Plenty of additional talent from The Final Chapter in addition to the top performers and stock boosters, check out this first group of ones to watch from the 17U level.
Jayce Brecht – 2026 – PF – Wolverines
Brecht greatly impressed Saturday night while scoring 21 points in a game. This was in addition to multiple other double digit scoring games. He stands at 6’6” and plays even bigger with his solid build and aggressive play inside. The forward was not only effective in the paint as one of the better rebounders of the tournament but also showed a growing perimeter game being able to hit some threes and attack the basket. He recently picked up an offer from Edgewood College.
Cade Dirkse – 2026 – PG – Chapman North
Dirkse just does everything from the point guard spot to help his team win games. While he has proven that he can go out there and score twenty plus points, which he has done versus EYBL teams, he impressed more with everything else he can do this tournament. This included starting the tournament off with a six-assist game showing his true floor general ability but also added in 6 rebounds. Dirkse has tremendous court awareness and was playing a step ahead of the defense to create for his teammates. He is also a fierce competitor on the court which translates to his defensive ability both on the ball and in help as well to his high energy plays. He is going to help a team win games at the next level.
Gilbert Flagel – 2026 – SF – Drive Pro Select
Flagel was a prominent reason his team went undefeated including scoring 25 points in one of the wins. In another he also scored 21 points where he was playing on another level as he was doing whatever he wanted to build a lead. This included multiple dunks showing his athleticism with a put back slam in the first five minutes of action as well to a three and mid-range pull up jumper. As Flagel as continued to develop his game over the past few months, he has a very nice blend of size at 6’5” and versatile skill set.
Mason Gugle – 2026 – G/F – Midwest Stampede
Gugle played well throughout the tournament and especially on Sunday in which he scored 22 points leading his team to a 2 point victory. He also scored 19 points in his opening game of the tournament where he drilled four threes. While a good three-point shooter, the 6’4” wing is a versatile scorer who showed the ability to get it done from all three levels. Gugle also has good playmaking ability with the ball being able to create for his teammates.
Avonn King – 2026 – G/F – ALL IN Figueroa
There have been few players as consistent as King during the grassroots season. He started the tournament with 21 points in a win. Later in the tournament he drilled in contested pullup jumper in the final seconds to send it to overtime as part of a 23-point game. He has continued to standout with his physicality, rebounding, energetic defensive play, and finishing around the paint but continues to add to his game. King showed an improved ability handling the ball and hitting shots off the dribble.
Cooper Mellican – 2026 – SF – Team M14
The standout grassroots season for Mellican continued at this tournament. He stands at 6’5” with a solid frame. Mellican scored it efficiently throughout the tournament mainly as a physical straight-line driver but can also shoot the three. He is a highly impactful and athletic wing who is also tough on the glass and defends multiple positions as he was doing it all for his team.