Breakdown Sports Fall League: Top Performers (Week 3)
NHR had a chance to get a look at some of the metro’s top talents during the third week of the Breakdown Sports Fall League. Which players showed out in the fall action? Prep Hoops has seven of the weekend’s…
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Continue ReadingNHR had a chance to get a look at some of the metro’s top talents during the third week of the Breakdown Sports Fall League. Which players showed out in the fall action? Prep Hoops has seven of the weekend’s best!
Carter Bjerke (6’8 2022 PF, Wayzata)- With no Camden Heide to lead the way for Wayzata, Carter Bjerke took the opportunity to step up against Park Center. A big reason why Wayzata was able to keep that game so close is because of Carter’s high percentage shooting from beyond the arc. He has a strong 6’8 frame, but is able to float around the perimeter and find himself in open space to shoot. Carter is also a willing rebounder who competes for the ball at the peak of his jump. Add in some tough post finishes, and Carter had a strong showing.
Joshua Rogers (6’3 2020 SG, Minneapolis Washburn)- After catching the games at Hopkins, I swung on over to Bloomington Jefferson to catch on of the Minneapolis City Conference’s top prospects in Josh Rogers. For a guard, he finishes so well in the paint, and he capitalized on a handful of offensive rebounds leading to second-chance buckets inside. He also showed off his range that extends outside the arc, a part of his game that he has continued to improve upon over the past year. Josh played with a toughness that let everyone in the gym know that he wasn’t going to back down from anyone.
John Henry (6’5 2020 SG, Eden Prairie)- Henry made this list last week, and he’s back again for good reason. John Henry is a legit bucket-getter. He proved it on Sunday by hitting shots from all over the floor against a tough Eastview squad. Hand in his face from beyond the arc? Swish. Contact in the paint? No problem finishing. John is looking more and more like a legit D1 prospect, and with offers from Radford (D1) and Sioux Falls (D2), don’t be surprised if more schools start taking interest in the rising guard.
Zaveon Smith (6’1 2020 G, St. Paul Washington)- Zaveon just may be the top shooter in the St. Paul City Conference, and he proved that by hitting deep three after deep three at the Breakdown Sports Fall League. And that shooting has proven to be a consistent factor, as he seems to catch fire every game I watch him play. Zaveon also looks more the part of a leader this year, taking on a more vocal role on both ends of the floor. He proved to be more than just a shooter too, capitalizing on some strong takes to the rim throughout the day. A big time scorer to watch in the City Conference this year.
Detavius Frierson (6’4 2020 W, Park Center)- Detavius continues to show strides in his game, while displaying the same athleticism and vocal leadership that has made him one of the top senior wing prospects in the state. He displayed his impressive vertical with two handed hammering dunks on multiple occasions, and was the catalyst behind a run that propelled Park Center into a late lead against Wayzata. When Detavius is barking out defensive orders in the full court press, teams need to watch out because the whole Pirates defense feeds off of that energy and causes havoc for opposing ball handlers.
Ryan Thissen (6’5 2020 G, Eastview)- Ryan Thissen showed off his versatility this past weekend against Eden Prairie, using his size and mobility to be a mismatch nightmare. He showed off his springs by cutting backdoor and throwing down a two handed dunk. Ryan was also able to knock down a few pull jumpers. When Steven Crowl was facing continuous double teams in the post, it was Ryan who was able to take over offensively for Eastview. If he plays at the level he’s shown over the past six months, Eastview has a real good chance to make it back to state.
Charlie Katona (6’6 2020 W, Shakopee)- I only caught the second half of Shakopee’s game against Park Center, but Charlie was a big reason why Shakopee was able to force overtime against the loaded Pirates. He has a quick burst to blow by a defender and get to the rim, and he made the most of his chances in the paint, fighting through contact to finish on multiple occasions. He also showed off the vision to kick it out to the open man off the dribble. Charlie also showed off his smooth stroke from outside, knocking down a three with confidence.