Last article covering the 17U level of the Grassroots Invitational with one more list of stock boosters from the tournament.

Trace Damrow – 2027 – SG – Wisconsin Legends

It was another standout tournament for Damrow in which he helped the Legends to a 3-1 tournament. As well to his positional size at 6’5”, Damrow also showcased his versatile scoring ability. Throughout the spring he showed his ability to really shoot the three but also played very well on the attack this tournament. He showed some improved ability beating defenders off the dribble and finishing strong at the basket in traffic. Damrow also rebounded it well on both ends, showed a good passing ability, and played with good energy.

Donny Driscal – 2027 – G – SMAC

The athletic guard shined on both ends of the floor in a 4-0 tournament for SMAC. This included his ability to get to the basket as well on the defensive side be a shut down perimeter defender. He is a tough driver that was beating defenders with his moves as well as some physicality to score 11 points in a single half in addition to being able to run the point and hit some threes. Defensively, he moves so well with the ball being tough to beat off the dribble with his quickness.

Owen Gruen – 2027 – SF – Illinois Bears

As well to being 6’5” with a solid frame and playing with plenty of toughness and energy, Gruen also showed a versatile game. This was highlighted by his good ability to consistently knock down threes. As well, the forward can make plays off the dribble with aggressive straight-line drives to the basket, hitting pull-up mid-range jumpers, passing it well, plus scoring with his back to the basket.

Brayden Golabowski – 2027 – G – 24UP

Golabowski is a tough guard with positional size at 6’4” and showed the ability to do a bit of everything making a big impact throughout the tournament. He scored in double figures in multiple games doing much of his scoring as an aggressive straight-line driver and getting to the line often but can also shoot the three. With his versatility, he also rebounds very well for a guard and can also run the point.

Dean Lewis – 2027 – G/F – Legacy Select

There is much to like from the game of Lewis along with his upside. He is a long and athletic 6’5” wing that was impactful on both ends of the floor. He plays with good energy defensively and matched up well with both guards and forwards. This included both while on the ball as well as being effective in help blocking shots and getting steals. Offensively, the slashing wing moves well with the ball scoring effectively getting all the way to the basket and utilizing his length to finish amongst size.

Carsten Mehra – 2027 – PG – Mercury Elite

Mehra shined in a tight game Saturday with both his point guard play as well as his shooting. This included hitting four threes in this game shooting it well both spotting up as well as off the dribble with good range. As well, Mehra is a skilled passer who made some good passes on the moves. The point guard handles the ball well getting into the defense driving to distribute it effectively.

Elijah O’Claire – 2027 – F/C – All Wisconsin

O’Claire has continued to grow as a player and that was evident in this tournament. As well to being 6’9”, he moves well. This included all around the paint as a shot blocker as well as rolling to the basket with good footwork. Not only was he blocking shots inside but was even getting all the way out to the perimeter to blocks shots too. His offensive game is growing to not only score it inside but also hit some threes.

George Rauschenburg – 2027 – G – WM Premier

The guard had one of the top shooting displays of the tournament. In just the opening six minutes of one of his games, he drilled four threes in just that short span. He was drilling them when spotting up from three while also being able to handle the ball and hit the three off the dribble. He also made some plays on the attack being able to finish around the paint as well as driving to distribute it.

Tyler Short – 2027 – G/F – Kessel Heat

Short excelled with his shooting ability in his game on Sunday. In just the first half of this game the wing drilled four three as a high percentage spot up shooter, this included back-to-back threes at one point. He also came through in the second half with a strong basket inside in the final minute of the tight game. Short is also a versatile defender who can defend bigger opponents with his aggressive play and strong build while also defending out on the perimeter well.