Pentagon Invitational: 17u Blue Division
Let the show begin!! Well sort of. This year has been one for the books. Like most of the world, the AAU scene was at a stand still. We would be 2 NCAA Live dates in, a hand full of tournaments and all the OOOHHH’s and AHHH’s that comes with it. This past weekend felt different. Most of these players haven’t played a significant game since March. Some may not even have touched a ball until a few weeks ago. But here we were….
The first stop for a few programs in the area was at the Sanford Pentagon Invitational. Clubs from North & South Dakota met up in this spectacular facility of course with some COVID-19 guildlines. This was a nice way to start of the AAU season.
17u Blue Division
The top division for 17u teams had plenty of fireworks. Especially in the last game for first place. ECI Gold matched up against SD Network Bluestar. Both teams went back and forth with ECI Gold winning on a buzzer beating three.
Here’s some key names from this division.
ECI Gold
- Lindsey Hein, 2021, 6’6 Forsyth, MT-Last time PGH saw Hein, she was a force inside and out. She is very skilled and mobile. Has a great mid-range jumper. Uses her length on the defensive end. Runs the floor well
- Logan Nissley, 2023, 5’10 Bismarck Century, ND- Nissley is a shifty guard with A+ ball handing skills. She can slice and dice her way through defenses. A nightmare in transition.
Pentagon Schoolers Barrie
- Olivia Ritter, 2021, 5’9 Tea Area, SD- Ritter is coming off a great high school season where she broke the single game scoring record. Seems like that was ages ago. Ritter has a natural ability to score the rock. Bouncy in her steps and deadly behind the arc.
- Kylah VanDonkersgoed, 2022, 6’1, Sioux Falls Christian, SD- KVD is a solid interior presence. Commands double teams even before she touches the ball. Has developed a nice outside jumper
Pentagon Schoolers Brown
- Maddie Dejong, 2021, 5’8, Sioux Falls Christian, SD- Dejong is the 5 tools type of player. She ‘s not great a just one thing but really good at everything. Strong physical guard who’s not afraid to stick her nose or should I say hands into everything.
- Lauren Heesch, 2021, 5’8, Garretson, SD- Heesch is another tough wing player on this Schoolers squad. An above average 3 point shooter, slightly better mid-range and a pest on defense. Heesch has tons of potential.
SD Network Bluestar
- Jordan Heckert, 2021, 5’8, Rapid City Central, SD- Jordan has that basketball swag. She walks like a ball player, talks like a ball player and has the game to back it up. Smooth handles with touch on her pull-up. Has a quick hesitation step and can finish through contact.
- Grace Gerken, 2021, 5’6, Brandon Valley, SD- GG is a floor general. Always looking to get her teammates involved. Improved 3-point shooter and is capable of getting to the rim.