Breakdown Sports Fall League: Top Performers (Week 2)
The Breakdown Sports Fall League just wrapped up its second week of play, featuring teams from all across the metro area. Northstar Hoops Report was able to catch some of the action, and here are seven of the players who…
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Continue ReadingThe Breakdown Sports Fall League just wrapped up its second week of play, featuring teams from all across the metro area. Northstar Hoops Report was able to catch some of the action, and here are seven of the players who stood out.
John Henry (6’5 2020 G, Eden Prairie)- John had a big AAU season with the MN Fury program, boosting his stock to the Division 1 level. His level of play also rose, and that was evident in Eden Prairie’s game against Wayzata. John had his usual confidence from beyond the arc, using his smooth, left-handed stroke to cash in multiple threes off the catch. More impressive was John’s aggression taking the ball to the hoop. He also showed off improved strength in his ability to shield off defenders around the rim, and finish through contact.
Dain Dainja (6’9 2020 F, Park Center)- Dain Dainja and Park Center took on a talented Eastview squad, and the Baylor commit took full advantage of his size and agility. Dain punished the rim with strong dunks, using his unique ability to handle the ball fluidly as a big-man to get to the rim and finish. It’s rare to see a player of his size handle the ball as well as he does, and Dain dribbles with a purpose, using his handle to get by opposing post players to get to the rim, or create space to shoot from distance. If Dain continues to play with this type of aggression in getting to the rim, the state needs to watch out.
Curtis Jones (6’3 2020 G, Cretin-Derham Hall)- Curtis was absent last week, but made his fall season debut for the Raiders during Week 2. CDH took on a deep Hopkins squad, and it was Curtis’ three point shooting that made the difference late in the game. He knocked down a corner three with about 15 seconds remaining to give his team the lead, and ultimately the win. Curtis let the game come to him, and didn’t force his offense, but took advantage of the chances he had. Outside of his shooting, Curtis was very dangerous driving to the basket and finishing with a teardrop floater.
Andre Gray (6’3 2021 G, Hopkins)- Andre Gray continues to impress this fall, putting in strong performances consistently at every event he plays in. Andre is a smart player who recognizes where the open space is on the floor, and he can get to that space in the blink of an eye. Once open, he has a quick pull-up jumper with great elevation that makes it hard to defend. He hit that shot at a high percentage over the weekend. Andre has also added to his vertical since last season, and he finished off a powerful dunk, and also swatted two attempts at the rim on defense.
CJ O’Hara (6’3 2023 W, Totino-Grace)- CJ comes into high school with a strong reputation after he had a productive AAU season, and he’ll look to make an immediate impact at the varsity level. Against Lakeville South, CJ proved that he can play with the older competition. He’s still looking to develop his outside game, but CJ is physically advanced and used those tools to get to the basket and finish. His strength allowed him to finish through contact, and he has the explosive ability to rise up and avoid getting his shots blocked. CJ will be a fun prospect to watch over the next handful of years.
Trystan Ressler (6’2 2021 G, Lakeville South)- Lakeville South was without Reid Patterson and Riley Mahlman, but Trystan Ressler stepped up to lead them past Totino-Grace. He has a really calm feel to his game, and looked the part of an experienced varsity performer. What you wouldn’t have guessed is that he scored just 19 points all of last season. Trystan glided into space where he was able to hit his pull-up jumpers, and got to the rim to finish off the dribble. Currently ranked 52nd in the 2021 class, Trystan looks ready to contribute at a much higher level this season.
Tristan Lee (6’2 2021 G, Hopkins)- Tristan Lee is another new face on the Hopkins roster, and he has been making an impact in fall play with his on-ball defensive pressure. He constantly picked up the opposing point guard full court, and used his quick feet and hands to cause multiple turnovers. Tristan is one of the most physically imposing guards you’ll find across the state, and he uses that physically to push through contact and finish at the rim with either hand. Tristan’s scoring at this point is almost all inside the paint, but he finishes at such a high percentage that he hasn’t needed to hit from outside. He was the most impressive defender I saw all day.