The Top 250 Expo – Junior Names to Know
A number of juniors caught our eye this weekend, players that we expect to hear a lot more from in the near future. Here are some of those players.
Eli EricksonEli Erickson of Hibbing. Eli looks to be in position to be a second sizable player for Hibbing this year and with Eli next to Parker, Hibbing has a chance to not just be top ten, but maybe inching even higher. At 6-foot-5 Eli just needs to be a rebounder, defender, and finisher, Eli did just that this weekend.
Cal Greene of Mahtomedi. There was a rebound in traffic aggressively grabbed that made me think this 6-foot-6 forward has something to him. A floor run cruising by others to make a play that showed some agility and desire. And a tip dunk with authority that ranked with the plays of the day.
Andrew Hahn of Albany. The Andrew Hahn short jumper is high quality and I love his play at the elbow both as a passer, a one dribble physical scorer, and with that short touch. Hahn could be a 14-15 a game guy this winter.
Tariq Iyob of DeLaSalle. Tariq was a possession by possession producer that could make the Islander backcourt even tougher than it’s already expected to be. He went at players with a purpose and produced in bunches.
Zach Jackson of Lester Prairie. Jackson seemingly did something on every possession for his team. He was that guy willing to make the extra pass leading to several assists, Jackson made a nice share of jumpers, and he rebounded very well. It was an encouraging performance, much improved.
Terence LarmouthTerence Larmouth of Maple Grove. Terence is a solid athlete at 6-foot-5 with good bounce, a good frame, and an ever improving understanding of the game. His experience is still minimal but he has a chance to help the Crimson this winter while he grows into a prospect.
Parker Maki of Hibbing. Maki is a 6-foot-6, agile frontcourt player that competes hard every possession and it shows in the numbers. I have high expectations for Hibbing this year and Parker’s aggressive, consistent approach is a big reason why. He’s a multi-sport guy and a player that is about to have a lot of success.
Ryan Miles of Richfield. The leading scorer for Richfield last year, Ryan Miles is a highlight playmaker that is 6-foot-5 and seems to find his way to the rim consistently. Every game Miles was moving buy players to get results. And when he’s not leading Richfield on the court he’s catching crazy touchdown passes.
Jaeten Pedro of Woodbury. The motor of this young man was constant. At 6-foot-4 he was flying around Burnsville high school looking to make the next play. Then the next play. Nobody played harder and with more energy when we watched.
Drew Sagedahl of BOLD. You know Drew as a 5-foot-8 shooter who doesn’t miss. Drew still doesn’t miss but he’s nearing six feet and is now attacking the basket for production in that way too. You still have to guard him multiple steps behind the arc but now Drew can attack space and finish as well.
Sam Shikenjanski of Stillwater. Sam is about 6-foot-7, maybe 6-foot-8 that is still working on his skills and timing around the basket but his effort was pure. Sam rebounded really well and moved with the right steps after setting ball screens. He has a chance to help the Ponies this year.
Jordan Stewart of CDH. The Raiders are of course a stacked team of talent so I don’t know where Jordan fits in but he played very well this weekend at the Expo. His play was encouraging so it will be interesting to see if he has a chance to play off the bench. It may be more important for next year when CDH graduates a lot.
Nolan Stier of Stewartville. Nolan Stier was the biggest new name of the day. His fearless scoring approach combined with a much more agile attack than anybody expected had a number of coaches and players wondering who the long haired kid was. Nolan produced consistently for the Lightning all 16u year, he’s catching deep passes on the football field, and this weekend he was a top bucket getter at the Expo.