NHR State Tournament: Best Rebounders
The overwhelming humidity and heat that filled Champlin Park High School couldn’t stop these tenacious prospects from ripping down big rebounds all weekend at NHR State. Let’s run through the best of the best.
Carter Henry (PF, 6-7, 2019, SW MN Stars/Central MN Christian) – Henry had some trouble finding an offensive rhythm on Saturday and adjusted to fill a role for his gritty Stars team. Carter has awesome length as a 6-7 forward/center and was able to leap over smaller opponents and grab multiple high-traffic rebounds. His energy on both ends of the glass was critical in the Stars’ run to a 16U championship.
Andy Stafford (SF, 6-3, 2019, Heat Bui/Hopkins) – It didn’t take long for Stafford to get accustomed to his new Heat squad this weekend and the athleticism he displayed was just as good as what we saw from him at the Stock Up Showcase in March. Stafford made it his duty to fly in for defensive rebounds, and he was a large contributor in Bui’s 20-point comeback win over D1 MN Prospects.
Justin Balcome (C. 6-10, 2018, Comets Servaty/Alexandria) – Balcome’s been a hot name across all levels of recruiting and for good reason; his ability to protect the rim and then ballhandle and finish in transition is a coveted combination. He’s a monster on the offensive boards and every time he gets one chance he’s going to put the ball in the basket.
Andrew Jackson (C, 6-5, 2018, WOTN/Owatonna) – Jackson has an offensive ball-mover role but has no limits when it comes to second-chance efforts. He’s the dirty work fiend for WOTN and can fill up the rebounding sheet quickly, even at just 6-5. A big puzzle piece for the black and gold’s success.
Brady Garcia (C, 6-6, 2019, Crossfire Bellefeuille/Andover) – Another junior-to-be with effort levels through the roof. He makes the routine hustle plays that win games. In the wear-and-tear style that Crossfire plays (they fell in the title game 42-39 in double overtime), Garcia is the perfect center as a rim presence on both ends.