Select Events Spring Tip Off: 17U Standouts

This past weekend, I attended an AAU tournament at the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, Indiana, featuring a strong collection of talent across the 16U division. The event brought together high-level players, competitive programs, and well-coached teams from Indiana and surrounding states.   It was a great opportunity to evaluate players in a different setting, especially those I've previously seen compete at the high school level. Seeing them adjust, build chemistry with new teammates, and perform in the AAU environment added another layer to their evaluation.   Some of the top 17U programs in attendance included West Virginia Thunder 17U S40 Perry, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/[program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last='']-3/">[program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last='']</a> 16U GUAA, [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] 17U S40, DistinXion 2027 and <a href="https://basketball.exposureevents.com/257876/select-spring-tip-off/teams/distinxion-2027?divisionteamid=5021905" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/indiana-elite-havoc/">[program_tooltip program_id='715952' first='Havoc' last='Basketball']</a> NE2K, and among others. These teams featured some of the top talent in the region and provided a highly competitive atmosphere throughout the weekend.   Below are some standout performers from the event. Please note that multiple players from the same team may be highlighted based on their impact and performance.    [player_tooltip player_id='751044' first='Brooklyn' last='Roberts'] continues to step up to the challenge, showing clear growth since her freshman year. Competing at the varsity level has accelerated her development, and she has embraced the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways.   Coming off the bench for a loaded S40 team, Roberts handles point guard responsibilities with confidence and composure. She provides steady ball handling, makes good decisions under pressure, and shows the ability to knock down shots when needed. Her energy and effort on both ends give her team an added spark, especially in key stretches of the game.   Roberts also does a solid job of staying within herself, understanding her role, and making winning plays without forcing the action. As she continues to develop, her confidence and impact should only grow, making her an important piece in her team's continued success.     [player_tooltip player_id='610126' first='Rylee' last='Canaan'] brings good size and a strong ability to score around the rim for DistinXion 2027. She utilizes her frame well, finishing through contact and being effective in the paint.   Defensively, Canaan does a solid job protecting the paint while also showing the ability to step out and guard on the perimeter. Her versatility on that end allows her to impact multiple areas of the floor.   In matchups against strong competition like S40, she showed a willingness to step up to the challenge and compete. Her physical tools and defensive presence make her a player worth monitoring as she continues to develop.     Kihanna, now playing in Indiana with [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] 17U S40, made a strong impression with her ability to score the basketball from the point guard position. She brings a scoring mindset while still understanding how to operate within the flow of the offense.   She does a great job moving without the ball and consistently capitalizes on open looks, knocking down shots with confidence. Off the dribble, Kihanna is creative when attacking the rim, using her footwork and touch to finish in a variety of ways, including a smooth fadeaway jumper.   Her scoring ability and creativity make her a tough matchup and a guard who can put pressure on defenses in multiple ways.     Kinsley is a name that will continue to gain attention over the next several years. An 8th grader competing at the 16U level, she already shows the ability to play up—and could easily hold her own at the 17U level.   She does a great job handling the basketball and consistently showcases her shooting range, making her a difficult matchup for defenders. Her ability to create and score from the perimeter adds another layer to her offensive game.   Playing alongside her talented point guard twin sister, Harper Scaringe, the duo brings a dynamic presence to the floor. With an early offer from Arizona State already in hand, Kinsley is well-positioned to pick up additional Division I interest throughout the spring and summer.     [player_tooltip player_id='751088' first='Korinne' last='Nickolson'] is a player who may not get the attention she deserves right now, but that is going to change soon. Competing as part of a talented Pike girls basketball program, alongside a strong 2027 class, she continues to prove her value on the floor.   Nickolson consistently plays hard on both ends, bringing effort and competitiveness every time she steps on the court. Offensively, she does a great job getting past defenders, whether she's attacking the rim or knocking down shots from the perimeter.   Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways, combined with her motor and skill set, makes her a player who should start gaining more recognition moving forward.     Harper Scaringe is another name you will continue to hear across the state—and nationally—over the next several years. She is an extremely shifty guard who can break down defenders with ease and consistently create advantages off the dribble.   Scaringe does a great job reading the floor, especially coming off ball screens, where she can make the right decision whether it's attacking the rim and finishing with touch or stepping into a confident jumper. Her ability to control the game and keep defenders off balance makes her a tough matchup.   With her skill set, feel for the game, and continued development, Harper is quickly establishing herself as one of the top point guards in her class nationally.     Bryleigh Todd is continuing to grow into her own as a point guard, showing increased confidence and control of the game. This past weekend, she had a standout performance where she knocked down four three-pointers for her talented S40 team, highlighting her ability to stretch the floor.   You can see the level of trust her coaches and teammates have in her to run the offense and dictate the tempo. She does a great job managing the game while also stepping up as a scoring threat when needed.   Todd is quickly emerging as one of the top 2027 point guards in Indiana who may still be flying under the radar. With her continued development and performances like this, she should start to gain more attention and pick up additional offers in the near future.     Bryce Webster is the type of player who can change the trajectory of a program in a short amount of time. A rare talent, she is an 8th grader with the ability to compete at the high school level right now—and likely could have held her own even a few years earlier.   Webster is extremely creative with the basketball, showing the ability to score at all three levels and impact the game in a variety of ways offensively. She plays with confidence and has a natural feel for creating her own opportunities.   On the defensive end, she takes pride in her effort and competitiveness, bringing intensity and a willingness to make plays. With her skill set and mindset, Bryce is a special prospect who will continue to draw significant attention as she develops.     Quinn Sowder is another player who has the ability to change the direction of a program. She controls the game at a high level and has quickly established herself as one of the top players nationally in the 2030 class.   Sowder's offensive skill set makes her a difficult matchup, as she can consistently get to the rim while also knocking down perimeter shots. Her ability to score at multiple levels puts constant pressure on opposing defenses.   For an 8th grader, her impact and feel for the game are advanced, and she has the tools to compete at the high school level right now. Quinn is a special talent who will continue to draw national attention as she develops.

This past weekend, I attended an AAU tournament at the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, Indiana, featuring a strong collection of talent across the 16U division. The event brought together high-level players, competitive programs, and well-coached teams from Indiana and surrounding states.