NHR State Tournament: Sunday 16U Standouts
The Northstar Hoops State Tournament took over the metro area this past weekend with practically all the top players from all corners of the state on hand to compete. Here were some of the standouts at the 16U level from…
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Continue ReadingThe Northstar Hoops State Tournament took over the metro area this past weekend with practically all the top players from all corners of the state on hand to compete.
Here were some of the standouts at the 16U level from Sunday’s action:
Trey Longstreet, Heat Tauer
Longstreet was one of my favorite players this weekend because of his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. The Delano guard was awesome defensively throughout the tournament, using his jumbo stature for a guard to overwhelm opposing ball handlers. He’s so long but also has the quickness to contain dribble penetration. That combined with a pair of 6-foot-8 guys in the back row make putting together good possessions really difficult. Longstreet doesn’t force the issue offensively, but he’s a capable scorer when he wants to be. He’s a decent outside shooter and a really good passer. Heat Tauer has a ton of talent, don’t let Longstreet get lost in the shuffle.
Elijah Morris, WC United Select
Morris is one of the best shooters in the state. He’s starting to earn that reputation already. But the really nice development from the weekend was seeing how good he is at the other stuff. Teams will overplay him and take away easy 3-point looks and Morris is smart and savvy enough to handle that. He’s a solid ball handler and facilitator and can get to the hoop when defenses overplay him too hard. He’s always going to be a good off-ball weapon because he’s smart and knows how to find openings, but if he can continue improving as a playmaker and defender, he’s going to be a star for Perham.
Henry Shannon, Magic Hannah
Shannon had his hands full with the two hoss big men for MN Heat Tauer but he had his fair share of flash moments too. The Eastview big man plays spring-loaded, possessing terrific first and second leaping ability. He also showed off some really workable offensive skills, knocking down a 3-pointer and scoring several times in the low post. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on.
Drew Maloney, WOTN Bertsch
Maloney’s got a chance to be a really good player. He’s extremely skilled on the offensive end, possessing a picturesque jumper out beyond the 3-point line and he’s a better athlete than you would expect from a deep south Minnesota hooper. He’s not heavily featured on that WOTN club, but when he’s going good, that team goes to another level.
Will Tschetter, Heat Tauer
Tschetter was the best player in the tournament, leading Heat Tauer to a championship. The Stewartville big man gives you a taste of everything. He’s a good shooter, but isn’t intoxicated by it. He’s capable of facing up and taking guys to the rim from the 3-point line. He posts hard and seeks contact around the rim and he can protect the paint and defend in space better than a typical 6-foot-8 kid.
Kip Schetner, WOTN Bertsch
Schetner looks like he’ll be the next stud at Northfield. He’s a good athlete who does his best work when he’s slashing to the rim. He’s good without the ball too, utilizing cuts and change of pace to produce organically in the halfcourt. His defense is top-notch too, as he’s got the strength to redirect people on and off the ball and the quickness to contain dribble penetration.
Noah Freidt, Magic Hannah
Freidt is undersized – at least in relation to some of his teammates and the guys on Heat Tauer – but he’s really skilled inside the 3-point line. He’s got a strong frame, really good footwork and the ability to finish through contact and over length.