Twin Cities Week In Review: Week 4
The Holidays are approaching, and high school teams are starting to get into mid-season form. With all of the talent and exciting matchups throughout the Twin Cities, Northstar Hoops Report gives you a rundown of all the top performances and…
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Continue ReadingThe Holidays are approaching, and high school teams are starting to get into mid-season form. With all of the talent and exciting matchups throughout the Twin Cities, Northstar Hoops Report gives you a rundown of all the top performances and games from throughout last week!
Players of the Week
J’Vonne Hadley (6’6 2020 G, Mahtomedi)- It was a big week for top-20 junior J’Vonne Hadley, scoring 30+ points in both of his games throughout the week. He started off on Tuesday dropping 33 points in a big win over South St. Paul. That individual scoring success translated to Mahtomedi’s next game on Thursday, where J’Vonne put on a show scoring 38 points. The 6’6 guard is a fluid athlete who finds great success in the open floor and by driving to the hoop. He creates match-up issues with his size and versatility at the guard spot, and that has allowed him to get off to a hot start in his junior season, averaging just over 30 points a contest after his strong performances last week.
Domenik Block (6’2 2019 G, Park of Cottage Grove)- Park High School came into this season with high expectations, and talents like Domenik were a big reason why. This past week Domenik put in dominant outings, proving he is more than just an athlete. On Tuesday in a conference bout against Stillwater, Domenik had his second 30+ point game of the season, ultimately finishing with 33 points on the night. Later that week, Domenik helped lead Park to victory over Simley with a 28 point game. Domenik is one of the most athletic guards in the area, and he uses his quickness and bounce to get to the rim and finish in traffic. From beyond the arc, Domenik excels at getting his feet set to catch and shoot, and is capable of knocking down threes when given space.
Dawson Garcia (6’10 2020 F, Prior Lake)- One of the state’s top prospects delivered in Prior Lake’s lone game last week, with one of the most impressive statistical outings the state has seen this season. In a win over Shakopee, Dawson delivered 40 points to go along with 15 rebounds in a career night. Dawson’s ability to score in a variety of ways showed, as he knocked down some jumpers while also being able to score at will inside. His baby hook that he can knock down with either hand inside has proven near impossible to stop this season, while his outside shooting has opened up his dribble penetration game from the wing. The 6’10 junior proved why he is one of the top forwards in the country with an impressive showing last week.
Dion Ford (6’4 2019 W, St. Paul Central)- St. Paul Central is off to a 5-1 start, and Dion Ford is a big reason why. Dion delivered on three separate occasions last week, starting off with 18 points in a win over Duluth East on Tuesday. The production only increased after that, as Dion went on to drop 29 points the very next night in a close win over Woodbury. Dion closed off the week with a 20 point game to lead Central over Roseville. Dion’s big week saw him earn his first college offer from NJCAA Division One Lake Region State. Dion is long at 6’4, and has great vertical leaping ability that helps him finish around the rim. The smooth lefty excels at getting to the basket, and is developing into a solid outside shooter to become a more complete threat on offense.
Jacob Hutson (6’9 2020 C, Edina)- Edina’s 6’9 center delivered two of his career’s best performances in back to back games last week. Starting off against St. Michael-Albertville, Hutson dominated inside to put up 30 points in the win. Hutson had an identical outing later in the week against a rebuilding Apple Valley squad, once again scoring 30 points in an Edina win. Huston is a strong player in the post, and uses his strength and size advantage to score at will in the post. That strength also allows him to stand his ground when facing size on defense, and defend the rim without needing to foul. Hutson will be a fun prospect to keep an eye on as he continues to refine his game, and this past week was an indication of what could be coming for one of the state’s top big men.
Team of the Week
White Bear Lake High School- White Bear Lake fought their way to three wins last week to remain undefeated on the season, taking down some talented teams along the way. They started the week off on Tuesday against conference foe Cretin-Derham Hall, where they defeated the Raiders by one point in a hard fought 69-68 victory. Jeremy Beckler and Sam Schwartz led the way with 18 points each in the statement win. Against Mahtomedi, Jeremy Beckler scored 36 points to help lead WBL to a 77-75 win in double overtime. Issac Tessier added a near triple double with 18 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds in the win. After two hard fought wins, White Bear Lake but in a commanding performance against St. Francis to win 74-55. Carter Ehlers and Steven Kleist both stepped up and scored 10 points a piece in the win. White Bear Lake’s stars, combined with their quality role players has them looking the part of a state ranked AAAA team this year, and their undefeated week has made them a team to watch going forward.
Statement Win of the Week
Stillwater beats Park of Cottage Grove 69-62- After going 4-22 in the regular season last year, Stillwater is off to a hot start at 6-1, and just took down a very talented Park team as a wake up call to the rest of the Suburban East Conference. Senior guard Nate Shikenjanski stepped up with 24 points to lead Stillwater in scoring. He’s averaging nearly 20 a game this season, and that scoring spark came up huge in the win. Fellow senior Trenton Attwood had a nice game inside with 15 points of his own, as the only other Stillwater player in double figures. His size at 6’6 in the post has been crucial to his team’s success this year. In total, eight different players scored for Stillwater in the win, and that unselfishness is a big reason why the Ponies were able to pull of a statement victory over conference opponent Park.
Sleeper of the Week
Kurt Ohlhues (6’3 2020 G, Eagan)- Eagan’s 5-1 start has been one of the biggest surprises in the state this season, and a large part of that success has been the breakout season from Kurt Ohlhues. The junior is averaging 17.3 points a contest, and last week he broke out for 39 points against Burnsville, and although it came in a loss, it proved just how dangerous Kurt can be on any given night. Kurt looked dangerous attacking the basket, where he was able to finish in a variety of ways to evade the outstretched arms of the defenders. Kurt can also extend the range to beyond the arc where he has a quick release to get shots off over defenders’ closeouts. He followed up his 39 point game with 9 points in a win over Bloomington Jefferson to bring his scoring total for the week up to 48. Kurt has just about doubled his scoring average from last season, and it will be exciting to watch him continue to grow as a player.
Freshman of the Week
Hassan Kamara (6’4 2022 F, Fridley)- Hassan Kamara has continued his strong freshman season with a couple of productive outings last week. The long and versatile wing forward scored 20 points in Fridley’s win over Minneapolis Edison. He finished off the week with 15 points against St. Paul Highland Park to bring his season average to 16.7 ppg. Hassan is a promising young prospect with great length and the potential to grow a few more inches into an imposing wing. He has the strength and athleticism to finish at the rim with strength, and has now developed into an outside threat as well. Hassan has had a strong start to the season shooting the ball from deep, and has a high arching shot with a high release point making it hard to defend. His multi-dimensional offensive game is what has helped him have such a productive start, and the Fridley freshman appears to have a promising future.
Other Storylines
Eden Prairie beats East Ridge 55-50 and Lakeville North 66-62.
DeWayne Givens (5’11 2023 G, St. Paul Johnson)- Eighth grader scored 23 points in a game.
Hopkins takes down Chicago Orr Academy and Chicago Clark by a combined 66 points.
Jordan Jones (5’8 2020 PG, Columbia Heights)- Scored a season high 24 points vs. Minneapolis Edison.
James Sommer (6’3 2020 G, Cristo Rey Jesuit)- Scored 30 points in a win over Nova Classical.