Class AA Guards to Watch
Class AA is loaded with talented players all around the state. Minnehaha is the clear-cut best team, but there should be a long list of capable contenders creating fun nights regularly throughout the winter. Here are some guys to watch for:
Nasir El-Amin, Sr., Minneapolis North: El-Amin’s been a solid player for the Polars for a couple years but he’ll have to take his game to another level this year if the Polars are going to get back to state and be the type of team we expect them to be. He was a complementary piece the last few years but he’ll be a go-to guy for this version of North. After scoring 37 in the Border Battle last year, he’s proven he can put up big numbers.
Mason Sohre, Sr., Maple River: Maple River’s been really good for a while now and it seems like there’s a Sohre leading the way pretty much every year. Mason Sohre is the guy now and after putting up 14 points, four rebounds and three assists last year, he’s the unquestioned leader of an Eagles team that has the talent to get back to state.
Jacob Stoltzenberg, Jr., St. Cloud Cathedral: The Crusaders have a terrific backcourt duo in Jackson Jangula and Nick Schaefer but Stoltzenberg potentially gives them a three-headed monster. With those two guards – along with several other good ones – getting into gaps and collapsing defenses, Stoltzenberg will have a green light to cast from 3-point range. He’s going to have some big scoring nights.
Eli King, Fr., Caledonia: The last King brother is in high school now as Eli King will make the transition from role player to feature guy for the Warriors. Noah – a junior – will be the alpha dog but Eli’s a deadeye shooter who continues to get better each time he steps on the court. Bet he’ll be really good.
Rudy Voss, Jr., Jackson County Central: JCC has the talent to compete in the Big South and potentially get back to the state tournament this year and Rudy Voss is a big reason why. Voss put up nearly 20 a game as a sophomore and can score from all three levels on the floor.
Brandon Adelman, Sr., New London-Spicer: Spicer will be one of the best teams in Class AA and Adelman is one of the best individual players in the state. He not only will put up big point totals but he’ll fill up the stat sheet with regularity.
Daniel McCarrel, Jr. St. Croix Prep: St. Croix Prep won 18 games last year and could be even better this winter. Daniel McCarrel put up better than 18 points per game as a sophomore and is one of the best guards in the 2020 class. With another year of seasonsing, he should be able to take over games consistently.
Nate Heise, Jr., Lake City: Heise is one of the best pure shooters in the state but he’s added a ton to his game since making a name for himself as a sniper. The junior guard averaged 17 points per game as a sophomore playing in a solid Hiawatha Valley League and he now takes over as the team’s primary ball-handler.
Carson Becicka, Sr., Mesabi East: Becicka averaged 21 points and seven assists last year while missing part of the season. He’s one of the best scorers and distributors in the state and with a number of talented guys back to join him, he could put up even gaudier numbers.