Hard Work Region Finals: Max’s Minnesota Standouts (Bigs)
The Prep Hoops Circuit’s Hard Work Region culminated this past weekend in Minneapolis, and the talent level was exceptionally high throughout the gym. Minnesota is known for having a surplus of talented post products, and there was no shortage of…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Circuit’s Hard Work Region culminated this past weekend in Minneapolis, and the talent level was exceptionally high throughout the gym. Minnesota is known for having a surplus of talented post products, and there was no shortage of height and talent at the Hard Work Region Finals. These are a handful of the top big men I saw over the weekend.
Dain Dainja (6’9 2020 PF, MN Heat-West 17u)- Dain Dainja is the type of prospect that dominates in every setting he plays in. High school season? Check. Nike EYBL? Check. The Prep Hoops Circuit? No different. Dain joined the Minnesota Heat for the weekend and led them to a semi-final birth in a loaded 17u bracket. He showed off his typical versatile playing style, using his rare handles for his size to create mismatch issues both inside and on the wing. His passing vision looked better than ever as he consistently dropped no look dimes to his teammates, including the game winning assist to knock out MN Fury in the quarterfinals. Dain didn’t find his usual success in the post as he was constantly being swarmed by multiple defenders, but his basket attack off the dribble was lethal, and he still managed to find ways to put points on the board every game.
Tate Machacek (6’6 2020 F, MN Matrix 17u)- A 2020 prospect who doesn’t get quite as much recognition as he deserves, Tate continued to produce at a high level over the weekend. Possessing a strong 6’6 frame, Tate is a physical forward in the post, who also showed his ability to step outside and knock down some 3’s in the Matrix win over the Illinois Bears. For someone who looks like he could play tight end in college, Tate is very quick on his feet which allows him to defend a few different positions due to that quickness and his strength. On the offensive side it allows him to beat defenders off the dribble to the rim, and makes him hard to find a good match-up for. An all around solid weekend from Tate Machacek.
Will Tschetter (6’8 2021 PF, MN Heat-Tauer 16u)- If I had to pick a Minnesota MVP from the event, it would be Will. Will has always been extremely talented and a gifted scorer, but he showed a new level of aggression this weekend. He demanded the ball in the post and was determined to beat his man. From outside he showed no hesitation in letting shots fly, and knocked down 3’s at a high percentage. Will has a first quick step for a guy his size, and he showed an improved arsenal of post moves that allowed him to put up 34 points in a close win over JH1 Elite, 22 more against ABC Young Lions in the semi-finals, and finishing with 25 in a loss to Team Factory in the championship game.
Andrew Morgan (6’8 2021 PF, MN Heat-Tauer 16u)- You can’t mention one half of the state’s top 16u duo without mentioning the other, and Andrew Morgan had himself a strong weekend as well. A physical post prospect, Andrew showed that he doesn’t need a flashy game to produce at a high level. His ability to seal off his defender before catching the ball is among the best I’ve seen at this level. Once he receives the post entry, he’s already in position to score with ease. Andrew showed great timing on defense with his shot blocking, and swatted a few lay-ups with force like he was trying to shatter the backboard. He capped off the tournament with 9 points and 17 rebounds in the title game against Team Factory.
Ahman Decker (6’5 2020 F, FAB 17u)- Ahman Decker is another player who had some of his best performances this past weekend. An undersized power forward, Ahman makes up for height with brute strength and the ability to bully defenders down low. Time and time again, opposing players just didn’t have the strength to match-up with Decker is he moved them off the block without committing charges. Though roughly 85% of his baskets came inside, he did show the ability to step outside and knock down some jumpers. Ahman was tenacious on the glass on both ends, and often times came up with offensive rebounds leading to putback opportunities.
Calvin Sisk (7′ 2020 C, Comets Elite 17u)- Though he didn’t spend the weekend putting up eye-catching numbers, Calvin showed flashes of high level potential that should keep Division One coaches watching him over his senior year. A rapidly improving 7-footer, Sisk showed great timing and defensive positioning that led to multiple blocked shots in the semi’s and finals. He had one sequence that stood out where he dunked the ball, ran back on defense and blocked a shot, then chased down an offensive board on the fast break leading to him getting fouled and heading to the free throw line. That hustle and ability to run rim-to-rim isn’t something always seen in 7-footers at this age, but it’s what makes Calvin such an intriguing prospect moving forward. Don’t be surprised if he adds some D1 offers over his senior year.
Hezekiah Iywae (6’6 2020 F, MN Heat-West 17u)- Hezekiah isn’t the most skilled player on the floor, but he shows more heart than anyone else I saw this weekend. He was constantly sprinting up and down the floor, fighting for rebounds on both ends, and constantly making smart basketball plays. His off-ball movement found him in open space under the rim countless times as he consistently finished those looks inside. That movement led to him receiving a Dain Dainja pass and finishing to give the Heat a win over MN Fury in the quarterfinals on Sunday morning. He’s a player a coach loves to have, as he is always giving 100% and doing exactly what his team needs out of him to win.