Grind Region Finals Day 1 Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Grind Region Finals at Drive Nation had an abundance of action on Day 1. Games in the 16U and 17U divisions were highly competitive as teams from Texas, Louisiana, and other states duked it out. There were several players who showed that they were highly talented during the day. In this review of Saturday at Drive Nation, we will look at the players who stood out during the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2406982' first='Zyquayvious' last='Smith'] - </strong>Xpress Sports 2026 is in the 16U semifinals in large part to the play of Smith. He played as advertised on Saturday. Smith attacked the rim and took contact to finish with ease. His ability to push the ball after rebounds and create advantages for his team in transition was a plus. He is one of the better guards/wings playing this weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2484488' first='Reginald' last='Jackson'] - </strong>The Louisiana [program_tooltip program_id='2076376' first='Gators' last='Elite'] '25 team had success on Day 1 due to the play of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2484488' first='Reginald' last='Jackson']</strong>. He is a player who plays both ends of the floor and plays them well. Jackson has a big body and absorbs contact like a football player. He can score at all three levels and defends four at minimum. His all-around play makes him a player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2576094' first='Markell' last='Sampson'] - </strong>When it came to defending the rim, Sampson handled his business. Standing at 6'8", his long arms helped him block or alter tons of shots on Day 1. His athleticism and timing allowed him to block shots which led to transition opportunities. On offense, Sampson was a huge target. When he caught the ball, he scored it without much resistance. Sampson definitely aided to the Gators success on Saturday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2442216' first='Jalen' last='Calvin'] - </strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2075308' first='Beast' last='Elite'] 2025 used the talents of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2442216' first='Jalen' last='Calvin']</strong> to make it through Day 1. A fierce on-ball defender, Calvin caused a slew of turnovers just being active with his hands. Offensively, Calvin was at his best with the ball in his hands. He attacked defenses constantly and found himself at the rim often finishing layups. Jalen was very accurate on corner threes also. He is a player who creates advantages for his team and himself. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2442224' first='Justin' last='Jones'] - </strong>Jones played like an offensive machine on Day 1 as his play in transition was highlight worthy. His ability to score on the break with dunks and acrobatic finishes was one way [program_tooltip program_id='2075308' first='Beast' last='Elite'] advanced. Jones also found success shooting the three. When his team needed a turnover, his athletic ability helped cause traps and more transition situations. Jones was very good all day for [program_tooltip program_id='2075308' first='Beast' last='Elite'] 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Baker Hoskins -</strong> Hoskins held down the paint for Xpress Sports 26. Once he gathered a defensive board, he became an immediate offensive threat. Hoskins has a better than average handle to coincide with his rebounding skills. He could begin the break and often made the right play getting the ball to a teammate. His offensive rebounding often led to him scoring as well. He is a force for Xpress Sports 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Day 2 should be just as exciting as Day 1 as it is championship Sunday. Watch for these players, and others, to give their best during the championship rounds. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->