With a strong field of teams at the 17U level, there was plenty of competition for the top standouts from the first session of the Grassroots Showdown Series. Here are ten that stood out the most. 

Logan Applegate – Yanders Law Blue – PG
A talented guard with an ability to score and create, Applegate made solid sound decisions game in and game out throughout the weekend.  A consummate floor general whose efficiency is advanced, Applegate made quality plays when it mattered most.

Grant Asman – Mac Attack – PF/C
Asman is a talented post that has a good amount of skill to go along with his 6’10” size plus a good motor. Has good length and is able to score it in a variety of ways. He is a strong scorer around the paint, has the ability to take defenders off the dribble, and will shoot the three as well. For his size, Asman is a good driver who scored it on multiple drives attacking the basket. He defends the interior well blocking a fair amount of shots and deterring drivers in addition to rebounding on both ends at a high rate.  

Patrick Baldwin Jr. – TH-2021 – G/F
Baldwin is such a unique talent who has an incredible combination of skills and size at 6’11” that is rarely seen at any level of basketball. Over the course of the two days he impressed the most with ability to score off the dribble. He is able to create great separation off the dribble to knock down several tough step back threes with a pure looking jumper. With his long strides and strength, he gets to the paint with ease and is able to finish anywhere near the paint with his length. As well, he can contribute in nearly every aspect of the game whether it be rebounding at a high level on both ends, running the point, defending all over and so much more. 

Anton Brookshire – Yanders Law Blue – PG
The Missouri bound standout did not disappoint this past weekend.  He makes the game look easy at times and whether it’s scoring the ball or creating Brookshire is a problem in half court sets and transition.  Add to the mix solid defensive instincts and the talented guard showed why he looks the part of an impact player at the next level this past weekend.

Tyrese Hunter – TH-2021 – G
The recent Iowa State commit is an incredible playmaking guard on the court. Hunter is nearly impossible to stop off the dribble with all of his abilities. He is exceptionally quick with great shifty moves with the basketball to just blow by defenders. Gets to the rim so quickly and the explosive athlete finishes right over big men above the rim. 

Cael McGee – Wisconsin RAP – G
McGee is a skilled scoring guard that can get it done in a number of ways from all three levels. Smart and crafty guard that takes whatever the defense gives him. Takes it hard to the basket and is a good finisher above the rim but also knows when to pull up in the mid-range. Was also able to connect on a few threes spotting up. 

Keyon Menifield Jr. – UTS Elite – G
Menifield had one of the more impressive showing of everyone at the tournament. The guard is a skilled scorer with the ball in his hands that gets it done from beyond the arc and in the mid-range. Creates good space off the dribble with his moves and quickness to give himself good looks at the basket. He did a nice job pulling up in the mid-range to hit jumpers and floaters in front of big men in the paint. Shoots it very well off the dribble and puts up points in bunches.

Ben Nau – TH-2021 – G
Skilled guard that can put up points in bunches and is very good with the ball in his hands. Has good handle and shifty moves making him difficult to stick with. Nau is always a threat to score with the ball in his hands as he can quickly rise up off the dribble at any point and knock down shots from all over with deep range. Does a very good job creating his own shot. 

Kyle Ross – Fundamental University – F
Ross is a tough and active 6’8” power forward with a strong build. One of the best post scorers at the tournament who has good touch and can finish over both shoulders when posting up. Hits the glass hard outmuscling opponents to also score on multiple put backs. Was a force in the paint of both ends. Also scored hitting some jumpers in the mid-range. 

Preston Ruedinger – Mac Attack – G
The senior point guard had an impressive showing and is easy to see why he is sought after by multiple Div. 2 programs currently. He is a talented scorer who can also distribute the ball. Has a nice-looking jump shot and can hit threes in bunches off the dribble and spotting up.  Handles ball pressure well and is a strong passer.  

Javon Small – George Hill All Indy – G
Small had one of the more impressive performances out of everyone at the tournament taking over games at times. Small is exceptionally good with the ball in his hands with his ability to create for himself and teammates. Attacks the basket hard with his quickness to score in the paint, and get to the free throw line often, and dish it out with great passing ability. He makes passes on the court only a few can. Has a good-looking jumper to knock down threes at a high rate off the dribble or spotting up. Expect Small to be getting more and more attention for college coaches moving forward.