Way-Too-Early Preview: Top AAAA Duos
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Minnesota’s Class AAAA is consistently loaded with firepower and national level talents, and this upcoming season will be no exception, as the state’s 2020 class is among the deepest in recent memory. With no clear-cut favorites to win the state…
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Continue ReadingMinnesota’s Class AAAA is consistently loaded with firepower and national level talents, and this upcoming season will be no exception, as the state’s 2020 class is among the deepest in recent memory. With no clear-cut favorites to win the state tournament, a variety of teams have a pair of guys who can lead them to success. Which of those duos are among the top in the state? Northstar Hoops is here to break some down.
Gabe Madsen and Mason Madsen (Rochester Mayo)- These two don’t always get a ton of coverage during the high school season due to playing outside the cities, but they both had monster junior years averaging 20+ points per game each. That success carried over to the AAU season where they both had productive seasons with Wisconsin PGC. Gabe is among the best shot creators in the state, as he has a variety of combo dribble moves to give him the space necessary to put up a pull-up jumper. His 6’5 length and elevation he gets on his shot make it so hard for guards to defend him. Add in the explosiveness to finish above the rim and aggression to get to the basket, and he’s one of the deadliest scorers in the state. But teams can’t focus on just Gabe, as his brother Mason is one of the top shooters (and scorers) in the state in his own right. A 6’3 floor general with a strap, Mason plays the game with poise and maturity, able to control the pace and set the tone for a game. When given a sliver of space beyond the arc he’ll make you pay, but he’s also great at getting his teammates involved. That unselfishness will be important as the season goes on, as Mayo will need a few other players to step up in order to make a run in the playoffs. As two high-major caliber guard prospects, don’t be surprised if these two combine for 50 ppg, and are the highest scoring duo in the state for AAAA.
Steven Crowl and Tate Machacek (Eastview)- What a nightmare these two are going to be for opposing frontcourts this season. At 6’10, Steven has a polished scoring arsenal in the post that allowed him to average 19.8 ppg as a junior. Since then he’s only grown in confidence while playing for one of the best AAU teams in the country, and has become one of those guys that is simply unguardable 1v1 in the post. To add to that, Steven has a smooth stroke from deep, and he’ll make you pay for only focusing on his post-game. Try to double Steven? Well 6’6 forward Tate Machacek will make you pay for that. A physical but athletic power forward, Tate has continued to progress as a top-50 caliber player in the 2020 class. He’s a physical post presence who won’t dazzle you with amazing footwork, but will simply outwork is opponent inside. If he floats out to the wing he has the quickness to blow by players his own size, but can knock down a jumper if you give him too much space. He scored 10.6 ppg as a junior, and will combine with Steven to form one of the scariest frontcourt duos in the state.
Drake Dobbs and Austin Andrews (Eden Prairie)- Eden Prairie will likely enter the season as the #1 ranked squad, and although they have four guys who could be mentioned here, Drake and Austin have been the two big statistical produces their best few seasons. Drake has matured much more as a true point guard over the last year, but is still one of those few players in the state who is capable of taking a game over when needed. I witnessed him score 39 points on a 2 loss Hopkins team his sophomore year, and when Drake gets that fire going inside of him, he’s nearly impossible to stop. A great three point shooter, quick to the basket, and energetic defender, the Liberty commit is one of the top PG’s in the state. What does Eden Prairie have to compliment his outside presence? Only some of the best post footwork in the state in 6’5 Austin Andrews. Though a bit undersized for a post, Austin’s skill and will to win make up for that. He’s so crafty when he catches the ball on the block as he moves his feet in a way that would make Hakeem Olajuwon proud. Austin can finish with both hands down low. He averaged 11.9 points a night last season, but is still capable of some big scoring performances when called upon.
Tre Holloman and J’vonne Hadley (Cretin-Derham Hall)- The state’s leading assist man/#1 ranked freshman combined with a 6’6 guard who put up 27.7 points a night last year. That’s what CDH is bringing to its backcourt this season. Tre Holloman is one of the most unselfish players in the state, and has a knack for finding the open man in spaces most spectators can’t even see from the bleachers. Though he’s only going to be a sophomore, this will be Tre’s fourth season of varsity competition, and he is primed to compete at a high level. The passing was always there as he averaged nearly 10 dimes a game, and though his scoring ability wasn’t always consistent, he showed flashes of being a great rim finisher, and shot a solid percentage from distance. The scoring presence of J’vonne should eliminate some of the pressure for Tre to score a lot, but don’t be surprised to see him take over some games offensively. J’vonne comes into his senior year after a breakout season averaging the 5th most points in the state. His 6’6 frame makes him long for a shooting guard, which gives him an advantage in getting his shot up over defenders. He plays like he sees the floor in slow motion, never really forcing or rushing his game. His smooth jumper combined with dangerous finishing ability in the open floor will make him a big threat for CDH’s fast paced game. His scoring numbers might drop a little due to the talent around him, but he will still likely be among the top scorers in the metro.
Dawson Garcia and Tyree Ihenacho (Prior Lake)- At this point we all know about Dawson’s ability to absolutely dominate a high school game. The 6’10 forward moves like a wing and can handle like a guard, all while being able to finish in the paint like a big. Not to mention he can pull-up and splash a three in his defender’s face. Dawson averaged 26 ppg last season while playing alongside a Division 1 center in the post. After graduating a few key pieces, Dawson could pick up even more scoring duties for a squad that still figures to be among the best in AAAA. Who else will be picking up on some of the lost scoring? Versatile wing Tyree Ihenacho seems up to the task. At 6’3 Tyree has the length and athleticism to play the 1-3 for Prior Lake, as well as guard all three of those spots on defense. He scored 9.3 ppg last season as a junior, but looks ready to bump those numbers up as he averaged 13.6 over PL’s last five games. Tyree is so smooth as a rim attacker, it looks like he’s gliding from the wing to the rim, where he is able to manipulate the ball in the air in a way reminiscent to Dr. J.
Dain Dainja and Detavius Frierson (Park Center)- These two were like thunder and lightning last year for a Park Center squad that spent a lot of the year as #1 in the state. At 6’9 Dain can be an absolute bruiser in the post when he sets his mind to it, but he also has buttery smooth footwork that can catch a lot of opposing forwards off guard. Add in his guard-like handles on the perimeter, ability to knock down open threes, and swat shots into the stands, and you have one of the best senior centers in the country. Playing next to the powerful Dain is one of the state’s most electrifying athletes in 6’4 Detavius Frierson. DT had a breakout junior campaign, and will look to build on that with a strong senior year. Though playing as a forward last year, he has been seen taking over ball handling duties for Park Center in summer play, so his role could be a bit different this season. Still, DT is one of the most dangerous finishers around the rim in the state, and was capable of averaging 12.9 points a contest last season. Look for the high-flyer to be among the most exciting players to watch this upcoming season.
Cooper Olson and Francis Nwaokorie (Champlin Park)- Though not as established at the varsity level as the other pairs on this list, I have a feeling that the Champlin Park frontcourt could do some damage in this upcoming season. Cooper Olson is an agile 6’7 forward who didn’t see a whole lot of time last season (averaged 3.3 ppg) but has looked vastly improved over the spring/summer. He is quick on his feet for someone his size, and is a big effort kinda guy inside. He’s established himself as a Division 2 college prospect. Cooper will step into a big role this season after CP graduated a strong 2019 class. Alongside Cooper in the paint will be 2021 forward Francis Nwakorie. A strong and powerful post presence at about 6’7, Francis was already bullying defenders last season as a sophomore. He averaged 7.3 ppg, and I could see him growing that number substantially after a nice season with Howard Pulley’s 16u team. Champlin Park may not have the star power that they traditionally possess, but these two will make them a tough team to beat every time they hit the floor.