Grind Region Finals: Recap & Recruiting Tips Part 1

This was the last Prep Hoops Tournament of the season and man it did not disappoint. So much talent in one gym, from all ages. There were some great games, great coaches and even better players. Seen it all, from a hot shooting 3 point contest, high flying teenagers in our dunk contest and over time Championship games. Here’s my recap of this great weekend and a few recruiting tips for you all. I spent a lot of time this tournament, spectating the different attributes that a player can showcase. At this point in the season we all know who can do what and how good they can do it. So here are a some players that I payed close attention to and what I noticed about them and how they helped their recruiting. Jakob Hester- 2020- 6’7 Team Speights 17U- Anclote HS. One of the best power forwards in the circuit. What really stood out to me though, was his attitude and confidence. There were games his shot was going in and coming out. Some kids would have shut it down and coming up with every excuse in the book! Was that Jakob? No, not even close, the young man put his working hat on and battled every single game. As a spectator or a fan of the game, that would go unnoticed. As a coach, this was very pleasing to see. I know their were multiple coaches to witness his performance. He is a scholarship player, that holds offers and more than likely will receive more in months to come. This covers what most college coaches want in a player. Great attitude, big heart, and the love for the game. Also the ability to be coachable and mentality strong. Danquez Dawsey-2021- 6’0- BTR 16U- Lawton MAC. I had a chance to watch Danquez a few times this weekend. They actually made it to the championship before falling in OT. Danquez is a Elite player, he checked all the boxes this summer. He showcased a lot of leadership this weekend, especially in the semifinals game. As tempers flare, the first person to calm the team down, was indeed Danquez. Telling his players to keep their head, while being up 10. With minutes to go, he knew what was on the line. Not only is he a baller, but a baller with leadership. He can stay calm in tight situations. Which is what coaches look for in a player and seek out to find. He’s doing all this at a young age, this is only the beginning for him and also for us, fans. You’ll be hearing his name for awhile here in Oklahoma. Nicholas Buchanan- 2020- 5’11- SA Tarheels- Har-Ber HS Springdale, AR. This young man is a great basketball player. He’s a winner and he makes everyone around him better. I watched him a lot this tournament. Just to see if his motor would slow down. Let me tell you, he went harder in every game! The first kid diving on lose balls, taking multiple charges in one game and trying to rebound every missed shot. Always gave the ball to the official, always ran off the court and on. Never complained about a block call. When he was clearly sit for a charge and never gave up when they were down. A very skilled player, can handle it, shoot it and finish at the rim. The kid has the whole package to play at the next level. Coaches should be marking his name down in their black book for sure! Adante’ Holiman- 5’11- 2022- Team Griffin 15U- McAllister HS. The young ankle collector is a baller. A very fun player to watch, why is that? Does he have crazy dunks? Not yet, I’m sure it’s coming, it’s in his bloodline to be a highflier. He can do it all, finish at the rim, right or left hand. Great foot work, he will euro step around his defender and score against shot blockers. Can shoot off the dribble after creating space. He can stop and pop on a dime during a fast break. Has a gift to monitor the floor using his peripheral vision. His attitude is great, which makes him easy to root for. He don’t complain, he don’t get rattled and he don’t lose confidence. He’s laser focused on the task at hand. A very elite player that you will heat about for years to come. Ethan Scott- 5’10- 2021- Team Buddy Buckets 16U- Westmoore HS. A young man of few words, gets it done and on to the next. Like shooting a rack of balls in a 3 point contest, after the shot goes in, on to the next. That’s how he won’t the 3 point contest and that’s how he plays his game. He has a short memory and goes on to the next play. That’s why he’s such a great shooter and a great player. Getting hammered driving in, getting face guarded the whole game. Being bumped and bruised especially after hitting 4 threes in a roll. Ethan just takes it and makes them pay by hitting another three in their face. A silent assassin, he rarely shows expression. When he does, you can bet he just went off. Probably hitting 6/7 threes in a 5 minute span, he’s been known to do that. A different article but affective for all high school hoopers. I witnessed many kids and teams with great attitudes and awesome sportsmanship.Just understand that ONE blow up, could be all a coach seen or heard. If you noticed sometimes I like to stand behind the score book keeper, why? Because I like to watch how players act in time outs and after time outs. Not only as a college coach but also as a Prep Hoops contributor. It is very important we represent our network and Universities to the fullest. There were many kids who did that this weekend. Keep it up, all eyes are watching you. Look for other articles on some insight on what else to do, to snag a coaches attention!