Stock Up Showcase: 2019 Names To Know
The NHR Stock Up Showcase was at Augsburg this weekend revealing some names we need to keep an eye on as their HS careers develop. NHR runs through some top 2019 prospects to look out for this summer and beyond.
Domenik Block (G, 6-1, Park of Cottage Grove) – Block’s motor was running high all day. He set himself up for open scores at the rim and showed good touch beyond the arc. Skied for a dunk attempt that didn’t go down but the spring of athleticism caught my eye. His fast pace was refreshing to see in an open-gym type of atmosphere.
Dane Zimmer (PF, 6-6, Hopkins) – Zimmer looked comfortable wherever he was on the floor. He stretched post defenders farther from the rim, attacked the boards with timing and anticipation, and used a flurry of jump hooks and counter moves to dominate in his open run games. Saw some action for the Royals at the end of the year, expect him to be a big piece next season.
Ricky Eason (G, 5-11, Centennial) – A solidly-built lead guard, Eason handled the ball well and bullied his way inside for buckets. His physical frame was too much for thinner opponents, most of whom didn’t want to mess with that strength defensively anyway. Good showing from him after a nice season in the Cougar rotation.
Donovan Ivory (SF, 6-3, Kaukauna) – A lengthy and agile wing who has great IQ moving off the ball. When his defender chased him off a screen, Ivory smoothly curled the cut to the rim and finished around rim protection with ease. Showed a smooth stroke from deep as well. He and his twin brother Brayden hiked out here from Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Definitely a player to watch across the river.
Tommy Chatman (SF, 6-2, Park Center) – Chatman is about 6-2 or 6-3 but his wingspan must be around 6-6. He was consistent in scoring from all levels and his midrange pull up game was better than expected. He got after it on the other end too, continuously playing pressure defense on the ball. Anticipated passing lanes well and pushed ahead to open teammates. Didn’t force much of anything all afternoon.
Mark Richelsen (SF, 6-3, Providence Academy) – The Lions’ leading scorer this season was productive within himself. He’s one of those guys you can count on to score without being a high volume shot taker. He knows his range and ability and will not jump outside of that area. Scored in a variety of ways and is a strong kid at 6-3. He can carry the load for another couple years at Providence.
Charlie Gorres (F, 6-4, Park of Cottage Grove) – Gorres looks like he’d be a low post player but he grabbed rebounds and took them coast to cast with no hesitation. Confident handles, great focus around the rim, and already 6-foot-4. Promising forward for the Wolfpack down the road.
BONUS: Robert Grace (PG, 5-6, Blake) – The eighth-grader played against guys two to four years older than him and more than held his own. He slips into the seams nobody else can and zips strikes to open shooters in rhythm. I saw him score a few times on floaters from just inside the paint so his touch was on the right track too. Has plenty of room and time to grow physically and the talent and basketball feel is already progressing. (The class of 2021 is rolling in this coming year. I’m starting to feel old.)