Battle at the Lakes: Friday Night Standouts (MN)
Night one of Battle at the Lakes was a local affair with most big name out of state opponents playing their first game Saturday in the AM but the local action still excited the crowd and packed the gym. Prep…
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Continue ReadingNight one of Battle at the Lakes was a local affair with most big name out of state opponents playing their first game Saturday in the AM but the local action still excited the crowd and packed the gym. Prep Hoops Network employees were everywhere and NHR joined the group with the following list of player standouts:
Anthony Davis (Hopkins/D1 MN 16). If Anthony goes as hard as he did on Friday night every night all future opponents have a problem. This is a slasher that slashes at 100 miles per hour and a closeout on him has to be perfectly timed or he will glide right to an angle that is a nearly a guaranteed two. Really like how hard he is playing. I think he could play on an area D1 that uses a pressuring style and doesn’t mind a two guard at 6-foot-1 or a combo guard at that size.
Blake Hills (Elk River/Crossfire). Like how he runs the team. Does a great job setting a tone with his entry pass and instant movement on one end and then his defensive work on the other end. Was able to get penetration against Real Athletics and I have to believe he will have a nice role for the Elks next season.
Matthew Hurt (Roch JM/D1 MN). Matthew is a no-nonsense skilled assassin usually facing up and just destroying older players but tonight he was the guy moving off the ball to catch reversals and throw the ball down on the face off opponents. His aggressive finishes were as highlight reel as they have ever been. I know it’s very fan boy like but he was just an explosive finisher all game and that was the memory of the contest for him.
Derrick Ogechi (Park Center/Phenom). Ogechi is one of the best supporting scorers out there. Hits with his feet set, runs with the ball, active off the ball. Does a great job supporting playmakers by being a dependable option. Scored six field goals in a win over Lace Up and all were big in momentum.
Logan Rezac (Andover/Crossfire). Love the way he moves without the ball to get in position to produce. A guy that catches on the move, seeks space, and has no problem if contact is near. Seems to love to get contact and then finish. Good position defender as well. Physical player that coaches love because of his toughness.
Jericho Sims (Cristo Rey Jesuit/D1 MN). Sims was as active on the glass and as active gutting off the ball as I’ve ever seen him. Had seven points and seven rebounds immediately setting the tone for a big differential win versus the Barnstormers. Had an And1 where he was drilled but his lift and strength resulted in him ignoring the contact. Had a couple dunks that wowed the crowd but it was his activity that I really enjoyed.
Jaquan Sanders-Smith (Mpls North/Phenom). Sanders took a two score game over with ten points in the second half slashing for scores and hitting another couple of treys. When you keep hitting treys at this rate you are a three point weapon and that’s scary as guys can’t keep him in front.
Nate Soumis (Hermantown/Twins Port Pride). This young guard has no conscious. He’s pulling whenever he thinks the time is right and there is some space. And based on what I’ve seen Nate is going to make it at a nice rate. Not the biggest but definitely ambitious so you better have a hand up quick.
Race Thompson (Armstrong/D1 MN 16U). Race’s face-up game at the elbow is so quality, forwards can’t defend the ground he quickly attacks into because he’s quick, covers so much space with a dribble, and he’s quite physical and strong even though he’s barely lifted weights in his life. So comfortable handling the ball that it’s really hard to pinpoint if he is a three or a four. Let’s just call him both.
Jarvis Thomas (Orono/D1 MN 16). Let’s be honest, he scored five times against Iowa Elite and all of them were right at the rim. One time he jumped over a guy for a two-hand alley opp dunk. Literally Jarvis hurdled the dude who ducked for cover. It was one of four dunks. Ridiculous bounce, but the game was such a blow out we never got a look at his face-up game.
Isaih Walden (Rochester JM/D1 MN Prospects). Isaih Walden has had a great spring and that continued tonight with another couple long jumpers and 15 points as his team routed Crossfire Singh. Walden is playing with another level of confidence both in handle and in touch.
Calvin Wishart (Delano/D1 MN 16s). Defenders really don’t seem to know how to defend him. Calvin pushes so hard with each dribble and is so good with both hands and is so jerky that defenders must just ache when they are through with him. I really like that pull-up jumper and his burst is quicker than he gets credit for.
CJ Woda (Heritage Christian/Crossfire). CJ looks about 6-foot-5 now, definitely stronger, and is moving with more agility than I knew he had. Has the handles to beat most kids to the spot and his size with face-up skill gives him a consistent edge on most. Definitely a guy that physically looks like a better prospect than we have him ranked at.