Plenty of coverage over the next few days coming from this past weekend’s Grassroots Invitational in Indiana. First up are the standouts from the 17U level of the tournament.

KJ Cross – 2027 – G/F – Wisconsin Dynasty

In a 3-1 weekend for the Dynasty, Cross was one of the top scorers of the tournament. This included scoring 20 or more points in three of his four game. He has a good blend of scoring abelites as he can use his strong 6’5” build to overpower defenders to the basket but also use his quickness to beat larger defenders. Cross has also continued to grow as a three-point shooter hitting three of them in one of his games. More than just a scorer, he is a highly impactful player who plays with good energy defensively and on the glass plus can be a primary ball handler creating for others.

Kobe Drake – 2028 – G/F – Michigan Warriors

It was another stellar weekend from the 6’5” wing. This included scoring 22 points in a game and in another scoring 14 just in the first half versus some quality defenders in a in a dominant win. All in addition to being one of the better rebounds of the event. He is such a consistent player as he is always playing with toughness and energy. Drake is such an aggressive force whether attacking the basket or going after rebounds. Not just his physicality, Drake was also playing quicker with the ball beating defenders off the dribble. Drake has continued to have a tremendous grassroots season all while playing up and will be one for scholarship coaches to know.  

Jensen LePla – 2027 – SG – D Rice Elite

LePla was one of a few standouts from this D Rice Elite team that went 4-0. In multiple runs, he showed his deep scoring ability just being able to take over games for long stretches. This is in addition to his great physical tools as a strong 6’5” wing guard as well as his athleticism. He has continued to grow as a shooter all year. Not only as a knockdown spot up shooter but also creating his own shot in the mid-range consistently hitting step back jumpers to be a true three level scorer. Grand Valley State looks to have a steal in LePla.

Max Michalak – 2027 – F – Team Herro National

It was a breakout weekend for the forward who not only put up plenty of big numbers but also was instrumental in helping Team Herro to a 3-1 weekend. Over his four games, he averaged an efficient 14.3 points along with 7 rebounds. Along with having some size at 6’6” with a solid frame, Michalak is a highly skilled forward with a well-rounded game. Over the course of multiple games, he showed his ability to do it all offensively. He is a consistent spot up three point shooter, uses his size and good touch to score all around the paint, is also effective off the dribble moving well with the ball and using his size to body his way to the basket, as well to being a good passer.

Paul Ridgway – 2027 – G/F – DistinXion

Ridgway was one of the top scorers of the entire event with multiple twenty plus points. This started with 25 points in his first game on Friday and then on Saturday he scored 18 points just in the second half of a close game. While he had a very good spring, he was playing at an even higher level. He was showed better playmaking ability with the ball playing quicker on the attack with improved handle consistently beating his man and getting to the basket. The skilled 6’6” wing also hit several threes throughout the tournament. He has been looking like more of a scholarship level player with all of these skills in addition to his high energy and do-it-all play.

Charles Schlicht – 2027 – SG – PAC Elite

Throughout the tournament, Schlicht showed his great scoring ability helping PAC Elite to a 3-1 weekend as he was scoring in double figures efficiently game after game. The tough and athletic 6’2” guard is such a versatile scorer as he was getting it done in every way. He excels slashing to the basket scoring so efficiently on cuts and drives but also knocked down jumpers from the mid-range and three, attacked the glass for put backs while battling versus size, and on floaters. He also showed his athleticism and energy with two big blocks in a single half.

Quinn Wesenberg – 2027 – SG – Wisconsin Legends

While a good all-around scorer, Wesenberg really excelled as one of the top shooters of the tournament helping his team to a 3-1 record. This included starting a game 4-4 from three. He’s a confident shooter who’s always ready to shoot it spotting up from three but also shot it at a high percentage off the dribble from the mid-range being able to handle the ball and make plays off the dribble. Along with his knockdown shooting ability, he has good size as a 6’4” two guard.

Ken White Jr. – 2027 – PG – Reach Legends

After missing the spring season injured, White came back in a big way this tournament. Over multiple games, White consistently showed his great shot making ability. He is a highly elusive point guard with his handle, changing speeds, and shiftiness to be able to create his shot. White excels at creating separation and being able to hit jumpers off the dribble from both the mid-range and three. He also played with good energy pressuring the ball in the half court.