Battle At The Lakes: Day Two Standouts
Maple Grove HS — Nationally ranked programs trading haymakers in championship matchups — that’s more of a Sunday thing. Saturday was more about perusing through the near 400 rosters in attendance to find elite prospects. Here we list the five players that made a lasting impression at Maple Grove High School.
Kennedy Brown – Team Rose:
The most noteworthy prospect at Maple Grove on Saturday was Kennedy Brown. He raised eyebrows scoring 12 points in his first game against Iowa Mavs, throwing down two rim-rattling posters later in the second half.
But it was his offensive skill set in the paint that resonated with me. Brown displayed his honed mid-range game and soft touch even on contested or fadeaway jumpers. He also brought a physical component to his post play, lowering his shoulder to create space in the lane.
Ismail Habib – Team Rose:
Habib will have his name plastered on recruiting boards very soon, especially if he continues scoring at the pace and efficiency he did versus Team 1848. Following a rather forgettable outing versus Iowa Mavs, Habib responded with over 20 points, including a ten-point solo run midway through the first half.
Ultimately, scoring will fuel his recruitment, but he had moments where he looked fit for a facilitator role. More often than not, when driving in the paint he fed Brown and others for easy finishes.
Tyshawn Lyons – MN Suns:
MN Suns are one of many regulars from the Minnesota region, as today’s appearance has been their third on the Prep Hoops circuit this spring. While Lyons has been solid in games past, he was too good to brush off a third time.
He played seamless basketball in their matchup with Minnesota Fury, consistently making the right decision in transition and in the half-court. Despite being just 5’7, Lyons was able to make headway in the paint, finishing around longer defenders and through contact. He would bring that same physicality on the defensive side of the ball as well, tallying a few steals while playing some aggressive on-ball defense.
Wyatt Blakstvedt – MN Comets:
Blakstvedt fits the mold of a stretch four to a tee. I say that after watching him versus Minnesota Heat last night — and two weeks ago at Hard Work Live — where he demonstrated his skill beyond the arc and on the block.
He drilled a handful of three-point shots at Hard Work Live and cleared up any foggy memory with a few more today. On the block he was quick to go up with his shot, making him a constant threat to lethargic defenses.
Garrett Burdin – Fundamental University:
Fundamental University wasn’t on my radar for quite a while, as they fell in a thirteen point hole just minutes after tipping off with MN Laceup. After making the score respectable near halftime, Burdin’s marksmanship and energy took the reins in the second. He connected on a handful of threes from a step or two beyond the arc, and each of them ended up being a catalyst for a scoring run.