Battle at the Lakes: Friday Standouts
PrepHoops Battle at the Lakes kicked off in Minnesota on Friday night with mostly Minnesota and Iowa teams in action on the first day of games. Check out our top performers from Friday night! PF Race Thompson (D1 Minnesota…
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Continue ReadingPrepHoops Battle at the Lakes kicked off in Minnesota on Friday night with mostly Minnesota and Iowa teams in action on the first day of games. Check out our top performers from Friday night!
PF Race Thompson (D1 Minnesota 16U)
Was really impressed with what the 6’7” power forward brought to the table. Naturally strong build as I was told he doesn’t even lift weights, but is very strong. He also has solid length. Thompson was powerful finishing around the hoop with several thunderous slams. He positions his body sealing and punishes defenders. Moves well for his size even handling it a little in transition. Soft touch on free throw. Didn’t shoot it from mid-range much. Similar in a way to former Minnesota prep standout Reid Travis. Needs to be on HM/MM radar in 2018.
SF Jarvis Thomas (D1 Minnesota 16U)
This 6’6” small forward exploded at Battle of the Lakes literally! He caught multiple monster alley-oops. Had one impressive dunk over several guys. The small forward is an elite athlete with length and is great in transition both handling it weaving in and out of defenders as well finish over the top. Bouncy wing showed some skill passing it especially on the interior. Quick second jump. Perimeter shot needs refinement. All the tools you could ask for defensively. Should be on HM/MM watch lists!
PF Jericho Sims (D1 Minnesota 17U)
Sims might have had the most impressive performance of the night. At 6’8” he reminded me a lot of Texas commit James Banks. Sims has long arms and the lefty was tremendously active on the offensive glass. He mauled the Iowa Barnstormers in the first half for second chance points. Explosive second jumper. Uses quickness and athleticism to score. This kid doesn’t know how good he can be! Sky is the limit. Defensively his mobility allows him to defend in a ball screen while still being able to recover and swat shots. High major all the way and top 50 type player.
SF Goanar Mar (D1 Minnesota 17U)
Mar is a rangy 6’7” small forward with length, quickness, and athleticism. I love the intangibles that he brings to the table. Does the dirty work getting loose balls, making the extra pass, and getting offensive rebounds. Plus defender on the wing that moves well laterally and can cut passing lanes. Plays with a tremendously high motor. Can knock down a spot up three or one dribble pull up with a smooth stroke. Mid-major plus prospect.
SF Bailey Basala (Iowa Barnstormers 17U)
Basala used to live in Illinois before crossing the Iowa border to play his junior season. He is a big wing that is usually a marksman from deep. Didn’t shoot it particularly well on Friday night, but used his strength and handles to get to the hoop. Scored well against quality defenders off the bounce with spin moves and quickness off the dribble. Tough kid that just produces and gets the job done. Low-major prospect.