MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Facing off against some of the region's top grassroots programs, Starks Elite 16U put together a highly competitive weekend at the PrepHoops Upper Midwest Finals basketball tournament, finishing with a solid 2-2 record. The tournament highlighted the squad's relentless battle on the boards, high-level rim protection, and a balanced offensive attack that saw multiple players step into leading roles.
Over the course of the four-game stretch, Starks Elite scored a total of 204 points, averaging 51.0 points per game. More impressively, they established themselves as an absolute force in the paint, racking up 143 total rebounds (35.8 RPG) and rejecting 18 opponent shots (4.5 BPG).
Domination in the Paint and Team Execution
The defining characteristic of Starks Elite's weekend was their interior presence. The team consistently won possessions through sheer effort, limiting second-chance opportunities for opponents while creating their own. Defensively, they made every drive difficult, anchoring the paint with a collective 18 blocks.
On the offensive end, the ball found the open man, resulting in 57 total assists (14.3 APG) across the four contests. Starks Elite also stretched the floor when necessary, knocking down 17 three-pointers over the weekend.
Top Individual Performers
The Double-Double Machine: Forward Adel Amparo was an absolute titan down low. Amparo led Starks Elite in scoring with 42 total points (10.5 PPG) and was a dominant force on the glass, pulling down a team-high 39 rebounds to average a near double-double with 9.8 rebounds per game. He also contributed 9 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocks.
Perimeter Firepower: Finn Stroschein provided an efficient scoring punch from the outside, averaging 10.0 points per game (40 total points). Stroschein led the team from beyond the arc with 6 made three-pointers, while also crashing the glass to secure 22 rebounds (5.5 RPG).
The Floor General: Point guard Ty Shingen controlled the tempo and acted as the primary playmaker for the offense. Shingen distributed a team-high 13 assists (3.3 APG) while adding 37 total points (9.3 PPG), matching Stroschein with 22 rebounds, and leading the perimeter defense with 5 steals.
Pure Sniper Impact: In 3 games played, Beckam Lull made his presence felt heavily on the perimeter, chipping in 27 total points (9.0 PPG). Lull was locked in from deep, connecting on 4 three-pointers while adding 14 rebounds and 3 blocks.
Rim Protection & Depth: Sawyer Morrow and Corbin Petcoff provided excellent defensive versatility. Morrow was a wall at the rim, leading the team with 5 blocks while scooping up 21 rebounds (5.3 RPG) and adding 18 points. Petcoff chipped in a crucial 27 points (6.8 PPG), 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.
All-Around Contributions: Joey Wind played steady minutes across all 4 games, providing 6 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and making an impact defensively with 3 blocks. Mahki Lyman showcased superb vision in his 2 appearances, dishing out 7 assists (3.5 APG) to go along with 7 points and 7 rebounds.
Tournament Statistics Breakdown
The complete statistical overview for the Starks Elite 16U roster at the Upper Midwest Finals is detailed below:
Player | GP | PTS | PPG | 3PT | REB | RPG | AST | STL | BLK |
Adel Amparo | 4 | 42 | 10.5 | 2 | 39 | 9.8 | 9 | 5 | 3 |
Finn Stroschein | 4 | 40 | 10.0 | 6 | 22 | 5.5 | 6 | 2 | 1 |
Ty Shingen | 4 | 37 | 9.3 | 2 | 22 | 5.5 | 13 | 5 | 1 |
Beckam Lull | 3 | 27 | 9.0 | 4 | 14 | 4.7 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
Corbin Petcoff | 4 | 27 | 6.8 | 2 | 10 | 2.5 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
Sawyer Morrow | 4 | 18 | 4.5 | 0 | 21 | 5.3 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
Mahki Lyman | 2 | 7 | 3.5 | 1 | 7 | 3.5 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
Joey Wind | 4 | 6 | 1.5 | 0 | 8 | 2.0 | 7 | 1 | 3 |
TEAM TOTALS | 4 | 204 | 51.0 | 17 | 143 | 35.8 | 57 | 20 | 18 |
Building Momentum
A 2-2 finish at a high-stakes tournament like the PrepHoops Upper Midwest Finals demonstrates exactly what makes Starks Elite 16U a solid team on the circuit. Showcasing an elite ability to rebound collectively, protect the rim, and pass the basketball effectively, this group has built a rock-solid foundation. As they refine their execution and continue to build on this chemistry, Starks Elite is primed to make a heavy impact in their upcoming tournament appearances.