Best Metro Players Under 6′

<p>The game of basketball these days is filled with length all over the floor. Particularly in Minnesota, a state known for putting out talented post prospects, it can be easy to overlook some of the smaller prospects. These seven players won't stand out from their size, but rather let their game on the floor do the talking. </p> <p><strong>Donovan Smith (5'9 2022 PG, Minnehaha Academy)- </strong>If you've seen Donovan play, you'd understand why there are some comparisons of Steph Curry in his game. His quick release is nearly identical to the former MVP, and the way he runs off the ball to get into open space is also similar. Teams always have to be aware of where Donovan is on the floor because he can, and will, shoot from well beyond the arc at a high percentage. Now ready to start his sophomore season, Donovan has the potential to move into a starting role or come off the bench as a scoring spark for the loaded Redhawks. He won't put up huge numbers due to the depth of his team, but inch-for-inch he is one of the most talented players in the state.</p> <p><strong>Will Cordes (5'11 2020 G, Shakopee)- </strong>Cordes will play a key role for a top-10 level team in Shakopee this year, returning to run the point after a junior season that saw him average 14 points per game. Will can handle the ball at a high level, and makes smart and timely passes that set up his teammates in the best position possible to score. He has a quick pull-up game that allows him to hit jumpers at a consistent rate, and he is also tough as nails attacking the basket through contact. After a strong AAU season with the Minnesota Matrix, Will Cordes looks ready for a big senior year.</p> <p><strong>Cornell Richardson (5'10 2020 PG, Hopkins)- </strong>Cornell transfers over to Hopkins via Osseo, and looks ready to step into a point guard vacancy left void due to the graduation of most of last year's team. Over the fall season Cornell proved to be a scrappy defender who is willing to get up into his man's face constantly, and uses his quick hands to poke the ball free multiple times per game. On offense he picks his moments to attack, lulling defenders to sleep and then using a quick burst to blow by them. He's often the smallest on the floor, but knows how to float the ball over opposing length to finish.</p> <p><strong>DJ Akpati (5'11 2021 G, Totino-Grace)- </strong>DJ is a top-25 level player in this year's junior class, and for good reason. He won't impress you with flair, but DJ is pure production and effort on the court. He moves his feet on defense, is one of the best communicators I've seen this fall, and is willing to get on the floor for loose balls. Like some of the other players on this list, DJ isn't intimidated by size, showing the ability to get to the rim and compete with length to finish. He has a strong frame and he uses that to his advantage as he absorbs contact when attacking the basket. He'll take on a huge leadership role for a very young Totino-Grace team this year.</p> <p><strong>Emmett Johnson (5'10 2022 PG, Holy Angels)- </strong>Emmett is the highest ranked prospect on this list, coming in at an impressive 17th in the loaded 2022 class. Last year as a freshman he helped lead Holy Angels to the state tournament, and this year he'll take on an even bigger role as a sophomore. Emmett is one of the most impressive athletes in the state, and may be the quickest player in all the metro (runs a 4.5 40 yard dash as a sophomore). He uses that quickness to attack the basket and finish in a variety of ways, but also has really advanced passing vision. Emmett makes assists to players that not even the fans in the bleachers know are open. He's in for a big year.</p> <p><strong>Tait Nelson (5'10 2020 PG, St. Anthony)- </strong>Tait Nelson doesn't back down to anyone in the state. He doesn't care what you're ranked or how many points you average, he comes in with the mindset that he's going to outplay you. This is evident in the way that he competes on defense, often defending on the ball close enough to hear the other player's heartbeat. Sometimes he'll pick up a few early fouls for being too scrappy, but he's able to adjust to what the ref is calling, and defend based on that. Tait is also a great shooter, evident by his 20 ppg average last season.</p> <p><strong>Jordan Jones (5'8 2020 PG, Columbia Heights)- </strong>Columbia Heights is a team that I think could surprise some people in Class AAA this year, and Jordan Jones is one of the main reasons why. He looks to have added on weight and strength from last season, while remaining as quick as ever. Jordan has deep range which forces defenders to step out beyond the arc to defend him. By spacing out the floor with his range, he's able to drive past his man and kick it out to his shooters. He scored 14 ppg while shooting 61% from the field last season, and looks ready to prove himself to college coaches as a senior.</p>