College Tour - Northwood Preview: 17U Players to Watch

The Michigan College Tour tips off with its first session at Northwood University in Midland, marking the beginning of what should be an exciting spring on the AAU circuit. With this being the inaugural event, there's a lot of anticipation surrounding the talent set to take the floor. I'm especially excited to be in the gym covering this one, as it provides a great setting for players to compete on a college campus and make an early statement. With plenty of high-level prospects expected to be in attendance, here's a look at some 17U players to watch who could be ready to break out.    Laila, who will be suiting up for [program_tooltip program_id='1244063' first='Great' last='Lakes Grind'], is a player I've been looking forward to seeing again after first catching her at Ferris team camp last summer, where she made a strong impression. She brings great length and athletic ability to the floor, using it effectively in the paint to impact the game. Laila does a nice job moving without the ball, working hard to gain position inside and finishing around the rim with polished footwork. She's also very active on the boards, securing rebounds on both ends and creating extra chances for her team. With her size, mobility, and motor, she continues to stand out as a reliable presence in the post.     Addy, a guard for [program_tooltip program_id='1239258' first='HB' last='Elite'], is a versatile playmaker who impacts the game in just about every category. Fresh off being named Charlevoix Area Player of the Year, she brings a well-rounded skill set and a competitive edge that shows up every time she steps on the floor. Addy has a knack for filling up the stat sheet, whether it's scoring, rebounding, or creating for others. She plays with a physical, hard-nosed style, fighting for offensive boards and diving for loose balls, showing a willingness to do the little things that help her team win. With her toughness and motor, she's a player to keep a close eye on this spring and summer.     Caroline, a guard for Mystics, brings a smart and well-rounded game that allows her to impact both ends of the floor. She plays with great instincts, especially on the defensive end where she reads the action well, jumps passing lanes, and creates turnovers. Offensively, she handles the ball with confidence, is capable of knocking down shots from beyond the arc, and shows soft touch in the lane with her floater. Her ability to contribute in multiple areas makes her a steady and valuable presence, and I'm excited to see her take the court this spring.     Ashley, a guard for [program_tooltip program_id='944011' first='Team' last='Synergy'], brings a high-level skill set that makes her an exciting prospect to watch. She's a crafty point guard with a tight handle, strong vision, and the ability to control the pace while creating opportunities for both herself and her teammates. Ashley can stretch the floor with her outside shooting and is comfortable scoring in the lane with a reliable floater. What really stands out is her motor—she competes at a high level at all times and never takes a play off. With her combination of skill, toughness, and effort, she's the type of player who can make an impact at the next level. I'm looking forward to seeing her in action at the College Tour – Northwood this weekend.     Leah, a guard for Michigan Premier, is coming off a strong high school season and looks ready to carry that momentum into the spring. She brings relentless defensive energy, applying pressure to opposing guards, forcing turnovers, and even turning steals into easy points. Leah also isn't afraid to mix it up, battling for loose balls and tying up possessions when needed. Offensively, she can knock down shots from the perimeter, including the corner, and finish through contact with toughness. With the ball in her hands, she's quick and crafty, creating opportunities for both herself and her teammates. I'm excited to see how she competes at the College Tour – Northwood this weekend.

The Michigan College Tour tips off with its first session at Northwood University in Midland, marking the beginning of what should be an exciting spring on the AAU circuit. With this being the inaugural event, there's a lot of anticipation surrounding the talent set to take the floor. I'm especially excited to be in the gym covering this one, as it provides a great setting for players to compete on a college campus and make an early statement. With plenty of high-level prospects expected to be in attendance, here's a look at some 17U players to watch who could be ready to break out.