New Senior Names to Know: Class AAA
New senior names earn their spot every year and help programs win a large number of games. Here are some potential players ready to step up and make an even bigger impact. Jack Anderson/Noel Mshihiri, 6-6/6-2, Sr, Pf/Sg, Orono. Orono…
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Continue ReadingNew senior names earn their spot every year and help programs win a large number of games. Here are some potential players ready to step up and make an even bigger impact.
Jack Anderson/Noel Mshihiri, 6-6/6-2, Sr, Pf/Sg, Orono. Orono is the third ranked team in Class AAA coming into the year and it’s more than just the junior class (Thomas, Lecy, Codute, Bjorklund), it’s also because of a quality big like Jack Anderson at 6-foot-6 who is looking at playing in the MIAC and Mshihiri who is a returning starter.
Airreon Austin, 6-0, Sr, Sg, Columbia Heights. It’s believed by many that Columbia Heights will be one of the best in Class AAA because of names like Braziel, Roberson, Matthews, and Kelly. You can add Airreon Austin to that list as last year he did some of everything defending, scoring in double figures, finishing as a top rebounder and passing lane terror (steals).
Travis Carruth, 6-1, Sr, Sg, Hibbing. The 6-foot-1 Carruth is maybe the best senior shooter in the state that nobody knows of. He’s definitely one of the best shooters in northern Minnesota. Travis scored 16 a game as a junior and guys have to pick him up two steps behind the arc.
Isaac Cihak, 6-1, Sr, Sg, Detroit Lakes. Isaac helped the Lakers to 20 wins last year with his 13 points, eight rebounds, and three steals a game. Excellent defender who has a high and finishes well on the attack. He also told The Breakdown that he’s an excellent “cornhole player” so there is that as well.
Oscar Hedin, 6-5, Sr, PF, Winona. Oscar is the exact type of player that comes from unknown and the next thing you know he’s recruited by MIAC programs and maybe more. Hedin has to play center for the Winhawks, has the ball skills to play some PG like he did in the summer, has a near seven foot wing span and he averaged ten and 5.5 as a junior.
Christian Massett, 6-3, Sr, Sf, Red Wing. Christian is likely to be a captain and main player for a Red Wing team that lost much of its line-up to graduation. Massett is known as one of the better defenders in the Big Nine. Massett’s birthday is one of the most historic days in American history, 9-11.
Mitchell Max, 5-11, Sr, Pg, Hutchinson. Max scored 16 points per game last year for the eight win Tigers that are working to win a game in conference after 0-10 last season. Max is a multi threat when it comes to handling, hitting at the arc, and attacking the rim. Maybe one of the most unadvertised big school scoring threats in the state.
Deandre Smith, 6’2, Sr, Sf, Simley. Not many guys in the metro start for a state team scoring 11 a game with 5.5 rebounds but stay under the radar. The explosive first step and developing jumper of Deandre Smith make him one of those guys.
Nolan Sullivan, 6’8, Sr, C, St. Thomas. Sullivan is a player that new STA coach Jason Birr can lean on for some production. Sullivan is a good rebounder and shot blocker and his low post lefty touch is getting better every day. At his size schools will be checking with Coach Birr.
Tanner Tiege, 5-8, Sr, PG, Big Lake. Tanner represents a Big Lake senior group that helped get the team to double figure wins and near a .500 league record last season. He is one of four seniors who had big roles last year and he is the team’s lone returning all league player.
Nick Zabel, 6-3, Sr, Sf, Northfield. Nick played a reserve roll last year but as one of the team’s better shooters he will be a third scoring option for the Raiders. Playing with Hunter Koep and Alex Rassmussen, the Raiders have a nice group of three wings/forwards.