Pentagon Invitational: 17u Orange Division
Let the show began!! Well sort of. This year had 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 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 meet up in this spectacular facility of course with some COVID-19 guildlines. This was a nice way to start of the AAU season.
17u Orange Division
The second 17u division featured some 16u teams playing up. ECI Pink would win the the division making it a clean sweep for both 17u divisions. Here are some notable players
SD Network 16u Bluestar
- Taliyah Hayes, 2022, 5’7, Roosevelt, SD- Hayes was consistent throughout the tournament. She drove the ball well, played well on defense and got out in transition.
- Kaela Martinez, 2022, 5’7 Roosevelt, SD – Martinez had a solid day. The crafty two guard was able to get past the defense any kind of way. She found open areas for spot up shots and lanes for driving.
ECI Pink
- Grace Hegerle, 2021, 5’10, Jamestown, ND- Hegerle was one of the leading ladies in this division. A 5’10 wing who can handle the rock. She also has great defense rebounding awareness.
- Abby Fletcher, 2022, 5’6, Bismarck, ND- Everytime I looked up I saw Abby hitting a big shot. Once when her opponent was making a run. Another time was in a blow out.
ECI Black
- 30 Peyton Breidenbach, 2023, 5’6, West Fargo, ND Breidenbach Has a nice pull up game. On several different occasions she broke down the defense, stopped and pulled up for a shot.
- Karson Sanders, 2023, 6’0, Fargo, ND Sanders was a great off the ball player. Using her size while she slashed and cut through defenders.
Pentagon Schoolers Johnson 16u
- Rylee Haldeman, 2022, 5’2, West Central, SD-Rylee is as fast as they come. During the day she dribbled circles around player. Made timely passes, found an open spot and knocked down threes.
- Tabor Teel, 2022, 5’9, Tri-Valley, SD-Teel was a steady and consistent piece for the Schoolers. She found ways to get to the rim, the free-throw line and was locking down on defense.