Hard Work Live: Top Five Prospects I Saw on Friday
Hard Work Live, a Prep Hoops Circuit event, kicked-off Friday. While some were just getting settled in Madison after a long trip in, others weren’t wasting any time.
These five rising seniors showcased intriguing talent to numerous colleges at Sports Enhancement Academy Stoughton:
Jordan Merseth (2020) | 6-5 C | Minnesota Rise 17U / Mankato East (MN)
Both as a scorer in the low-post and passer, Merseth dominated on Friday night. Remarkably effective with the ball. Patiently surveys the floor and makes timely passes — often creating high-percentage 3-pointers by passing from inside to out. Merseth has a series of post moves and, again, shows patience when working through them. He was efficient when he caught deep, but also worked his way inside from the mid- to high-post. Great touch over the shoulder and even hit a few swooping hooks coming across the lane. Possesses true court sense at the 5.
On defense, Merseth may not be a prototypical modern-day mobile post who can recover and cover space at an elite level. He does, however, communicate and show when defending the pick-and-roll. Plays hard.
John Carragher (2020) | 6-3 PG | Fundamental U Grey 17U / New Trier (IL)
Carragher brings size to the point guard position and found ways to maximize that advantage throughout their Friday night blow-out. As a slasher, Carragher drove directly at smaller guards and help-side defenders. He welcomes contact in the lane and keeps the ball high before touching layups off the glass. Although he has some wiggle, Carragher is more of a north-and-south attacker.
On the other end, he made small guard uncomfortable by pressuring them. His size, again, was a factor.
Cooper Medinger (2020) | 5-9 PG | Iowa Mavs – Schlabaugh 17U / Dubuque (IA)
More of a combo guard, Medinger showed the ability to make quick, simple decisions with the basketball. Willing passer. More than anything, though, his quickness was very impressive. Has blow-by ability when he catches on the wing. Athletic, filled-out frame that he used to bounce off contact on the drive. Medinger chased around an active shooting specialist all night — showing effort and the ability to slither around screens.
Riley Hulke (2020) | 6-1 PG | Minnesota Rise 17U / Nicollet (MN)
Hulke shoots the heck out of it. He knows how to move without the ball and stays active with the use of screens. Showed skill in creating separation off the bounce. Although small in stature, his fundamentals are elite.
Matthew Enghauser (2020) | 6-5 G/W | Fundamental U Grey 17U / Loyola Academy (IL)
Enghauser, although not particularly great at any one thing, brings a lot to the table. We like complete basketball players who can defend multiple positions and know how to play. Enghauser is a good passer who looked to enter the ball into the post. Big wing with length and a solid frame. He’s a capable shooter, but Enghauser likes to slash to either direction and use his size.