Part 3 in my preview series for this weekend's AAU district qualifier. In this final preview, a look at the 17U division. Read all the previews here.
Pool A
This pool has the top Comets team and then everyone else. Too many guys to mention for the Comets, but I'll be interested to see if they still use the platoon system with Taylor Filipek and Alex Hanks playing with the 2nd unit. Triple Threat comes in off their win at the super regional 2 weeks ago despite a quiet weekend from Michael Lindsay. Aaron Duske and Brandon Schaust give them quality play up front. Brent Kettenacker had 19 points in the 2nd half of the super regional championship game. MSB won't wow you, but Zach Vraa, Andy Jirik, Troy Klingsporn, David Stanley and soph Lucas Brown make up a solid group. Never count out a Mitch Ohnstad group. Magic Blue is the 4th team in the pool. David Michaelson leads them along with Eric Schmechel. I'll also be keeping an eye on senior point guard Jacob Schwartz and Michael Tyler.
Pool B
A tough pool here with the Fury Elite, a hot Comets Seevers team and solid Magic Black. Dajon Newell, Danny Geiger and Yuriy Maleshenko are notables for the Fury. Scott Nystrom played well in the absence of Martin Wind and Nolan Toft for the Comets. Deron Murphy leads the way for Magic Black from a guard spot. Walter Franklin gives the Magic a defensive stopper at the point guard spot which will come in handy against Wind and Newell.
Pool C
TNL is the class of Pool C behind Devon Knopke, Jay Sewer and Jasper Duberry at the guard spots. Milos Ristanovic has joined TNL as a shooter from the small forward slot. TC Elite gets to see TNL yet again. Alex Koch has been on fire for TC Elite. His 6'5 height makes him a tough matchup at the 2. No real size in this pool so the lack of a real inside presence won't hurt TC Elite this weekend. If they control tempo against TNL, they have a great chance to win that game.
Pool D
MN Glory and Pump N Run 16s headline this pool. Can somebody besides Connor Gunderson score for the Glory? With Trey Scott not eligible for the Heat Select squad and the Comets-Blue team in the pool, you have to like the PNR 16s chances in this pool. Who for Glory gets the assignment guarding Alex Richter of PNR?
Pool E
Heat Elite and the Mpls Redhawks headline the pool. Parker Hines and Taylor Hanson have been outstanding for the Redhawks and you have to find John Rowland outside the arc. Look for them to seek redemption after a disappointing upset loss in the super regional 2 weeks ago. Heat Elite aren't spectacular, but they are solid and have many ways to beat you. Run with Nick Quicksell, pound it in to Ryan Duxbury or they can make 3s. Erik Stark was a star for the Comets North squad 2 weeks ago and they also have 6'8 Kevin Rabbers inside so don't count them out.
Pool Games to Watch
Magic Black vs Comets Seevers - Saturday 11:30
Fury Elite vs Comets Seevers - Saturday 3:15
MN Glory vs MN Pump N Run 16s Sunday 9:00
TNL vs TC Elite - Sunday 12:45
MN Heat Elite vs Mpls Redhawks - Sunday 12:45
Fury Elite vs Magic Black - Sunday 2:00
My Picks
Pool A: Comets Hanson, MSB, MN Triple Threat, Magic Blue
Pool B: Comets Seevers, Fury Elite, Magic Black, RiverCity Cougars
Pool C: TNL, TC Elite, Fury Gold, Old Skool
Pool D: PNR 16s, MN Glory, Comets Blue, MN Heat Select
Pool E: Redhawks, Heat Elite, Comets North, WOTN
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