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NIKE EYBL Indy Team of the Session: Howard Pulley (MN)

By Alec Kinsky/D1 Circuit Staff, 05/02/17, 3:45PM EDT

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Four teams went 4-0 in Indianapolis, but only one had the luxury of cruising to four relatively easy victories.

Sometimes grit and determination are rewarded during an undefeated session, and MOKAN Elite will be rewarded for just that as the Number 1 ranked team in Thursday's updated D1 Power 10.

That being stated, Minnesota's Elite Youth Basketball put forth a show of domination that couldn't go unnoticed.

Behind budding national superstar Tre Jones, the Howard Pulley Panthers ran through their four opponents (Soldiers, Spiece, Prospects, RENS), winning by an average of 17 points per game.

Unlike Indy's other unbeaten squads, Pulley faced four teams that are within Peach Jam contention - and handled them with ease.

Not only did they win big, they had a few major rotational pieces continue their rise on the national level.

Junior guard Gabe Kalscheur went off for 32 points in the opener against the Soldiers, drilling seven of eight three-pointers. Junior big man Daniel Oturu (Minnesota commit) continued his strong production in the paint, while fellow junior big man Jarvis Thomas showed that he's a serious weapon both in transition and on defense.

The rotation is coming together very nicely for head coach Antwan Harris and company, but they will go as far as Jones takes them.

Jones is once again a candidate for both Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Session. He's also proving how fickle rankings can be - Jones isn't listed in ESPN's 2018 Top 60 - something that will change drastically when they update.

The Panthers also enjoy one of the most passionate cheering sections on the circuit. Much like many EYBl programs, the Pulley program is less of a grassroots club and more of a family, highlighted by their several alumni checking in - including Jones' older brother Tyus. They spent the weekend with a smile on their faces, watching their Panthers gel into one of the most cohesive units on the circuit.

The Panthers spent the majority of 2016 ranked atop the D1 Power 10, and anyone who was expecting a drop-off in production was sorely mistaken. You can expect Pulley to stay in contention with the PSA Cardinals, Cali Supreme and NJ Playaz for the Division B crown.

The Panthers in Indy:

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