find cutters or finish at the rim himself. Beyond his skills on the court, Teaghan Raffo proved to be a phenomenal leader with great composure and communication skills, making him an influential piece within the team always bringing positive energy, encouragement, and a never quit attitude.
Jack Lawson is a skilled lefty guard-forward hybrid standing at 6’5” with good size and build. Lawson was an unconscious jump shooter from beyond the arc who was always prepared to release the ball whenever it was in his hands. Lawson showcased a quick trigger both off the catch and off the dribble behind unlimited shooting range and an effortlessly release.
Highlights
Broderick Brooks Broderick Brooks 6’4″ | SG Zachary | 2024 State LA is the biggest stock riser of the weekend. He showcased his craftiness as a shot creator all weekend long and the championship game was no different. Right out the gate, Brooks made a significant impact by hitting back-to-back three-pointers, immediately making his presence felt. His silky-smooth shooting stroke with a high release point allowed him to shoot over defenders with ease. Brooks’ shooting range extended well beyond the three-point line, and he displayed equal effectiveness in both pull-up jumpers off the dribble and catch-and-shoot situations. Broderick’s offensive skillset was filled with an impressive array of hesitations, step-back jumpers, fadeaways, and explosive drives to the basket. The versatility he displayed in his shot creation is what set apart from any other guards in the gym, making him a difficult player to defend in one-on-one situations. Brooks also came up big in clutch moments, knocking down crucial shots that ignited his team and swung momentum in their favor. His ability to deliver in pressure-packed situations made him one of the go-to scorers and a player who thrived with the game on the line.
Highlights
Ronald Gathe Ronald Gathe 6’0″ | PG Zachary | 2024 State LA was an exceptional three-point catch-and-shoot specialist who made his impact as a valuable scoring threat while playing off the ball. His ability to put points up without needing to dribble or create his own shot was impressive. Gathe’s shooting mechanics contained a high release point and a smooth follow-through. Gathe’s presence on the court provided spacing and stretching the defense, as he continuously found open spots on the perimeter. Gather’s relocation skills allowed him to get a lot of shot attempts, particularly when trailing behind the ball.
Jackson Hansen Jackson Hansen 5’9″ | CG Ralston Valley | 2024 State CO is a skilled 5’10” point guard who possesses a confident and reliable mid-range game. He demonstrates excellent decision-making, pulling up for a jump shot as soon as he’s given even a little space. Hansen’s ability to hit contested jumpers is impressive, utilizing his elevation to shoot over defenders and still find the mark. His dribbling skills are notable, showcasing a great crossover and the ability to kill his dribble at any moment. Jackson’s footwork and body control allowed him to be crafty with the way he was able to stop on a dime, which often created the necessary separation to swiftly rise up for a smooth and reliable mid-range jumper.