Comets Shootout: Sunday’s Top 17U Performers
The 17 and Under level of play draws every D2, D3, and NAIA college coach in the five state area. Who stood out for the coaches? Prep Hoops gives you the list. Top Standouts Andrew Bergan of Pentagon Schoolers (Aberdeen…
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Continue ReadingThe 17 and Under level of play draws every D2, D3, and NAIA college coach in the five state area. Who stood out for the coaches? Prep Hoops gives you the list.
Top Standouts
Andrew Bergan of Pentagon Schoolers (Aberdeen Central). The potential of the 6-foot-7 Aberdeen forward is oozing. Bergan is coming off injury so he is still working his way back to consistency but with solid agility and a face-up game you could see him potentially taking a big step forward. In the semi-final win over the Comets Bergan stretched the defense with two early threes and the Comets frontcourt wasn’t able to move their feet with Bergan when he cut off the ball or when he used a first dribble attack. Andrew is unique because at his size there’s agility with a wing comfort. May have more potential than any player in his grade.
Boden Skunberg of Pentagon Schoolers (Jamestown). There are some kids that are easy to pick out as a true top player based on the confidence they play with and the consistency of decisions/production each possession. Boden is one of those guys. Every attempt from his hand feels automatic. The Matrix tried four different guys on Boden and none of them were able to move with Boden after one his passes or chase him around screens. Because of this when the ball returned to Skunberg he was able to face his man and instantly produce points. Scored on 6 of 10 attempts showing off a beautiful jumper and a quick separation move into his lift. Comets had better defenders to use on Boden but they had even less success. Skunberg made five treys against the Comets including a clutch shot late for his semifinal 23. Biggest takeaway this weekend is that Skunberg is an escape artist moving off the ball and a contesting hand doesn’t always help.
Noah King of Comets Elite (Caledonia). Noah King, this weekend when I saw him he was brilliant. His strength as a point guard is unmatched as was his leadership directing teammates all weekend. The strength, savvy, and quick attack led to countless finishes on balance including a number of spin moves completed from King. Noah hit four three threes in the semi-finals with 20 points and six asssits,
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Cooper Cornemann of Pentagon Schoolers (Yankton). Need a game winner? Need a guy from the wing to hit a high percentage? Saw it from Cooper at state, saw him hit four for four in the semis today including a buzzer beating three for the victory.
Owen Davis of Matrix (Brainerd). Davis caught attention making all three of his shots and grabbing seven boards. Most efficient Matrix player vs Schoolers.
Tate Machacek of Matrix (Eastview). Tate hit two jumpers (one at the arc) and the ball looked clean coming out.
Mason Miller of Matrix (Ada-Borup). Rough day shooting but did collected nine rebounds battling.
Max Nielson of Pentagon Schoolers (Sioux Valley). Max is the unsung in the way he established pace mixing the right push with the patient approach always making the right initial read.
Cooper Olson of Comets Elite (Champlin Park). Playing against a big Schoolers team, Olson was outstanding scoring on 6 of 9 shots. The spin move over his right shoulder through two guys and the baseline drop step dunk clearing a scholarship big stick out. Had 13 in the semis.
Jacob Stolzenberg of Matrix (St. Cloud Cathedral). Lone Matrix player that could create a shot and complete it vs Schoolers. Had 11 points.
Gavin Terhark of Pentagon Schoolers (Brandon Valley). Scored ten vs Matrix, missed one attempt, moved the ball quickly, cut sharply, put length in front of Matrix players that couldn’t sink, a true Schoolers style team performer.
Rudy Voss of Pentagon Schoolers (JCC). Scored four times but each of them seemed key . Had a putback at the buzzer and two of his field goals were during the early Schoolers run.
Matthew Willert of Comets Elite (Buffalo). At 6-foot-6 and a danger to score with the touch from 23 feet and in Willert is a tough guard. Matthew has to get better defensively but the other way he is a constant threat. Had 14 in the semis.
Zach Witte of Pentagon Schoolers (SF Christian). Witte continues to be an intriguing player. Had ten points against the Matrix size and then scored four times for nine in the semi-final.