Arena Basketball Club 17u have had a strong spring. They were at a 7-5 record heading into Arizona last weekend. In Arizona, they went 1-3, dropping their 3 games by a combined 11 points. This is a team that has demonstrated impressive improvement over the course of this portion of the grassroots season. With a deep bench, lots of strength and athleticism, and impressive defensive prospects, they have proven that they can compete with some of the top NXT teams in 17u.

Fitzgerald Grant | 2024 | 6’3 | G | Sioux City East

Grant is the leader of the team on both ends of the court. He has caught a handful of our scouts’ attention throughout multiple weekends with consistently impressive performances. The guard is one of the best two-foot finishers in the paint you will watch. Able to finish through contact with strength, touch, vertical explosion, and exceptional balance, Grant gets to the rim at an elite level. Also able to pull up from the midrange, hit catch and shoot threes, and make plays for others, he has caused defenses headaches. His athleticism also helps him to guard other guards and wings effectively as well as rebound at a high rate. Another aspect of his game that stands out is his poise. Regardless of what happens, he moves to the next play and gives the same high level of effort.

AJ Flemister | 2024 | 6’1 | G | Sioux City East

Flemister will likely step into a bigger role with East next season. He’s a very good athlete that plays his role well. Defensively, he brings a high intensity, good speed, lateral agility, and off ball activity that make him effective. On the other end, he converts looks near the rim and is a capable jump shooter. Something that also helps him to be successful on the offensive end is his cutting and tendency to make the right ball keeping the ball moving.

Carson Bruhn | 2024 | 6’5 | F | Sioux Center

Bruhn has been very impressive on the film I have been reviewing of this team. He’s a D1 football prospect and it shows on the basketball court. Where I think he is best is on the defensive end. With the size and strength to effectively defend the interior, movement to guard screening actions or switch when necessary, and great rebounding, Bruhn is a great anchor on that end of the floor. On the other side, Bruhn is very good at establishing post position early and moving quickly into his move to get a good look. Beyond his back to the basket moves, the forward is also able to stretch the floor from three.

Cael Van Beek | 2024 | 6’4 | W | Sioux Center

Van Beek is a very fluid athlete with length and size, giving him a high amount of versatility on both ends of the floor. He’s a do-it-all player that makes for a great connecting piece on any team he plays on. His length, skill, and athleticism overall makes him good on both sides of the ball and in transition. To get stops, he can pick up at multiple spots, rebound, and disrupt with his length. As an offensive threat, Van Beek can hit from outside, create towards the rim off the dribble, and make plays as a passer or off the ball.

Zach Hesse | 2024 | 6’2 | G | Sioux City North

Hesse is a super solid two way guard with good strength and athleticism. He is a good shooter that can hit pull ups or shots off the dribble in addition to get to the room using his strength and speed. With his multi-level scoring, he demands defensive attention to help open things up for teammates. On the other end, he guards well and is dependable to gain stops.

Wanding Hosnyang | 2024 | 6’3 | W | Le Mars

Hosnyang is a really intriguing prospect with high potential. He’s super long, smooth, and a great athlete. His speed end to end and jumping ability stand out immediately when paired with his height. With these physical tools, he can be a disruptive defender and transition threat. In half-court settings, the wing also flashes some really nice drives off the bounce with impressive finishes. Right now, he is not quite consistent showing this offensively. I’m excited to see the development from him over the rest of the summer and the high school season.

Wes Frost | 2024 | 5’11 | G | Gretna (NE)

Frost has been a trustworthy floor general for this Arena team all Spring long. He handles the ball well, hits teammates in the right spots, and applies pressure on the perimeter defensively. What is most impressive about his game is his shooting. He’s a sharpshooter from the three point line with a smooth release and great shot mechanics.

Chase Doble | 2024 | 6’0 | G | Gretna (NE)

Doble is an athletic guard with a strong frame. He’s really solid on both ends of the court, bringing skill offensively and effective perimeter defense. The guard plays with a high motor and is good to win some 50/50 balls and get involved on the boards. Efficient with his offensive opportunities and solid with the ball, Doble is a positive impact player for his team.

Beau Chamberlain | 2024 | 6’0 | G | Bishop Heelan

Chamberlain gives a floor spacing threat to Arena. He’s a great shooter that can knock down shots at a high rate and will convert on opportunities he gets from behind the line. He was a near 40% three-point shooter on good volume over the course of his varsity season with Heelan. Also a good athlete, he competes defensively and is a threat to get to the rim.

Sam Almas | 2024 | 6’3 | G | Tea Area (SD)

Almas has had a very good last two tournaments. With an intriguing combo of positional size, athletic ability, skill, and two-way impact, Almas has been among the leaders for this squad as of late. His slashing ability in transition and half court settings is impressive. Almas is shifty and uses his handles and explosiveness to get to the rim and finish with strength and touch. He’s also an effective defender that can take on the toughest assignments and succeed. I expect a good July from the Tea Area Guard.

Zoan Robinson | 2024 | 6’2 | G | Vermillion (SD)

Robinson brings a serious spark off the bench, coming in and bringing a lot of energy and positive plays. He’s an elite football recruit at the WR position. The speed and quickness that help to make him successful on the gridiron make him a very good driver, defender, and driver. He was frequently making tough stops on defense in the games I watched. With some playmaking, creation off the dribble, and jump shooting ability to add to the mix, Robinson does a lot of things well.