Tip-Off Classic Preview: Main Court Game Changers
The Breakdown Sports’ Tip Off Classic is just a day away, and the schedule is jam packed with some of the most talented teams throughout the state. With most of the games loaded with Division One talent, I’ll point out…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Breakdown Sports’ Tip Off Classic is just a day away, and the schedule is jam packed with some of the most talented teams throughout the state. With most of the games loaded with Division One talent, I’ll point out one role player from each of the main court games who has the potential to swing the game in his team’s favor.
Cam Vaughn (6’3 2019 G, Robbinsdale Cooper)- Cooper will be led by two-headed monster Jalen Justice and Jalen Miller, but against a tough St. Thomas Academy squad, those two may not be enough to pull off a win. Cam Vaughn is a guy who has the talent and length to be an effective player on the wing, and if he can step up it will help alleviate some of that pressure and attention put on to Justice and Miller. He’s a guy that averaged about 7 ppg last year, while taking on the role as one of Cooper’s top defenders. If he plays well on Saturday, Robbinsdale Cooper has a great chance to win.
Jaren Morton (5’9 2021 PG, Breck)- David Roddy will clearly be the focus for the Lake City defense, so rising sophomore Jaren Morton will have the chance to make his presence felt in a big way. Jaren is a lightning quick point guard with good handles and a feel for the game. He played as more of a distributor last season as a freshman, but has been taking on a larger responsibility scoring the ball this season. He’s averaging 14.5 ppg through two games this year, and that offensive presence could be key in keeping Lake City honest on defense.
Jalen Travis (6’7 2020 C, DeLaSalle)- They call him “Big Country”, and Jalen Travis will be the biggest player on the floor this Saturday in DeLaSalle’s matchup against Wayzata. Wayzata is a guard heavy team who has no one that can match the size and strength of Jalen Travis, and as I’ve seen last year in his JV days, Jalen knows how to take advantage of a size mismatch. The junior big is averaging 12.5 ppg so far this season, and he combines his strength with a soft touch to score inside. With his size advantage this weekend, don’t be surprised if he’s a difference maker for DeLaSalle.
Curtis Jones (6’2 2020 G, Cretin-Derham Hall)- CDH vs. Rochester John Marshall features two of the state’s best scorers in Matthew Hurt and Jaeden King, but one player alone won’t win the game for either team. One of the players who could step up and be a difference maker for the reigning AAAA state champs in Curtis Jones. The Minneapolis South transfer has provided a spark on offense thus far, and was effective from distance on Thursday night against Apple Valley, dropping 16 points on a handful of three pointers. He gives CDH a secondary scoring option outside of Jaeden King, and will be critical in stretching the floor to keep some of that Rochester length out of the paint.
Rayquan Valentin (6’3 2019 G, Hopkins)- Hopkins takes on fellow state title contender Lakeville North in the main court’s fifth game of the day. One of the biggest surprises for either of these teams has been the emergence of Rayquan Valentin as a nice role player for Hopkins. After starting the opener, and coming off the bench as the sixth man against Orono, Rayquan has been delivering consistently solid performances as a poised floor general and consistent three point shooter. In a game that could see both teams go on a few big runs, Rayquan will play a pivotal role in reestablishing his team’s form with his calm demeanor and poise. Hopkins will have the size advantage, and his ability as one of the top post feeders around could lead to success inside for bigs like Zeke Nnaji and Dane Zimmer. Rayquan will look to put in another solid performance to lead Hopkins past a tough Lakeville North team.
Sam Nissen (6’1 2019 PG, Prior Lake)- Prior Lake and their twin towers face off against the #1 team in the state, East Ridge. Prior Lake’s front court of two near 7 footers will draw attention from not only the crowd, but also the East Ridge defense, as no one in the state has the length to replicate their size down low. Keeping East Ridge honest on defense will be the sharpshooting abilities of senior point guard Sam Nissen. If Sam is knocking down his outside shots it could help open things up inside for Robert Jones and Dawson Garcia to go one-on-one against their defenders, a situation that they’re both skilled enough to score in with consistency. The spotlight will be on the stars in this game, but Sam Nissen will have plenty of opportunity to make his presence felt.
Ariel Bland (6’6 2020 F, Eden Prairie)- There aren’t many teams in the state, if any, that can match the athleticism that Park Center brings to every spot on the floor. To match that athleticism, Ariel Bland could play a big role defensively for Eden Prairie. EP has the offensive fire power to put up big numbers on offense, but Ariel’s unique blend of length and bounce will be critical in stopping some of the Park Center athletes defensively. He’s coming off of a 13 point performance on Tuesday, so he has the touch inside to make an impact offensively as well. Count on Ariel’s athleticism to make a difference for Eden Prairie in a rematch of a fall league game that was so close it took multiple overtime periods to decide a winner.
Alex John (6’8 2019 C, Champlin Park)- It’s Champlin Park vs. Minnehaha Academy to cap off the event in what should be a great finale. Minnehaha has one of the longest players in the state in Chet Holmgren, but he’ll be matched up against one of the state’s strongest players in Alex John. The 6’8 John is a physical specimen inside, and his strength in this battle of the bigs will be needed to keep Champlin Park in contention. The Division 2 recruit scored 12 points in Champlin Park’s season opener, and he will be called upon to produce again in a matchup of one of the state’s most athletic and talented teams regardless of division. Expect Alex John’s physicality to play a big role in the final game of the Tip-Off Classic.