The 17u group provided a solid group of players amongst 16 teams. Here's a look at fifteen players from that group:

The Michigan Mustangs' 6'2 guard Keith Appling (Michigan State U.) scored 30 points in a championship loss vs. the Derrick Rose Express. He was solid for the most part of the weekend scoring at will and from all-around the court. His game was off in the semi-finals against the Detroit Fire but the Mustangs were able to move on.

5'6 point guard Maurice Jones dazzled the crowd once again as he led the REACH Legends to a one-point victory over the Canton Wolfpack. His ability to make those around him better makes him a solid player. His ability to handle the rock, cut into the lane, explode, and pick opponent's pockets makes him special.

Team Detroit's marquee player 6'5 guard Trey Zeigler '09 could step onto many college teams now and get plenty of playing time if not start. Saturday he knocked down jumpers, broke down defenders, defended, and showed off his athleticism with a handful of dunks on the day.

The Detroit Fire's 6'5 wing Matthew Hunter is one of Michigan's best slashers and he go to the hoop time and time again as the Fire 17u reached the semi-finals. He knocked down many mid-range jumpers and knows how to get to the foul line.

6' guard Faroog Muhammed of the Derrick Rose Express found open spots on the perimeter and knocked down the three with consistency. It's going to be tough for teams to play zone against the Express.

Springs: Players with a lot of bounce that used it to their advantage

The report I received was that 6'8 center Javon Harden had eight blocks in a game on Friday night. His length was bothersome to all opposing post players and he's a solid finisher. He's still raw but what he does now is effective.

6'5 power forward Dominique Pointer of Common Bond 17u attacked the offensive rim and glass on either end more than any other player on any level. He's long and that helped in blocking shots over the weekend.

Parallel 45's 6'5 power forward Will Bowles showed a lot of bounce and ran the floor well. He seemed to throw the ball down whenever the opportunity was there and he was strong on the boards in Saturday's games.

Welcome Back: Players who have returned to Michigan's A.A.U. scene

6'9 center Walter Pickford was on Oak Hill Academy's red team a year ago and two-years ago he was a skinny 6'6 center with the Grand Rapids Storm 15u team. He liked the mid-range jumper back then and he still does

6'5 off guard Keenan Coleman left Flint Central for Patterson Prep last year but he's back in Michigan and running with Team Detroit. High Major schools are still recruiting Coleman who was a member of Michigan's 2009 class.

6'3 shooting guard Brandon Gouch is back with Common Bond after a year away from the A.A.U. scene. Scorers score and when Gouch's three wasn't falling his drive to the bucket was always something he could rely on to get two points.

6'7 forward William Overton was in California this past high school year. In 2007-08 he was at Detroit City on Michigan's Class D runner-up squad. Now, he's with the L.A. Stars17u.

Big Bodies Roll: Players who would benefit from turning girth into muscle

The L.A. Stars' 6'6 power forward Devon Long tips the scales at 250-pound but injured his ankle in a loss to the REACH Legends. He didn't have the greatest of games as he came up empty as he spun and powered his way into the paint. He doesn't have a lot of extra to convert, as he's strong as an ox.

6'7 center Curtis Thompson is a former high school teammate of Long's and the power forwards are now on the same A.A.U. team. He eats up space and adds a soft touch around the rim.

6'7 center Jaylen Larry of Common Bond's 17u team is the beef in the middle for a solid squad that was missing interior help from last year's team. He went through spurts where he was very effective in the post.

Glue Guy of the Week: Player who does this and that to help his team win

6'3 small forward Pat O'Brien is fresh off a Class B State Championship in high school and winning carried over until Common Bond 17u's lost in the semi finals to the Express. I mentioned to some coaches that he hasn't committed ten total turnovers in games that I've watched over the past two and a half years. The fix was in as he threw the ball over a teammate's head soon after my comment. He shoots well, rebounds, makes the right decisions quickly, and most importantly wins