Duel for the Dynasty: 17U All Tournament 2nd Team

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 17U All-Tournament Second Team featured players who consistently made an impact on both ends of the floor and delivered when it mattered most. From versatile scoring threats to defensive anchors, this group brought energy, toughness, and high-level production all weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["802552"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6818f265efd4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Almost a year to the day, I spotted Arinze at the 2024 PGH Duel for the Dynasty event and wrote about her in my <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/may-the-4th-be-with-you-16u-duel-for-the-dynasty/">"May the 4th Be With You" article (found here)</a>. Her toughness is next level!&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggressive anticipatory defense is her game. Arinze's strong upper body frame catches attention, but her ability to use her strength to make plays is what sets her apart. Her communication, hustle, and clutch rebounding, including a key late game board off a free throw, make her the kind of player coaches trust to keep on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["890038"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6818f265efdb6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Garner is strong and tough to move off the block. She uses her solid base to control the paint and convert second chance opportunities. A natural shot blocker, she keeps the ball high and consistently gets her hands on tip plays to extend possessions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1039195"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6818f265efe01"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gaines is a well-sized guard with a smooth spot-up three, she uses her body and footwork to score effectively in the midrange, often creating separation with smart pivots. She sees gaps in transition and attacks all the way to the rim, while bringing intensity as an aggressive on-ball defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1240299"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6818f265efe6d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Degrate's raw athleticism jumps out immediately—using her explosive leaping ability to block shots with volleyball-spike intensity. With tight handles and quick hands, she was key in breaking up dribble-drive action, coming up with timely tips and deflections to regain possession for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773202"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6818f265efeb4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Long and versatile, she can handle the ball on the perimeter or post up and seal inside to create space for easy finishes off lob passes. She absorbs contact well at the rim, knocks down spot up threes with confidence, and uses her length to disrupt both shots and passing lanes on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->