SSA 17U Black-Player Notes-Upper Midwest Finals

<!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"11px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:11px"><strong>#PHUpperMidwestFinals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Hoops Upper Midwest Finals wrapped up after another exciting weekend of basketball, and one of the games we circled back to from Sunday morning featured <strong>Sanford Sports Academy 17U Black</strong> taking on <strong>Minnesota Heat PBB 17U</strong>. Sanford came away with the win and had several players step up with solid performances throughout the matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SSA 17U Black has a mix of North Dakota and Minnesota talent, and this game showcased the team's versatility and playmaking ability. From shot-making and defensive activity to hustle plays and timely buckets, multiple Sanford players made quality plays and helped the squad close out the game with a W.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below, we break down player notes and standout comments from Sanford Sports Academy 17U Black's Sunday victory at the Upper Midwest Finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"20px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:20px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Scores</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}}} --> <p style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100"><span style="text-decoration: underline">HALFTIME</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SSA Black <span style="text-decoration: underline">27</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MN Heat <span style="text-decoration: underline">23</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">FINAL</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">SSA Black 61</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MN Heat PBB <span style="text-decoration: underline">53</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3650349,"width":"179px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_98aee4.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_98aee4.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3650349" style="width:179px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player Notes SSA 17U Black</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2405944"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a139253358dd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Big/long/athletic guard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Swished a 3-pointer from the left wing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Loose-ball pick-up, fouled going up, 1/2 on FT's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Ran the floor hard, transition bucket, soft floater score w/ D on his hip</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Came out of nowhere for an O-board &amp; extra possession</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Run-out easy transition layup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2983036"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a13e5eb2164c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-I like the way he moves the ball, finds shooters, sees the floor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Jack-of-all-trades</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He can do a bit of everything, long, skilled, moves the ball, versatile on D</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-O-board on his own miss, putback bucket over the front of the rim</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Transition assist to Sanchez</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Straight-line drive, super impressive 2-handed WHAM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Outstanding hustle to save a ball from going OOB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-2/2 FT's late in the game to help build the lead</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Deflected a pass, forced a turnover</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sneaky on-ball steal, pass-ahead to Sanchez for a layup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237807"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a13925335992"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Ran the point, lead guard, controlled tempo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Help-D steal early</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Grabbed a handoff at the elbow, turned the corner, slash &amp; score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Easy assist to the right wing, found Ryder for a triple</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Drive &amp; kick assist to Walter in the corner for a 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Pass ahead assist to Tommy for a 3ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Easy pass to Tanner for a slash &amp; finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Up-tempo speedy push, deep drive, right baseline floater for 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hustled for an O-board, got the team an extra possession</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Slash &amp; kick, assist to Walters</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Pass break-up, forced a TO</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Clutch shot late, college range pull-up 3-ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Loose ball steal</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1539676"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a13925335a24"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Backdoor cut &amp; score, first points for SSA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Picked off a pass, great closing speed &amp; anticipation, fast-beak score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Great help-D, in the right place at the right time, contested &amp; forced a miss</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Fought for position, grabbed a strong O-board</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed a sick spin-move, hard to stay in front of that</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Cashed a corner three-pointer to end the 1st half</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-2-feet in the paint, pivot, fancy footwork finish, nice lefty score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Diagonal slash across the paint, lay-in score, soft touch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Drained a left corner 3-pointer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Extra pass assist to Kratcha for a triple</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1651919"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a13e5eb21765"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Long shooter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Catch &amp; shoot 3-ball from the right wing, nothing but net</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Swing assist to Tan-the-Man for a triple</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Stepped in front of a pass, anticipated well for the steal</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Crashed the O-boards, picked up an extra possession</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Swing assist to Walters for a triple</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237722"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a13e5eb217ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Good to seem him playing again, moved good, must be plenty healthy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Won the jump easy, long, elevated quickly/nicely for the ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Outstanding backdoor pass for the high-post, perfect touch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Fooled the on-ball D with a clever pass fake, slashed, kicked to a scorer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed some nifty post-moves and quality footwork around the hoop</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Tracked down a miss, O-board, putback score over the front of the rim</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Looked good high-pointing rebounds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Played hard, hustled, got on the floor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Handoff assist to James from RR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Drained a triple from the left-pro spot, high &amp; soft, swish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Offensive rebound, putback score on his own miss</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Trailed into the half-court O, caught/ripped, got to the rim for a layup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Delivered another beautiful backdoor bounce pass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-On the floor again, excellent hustle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Catch &amp; shoot R-wing triple, good feet &amp; balance, got the shooters touch roll</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Strip steal late, tough kid, competitive</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Strong post score with a minute left, put the game on ice</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1537905"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a13e5eb21875"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Snagged a long O-board on the first possession</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Blow-by drive, lefty scoop-score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Impressed with his length &amp; mobility</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Inside-out assist to Sanchez for a triple</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Drilled a 3-pointer from the left wing early in the 2nd half</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Fouled at the rack going up, stepped to the line &amp; hit both</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Loose ball steal, opportunistic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-2/2 FT's to finish off the game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3650354,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_868dec.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_868dec.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3650354" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->