D1 MN Summer Classic: Saturday
The D1 MN Summer Classic has traditionally drawn some very big names in collegiate coaching, and this year’s event was no different. Head coaches Rick and Richard Pitino, Greg Gard of Wisconsin and Tim Miles of Nebraska were all present,…
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Continue ReadingThe D1 MN Summer Classic has traditionally drawn some very big names in collegiate coaching, and this year’s event was no different. Head coaches Rick and Richard Pitino, Greg Gard of Wisconsin and Tim Miles of Nebraska were all present, along with coaches from Texas, North Carolina, Kansas State, Iowa State, Northern Iowa, Siena, George Mason, Pacific, South Dakota State and more. With loaded D1 MN groups in both 17U and 16U, the afternoon games were highly populated with observers. Thanks to the D1 MN admin team who always shows Northstar Hoops great hospitality.
D1 MN 17U vs. Chicago Raptors
D1 MN started their usual dunking routine early, with Jericho Sims and Matt Hurt setting the tone around the rim. A 17-5 run propelled D1 ahead, aided by four three-pointers from energetic guard Jack Sorenson. Led by 16 points from Jack, D1 finished the game with a 73-62 lead and moved on to the semifinals.
Jericho Sims — The 6-foot-8 forward was worth the price of admission for fans looking to check his game out. He’s rising more quickly and finishing harder as the summer goes on. His length is on display when he defends the hoop and makes plays at the rim, like his put-back dunk at the end of the first half. He finished with 12 points, and the buzz continues to grow that this is a prospect who the Gophers have a good shot at landing. A local major media member gave his prediction after the game that the Gophers would be Sims’ landing spot. Sims is still raking in offers, as Providence was the latest to extend.
Matthew Hurt — The sophomore-to-be’s calm demeanor playing against much older competition with big-name coaches watching continues to amaze me. He’s a stone-cold killer no matter who he’s playing in front of, and a host of high major coaches who have already extended offers got to see Hurt do his thing. A ball-strip plus transition two-handed slam was the highlight of Matthew’s day.
Goanar Mar — A 6-foot-7 versatile forward, Mar has a host of mid-major scholarship offers to choose from, most recently Valparaiso. He looked great today with his catch-and-shoot ability from the perimeter, hitting two from deep agains the Raptors. I thought his shooting rhythm was fluid and a great sign of his development. Several mid-majors are very excited about his potential moving forward.