Twin Cities Week In Review: Week 6
With the holidays comes shortened basketball weeks, and though there was a low quantity of games last week, the quality was definitely there. Catch up on all of the action as Northstar Hoops Report gives you a rundown of the…
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Continue ReadingWith the holidays comes shortened basketball weeks, and though there was a low quantity of games last week, the quality was definitely there. Catch up on all of the action as Northstar Hoops Report gives you a rundown of the top individual and team performances from the Twin Cities last week.
Players of the Week
Jack Middleton (6’4 2019 G, Edina)- Jack Middleton has been successful scoring the ball all season for Edina, and has really stepped up his game to become one of the state’s leading scorers so far this season. He took his game to another level on Thursday, with a dominating 43 point performance against St. Louis Park, proving to be too much to handle in the big win. Middleton is a player who can get a bucket from seemingly anywhere on the floor, with a deadly pull-up jumper from mid-range or beyond the arc. The crafty guard can also get to the rim where he is able to finish with either hand. The Minnesota-Duluth commit has been dangerous all year, and this 43 point game was a statement that he’ll compete with any team in the state.
James Sommer (6’3 2020 G, Cristo Rey Jesuit)- A talented scorer for Cristo Rey Jesuit, James Sommer scored a season high 36 points last week, leading his team to a win over Christian Life. Those 36 points came on 13-24 shooting, including 5-11 from beyond the arc. James added in 10 rebounds and 4 assists, proving he can do more than just score the ball. Able to play either guard spot, James has proven to be a reliable scorer while also being a capable facilitator. Scoring-wise, he is most effective shooting the ball, whether that be at the mid-range off a pull-up, or from shooting the three ball. At 6’3 his length makes his shot hard to defend, and has allowed him to find success as a scorer this season.
Charlie Gorres (6’5 2019 F, Park)- The talented senior forward did a little bit of everything in two games for Park last week, starting off with a 7 point, 10 rebound, and 7 assist game against Henry Sibley. Most impressive perhaps was the fade-away three pointer that he knocked down at the buzzer to give Park a one point win. Moving on to Park’s next game against Woodbury, Charlie once again dominated all facets of the game, scoring 20 points in a triple-double that included 15 rebounds and 10 assists. The versatile forward does whatever it takes to win, and from the game winner to a triple double, his contributions helped his team go 2-0 last week.
Curtis Jones (6’2 2020 G, Cretin-Derham Hall)- The Minneapolis South transfer has been a key contributor in CDH’s 7-3 start to the season, and he had another big game last week to help his team to a win over Mounds View. The junior guard scored 19 points on 9-14 shooting, while grabbing 9 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists. Curtis has the handles and passing vision to play point guard, but is also a great three point shooter allowing him to play off the ball as well. When attacking the basket Curtis has a soft touch on his floated that he utilizes to get shots up over taller defenders inside.
J’vonne Hadley (6’6 2020 G, Mahtomedi)- The rising junior was at it again last week, helping lead Mahtomedi to two wins behind his back to back 30+ point games. On Thursday J’vonne scored 37 points to take down a talented Tartan squad, hitting jumpers, driving to the hoop, and getting buckets in transition. Then on Saturday J’vonne scored 34 points in a win over Stillwater. Those were his third and fourth games this season scoring 30+, and have brought his season average to 30ppg, which is among the top averages in the state. The long and versatile guard has been dominating this season, using his ability to score from all over the floor to help Mahtomedi get off to a 6-3 start on the year.
Team of the Week
Lakeville North- After suffering a few early season losses in the midst of a loaded schedule, Lakeville North is back to its winning ways, picking up two victories on back to back days last week. Starting off on Friday against Eagan, North pulled off a comfortable 75-48 win. Tate Staloch paved the way with a 19 point performance, followed by Tyler Wahl’s 13 points. The very next day Lakeville North faced off against Wayzata in a highly anticipate match-up. From the jump Lakeville North found their offensive firepower, and was able to hold off Wayzata for a 96-84 win that could prove to be a momentum builder for Lakeville North going forward. Tommy Jensen had a big game of 25 points, while Tyler Wahl proved to be too much, scoring 31 points and completing a triple-double with 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Lakeville North plays with a high chemistry, with guys who can shoot, defend, and are willing to compete on both ends, making them a hard team to beat going forward.
Statement Win of the Week
Academy of Holy Angels knocks off Holy Family 58-56- Though they were sitting at 8-1 on the season, Holy Angels was still looking for a big win. They got just that when they took down undefeated Holy Family in a highly contested game. Freshman guard Emmett Johnson came up big for Holy Angels with 14 points, while 6’6 Matt Banovetz scored a game high 16. Add in 10 points from Tommy Shelstad and scores from four other players, and Holy Angels finds themselves sitting at 9-1 with a huge win under their belt with the conference season fast approaching.
Sleeper of the Week
Isaac Burns (6′ 2020 G, Fridley)- Though Fridley is off to a slow start this season, Isaac Burns has proven to be a bright spot for them. The junior guard is capable of producing some big scoring nights, and did just that when he helped lead Fridley to their third win of the year behind his 31 point outburst against Minneapolis Southwest last Thursday. After averaging 10 ppg last season as a sophomore, Isaac has stepped up into a bigger role this year for Fridley, and is taking advantage of the opportunity by averaging 17.6 points a contest this year. Isaac is a quick and productive guard who will look to help keep Fridley competitive in games the rest of the season.
Freshman of the Week
Hassan Kamara (6’2 2022 W, Fridley)- Sticking with the Fridley theme, Burns’ teammate Hassan Kamara had himself a big game last week as well. In the win over Minneapolis Southwest, Kamara stepped up to score 26 points. At 6’4 and athletic, Hassan has the ability to score in the paint and finish above the rim. However, he has been doing a lot of damage outside this season, becoming a reliable three point shooter and knocking down a lot of deep shots. Averaging 16 points per contest as a freshman, Hassan is an intriguing prospect to watch moving forward.
Other Storylines
Dawson Garcia (6’10 2020 F, Prior Lake)- Broke 1,000 career points with a 35 point game vs. Chanhassen.
Charlie Katona (6’5 2020 F, Shakopee)- Scored 29 points in a win over Burnsville.
Trejuan Holloman (6’2 2022 PG, Cretin-Derham Hall)– Dropped 17 points with 9 assists in a win against Mounds View.
Gavin Patton (6’6 2019 F, Minnetonka)- Scored 28 points to help take down St. Michael-Albertville.