Breakdown State Tournament: Class A Top Guards
The Breakdown State Tournament took over Bloomington Sunday, with Henning, Caledonia, Mankato East and Park Center taking home championship honors. With most of the top teams from each respective class in attendance, there was no shortage of high-end talent on…
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Continue ReadingThe Breakdown State Tournament took over Bloomington Sunday, with Henning, Caledonia, Mankato East and Park Center taking home championship honors. With most of the top teams from each respective class in attendance, there was no shortage of high-end talent on display all day long.
Here are some of the standout guards from the Class A tournament:
Parker Fraki, Henning
The Henning basketball players are coming dangerously close to forgetting what a loss feels like. Fraki was a key component in last year’s state title winning formula and looks like he’ll be more than capable of shouldering an even bigger load next winter. The to-be senior guard is the consummate floor general, setting the tone on both ends of the floor. He guards anybody, he can create his own shot and he can facilitate. He was terrific all day.
Gavin Vosika, BOLD
Vosika had a monster day for the Warriors, who will go into next season as a Top-5 team in Class A. Vosika’s been a stat-stuffer the last few years for BOLD and will have to take his game to another level as a senior. It starts on the defensive end where Vosika is one of the best defenders on and off the ball in Class A. He’s tough, physical and instinctual and he finishes possessions forcing turnovers or by rebounding at a high level. His playmaking ability has been a top-notch for a long time and you can probably mark him down for 20-plus points for every game.
Jarell Jacobs, Cass Lake-Bena
If you want buckets, Jacobs is your guy. The Cass Lake-Bena swingman was one of the top scorers in the state last year and will once again be towards the top of the leaderboards next winter. He was unguardable at times over the weekend even against traditionally tough defensive units like Rushford-Peterson. He’s a tough-shot taker and maker, but Jacobs also has a pretty grasp of the tricks, using a variety of moves to free himself from defenders or draw fouls.
Shane Stevenson, Nicollet
Stevenson might be Nicollet’s biggest guy and leading rebounder, but he’s much more a perimeter player by skill. Stevenson’s been a standout this summer playing with MN Rise and he’ll be a big-time breakout guy next winter for a team that can compete in Section 2A. Stevenson’s 6-foot-5 or so but has a quick trigger from deep and the ball skills to blow by defenders and get into the paint. He was excellent in games against Blooming Prairie and Henning Sunday and will make for a really nice running mate with Riley Hulke.
Domanik Paulson, WEM
Waterville-Elysian-Morristown was one of the best teams in Class A last year and the Buccaneers won’t be going anywhere any time soon. Paulson looks like he’s got a chance to be the next stud from WEM heading into just his sophomore season. His length is a big plus at the point guard spot and while he’s a natural facilitator, he’s got the ability to put up more points than he’ll probably average next year given his ability to shoot and get to the rim. He was excellent particularly in WEM’s win over BOLD where he scored 14 points and controlled the tempo against a terrific group of opposing guards.
Isaac Fisher, Henning
Fisher looks like a natural pick to ascend into a more prominent role for Henning next season, after averaging just under 10 points per game a season ago. Fisher was a sparkplug for the Hornets all day Sunday, providing hard pressure defense at the point of attack and routinely getting a piece of the paint on dribble drives. He’s an explosive guard who may lack great size, but he’s feisty, aggressive and seems like the definition of rock solid.
Patrick Towey, Hayfield
Hayfield was one of Class A’s biggest surprises last season but don’t expect a one-year wonder run for the Vikings. Patrick Towey was a key figure on last year’s team, averaging better than 10 points per game and he looked like he’s primed for another really good year next winter. The to-be senior guard is steady at the point, consistently getting his guys into good offense, creating for his teammates and scoring when opportunities present themselves.
Drew Sagedahl, BOLD
Sagedahl’s been good this summer with the SW Stars AAU program and he looks like he’s going to take his game to another level next winter. Sagedahl isn’t tall, but he’s wired to score. He’s got excellent deep range and pairs that with great touch from the free throw line and in. He’s got a nice floater game on drives and he moves without the ball extremely well which will get him a lot of points playing off Vosika and Jordan Sagedahl.