Here is what Coach Vatsaas had to say on his team’s weekend at the Adidas Invitational in Indianapolis:
“I was really impressed by the depth of quality teams, both from what we played and what we observed. Out of the 87 teams at 16U, we estimated that probably 45-50 of them or more would be comparable to a top 10-12 team in Minnesota or better. Most of those teams would be top 8-9. The Gold bracket played more like the first few rounds of a normal Platinum.”
Games
Defeated Club Elite ÐThe Right WayÓ 84-42. “They were a solid team but playing their second game. Our guys hit with our pressure and tempo from the first minute and controlled the game the whole way through.”
Defeated Toledo Elite 78-23. “We were up 56-8 at halftime in this one despite calling off the press about 4 minutes into the game. Second half was all about maintaining sportsmanship. We were playing well, but the reality is that Toledo shouldnt have been in this tournament.”
Lost to the Memphis Bulls 74-73. “De facto pool championship game. Overcame a double-digit deficit twice to take the lead into the final minute. Ref blew the call badly on a loose ball out of bounds with 10 second left on their end of the court. They hit a put-back with 6 seconds left to win by one. Brutal ending for us. This game started the Mykal Howard coming out party, however.”
Defeated Hoops4Health out of Chicago 80-78. “Overcame another double-digit deficit in this one. Probably the grittiest win of our entire season. Game was nasty physical. Very proud of the boys.”
Lost to MBA Select out of Indiana 79-72 in overtime. “Overcame, again, a big deficitthis time 16 in the first half. MBA Select put on the most impressive team shooting performance we have seen all season. They had about 4-5 legitimate snipers. One of them hit a ridiculous fade-away three from the corner over Kade Hart and another player as the clock expired in regulation to send it to OT. They proceeded to hit another two threes in the first 45 seconds of OT to basically break our backs, and we never recovered.”
Players
MYKAL HOWARD: “I will be shocked if I don’t field at least a few emails or calls on this kid this week. Over those last three games, he probably averaged at least 15 ppg, probably more (stats pending) to go with probably 4-5 spg. In each game, he was the best player on the floor. If he got any kid of momentum with the ball in transition, he was basically impossible to keep in front for anyone guarding him. If he can play like that consistently and keep improving (and I think he can definitely do both), the kid legitimately has scholarship potential. I have no doubt about that at all and am not exaggerating in the slightest. He’s a late bloomer, but it’s all starting to click for him.”
BRIAN SITZMANN: “He also probably averaged about 15 ppg or more. Showed tremendous ability to finish within 10 feet through heavy contact on a regular basis. His ceiling is probably D2, this weekend solidified that ability level in my mind.”
JACOB FREDRICKON: “He was our third leading score…speculating here but probably about 12-14 ppg. His perimeter range is developing quickly, but his did his biggest damage in the block whenever teams would put anyone on him around his size (a very strong 6-3 1/2). If he can develop his handle better, I see him most likely as a very good D3 combo forward. If he grows, then more options could open up.”
KADE HART: “Kade did a lot of what Kade does best (block shots, frustrate posts with his perimeter range, show great agility). I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets his first offer this month.”
OTHERS: “All four of our other guys (TJ Hunt, Elliot Lyden, Nolan Sullivan, and Jake Reineke) had one of their best games at some point in this tournament as well….so we feel very good about the progress the boys are making.
The Magic have D1 Minnesota's event this next week followed by KC Hardwood Classic to wrap up July the following week.
