Big 12 Classic: Top Role Players
The high school basketball season kicked off this past weekend, with Breakdown Sports’ “Big 12 Classic” playing host to 12 of the state’s top teams! Prep Hoops was in attendance, and we dish out some of the top role players…
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Continue ReadingThe high school basketball season kicked off this past weekend, with Breakdown Sports’ “Big 12 Classic” playing host to 12 of the state’s top teams! Prep Hoops was in attendance, and we dish out some of the top role players from the event.
Andrew Chisley (6’6 2021 F, Hopkins)- Hopkins is a brand new team this year, and although they possess a deep group of guards, they need some new post talent to step up to the plate. Andrew Chisley was among the new faces who saw time, and he provided valuable minutes in the paint against Park Center. The junior scored 11 points during the contest, using his length and a soft touch to finish opportunities in the paint. Andrew also stepped outside for a mid-range jumper. He displayed good patience on his paint touches, not rushing his shots, and using a pump fake to get opponents in the air. A strong performance in the season opener could lead to consistent minutes the rest of the season for Andrew.
Andrew Irvin (5’11 2020 PG, DeLaSalle)- Andrew won’t catch anyone’s eye on the box score, but if you watch DeLaSalle play you’ll understand why he was a starter last year and team captain this year. From the very first minute Andrew was disrupting the Waseca ball handlers, as his constant effort and quick hands allowed him to create some early turnovers. He provides a calming presence for the Islanders offense, as he was able to decide perfectly when to push the tempo, or when to slow down and run some offense. Andrew scored just two points, but he is one of Minnesota’s best defenders and looks the part of a college-level floor general.
Chandler Reeck (6′ 2020 G, Edina)- After losing Jack Middleton to graduation, Edina is looking for a new group of guards to step up for this year’s team. Reeck looked more than capable, scoring 10 points in the season opening win over Osseo. All 10 of those points were in the first half, as he proved to be an instant spark of offense. He has a confident stroke, and showed no fear in knocking down a buzzer beating three before halftime. He handled the ball, provided defensive efforts, and was a threat from outside who can be used to open up space for big man Jacob Hutson inside.
Kenji Scales (6′ 2022 PG, Eastview)- Kenji Scales is turning into a name to know in the loaded 2022 class! He runs the point with maturity for an underclassman, and provided valuable minutes off the bench in a win over Champlin Park. Coming off the bench in the first half, he was an instant spark, knocking down two three pointers to keep Eastview’s lead growing. He isn’t intimidated playing with/against talented upperclassmen, and made smart decisions on the ball. In the second half, he was part of the bench unit that kept Eastview’s lead growing against Champlin Park’s starters. He still won’t see huge minutes this year, but will be prepared to step into a big role during his upperclassmen years.
Malcolm Jones (6’7 2022 PF, Prior Lake)- Malcolm is a highly rated sophomore, and he came off the bench in Prior Lake’s opener. Malcolm was able to step onto the floor and immediately make an impact, finishing the game with 17 points and 8 rebounds in an impressive sophomore debut. He used his strong frame and soft touch to score some scrappy buckets inside, but was also able to step outside and knock down some jumpers with confidence. When he’s on the floor, his presence in the post allowed Dawson Garcia to float around the floor on offense. It’s still early in the season so it’s unclear whether Malcolm will stay on the bench or move into the starting lineup, but expect him to excel in his role as a scrappy rebounder who finishes his chances inside at a high rate.
Xavier White (6’5 2021 W, Hopkins)- Xavier is a new name to know at Hopkins this year. The lengthy wing is the younger brother of Hopkins great Royce White, and it appears the basketball genes have been passed on to the younger brother as well. Xavier found himself in the starting lineup for a Royals team that played some small ball to start, and he made the most of his minutes. Xavier knocked down four three pointers on his way to 12 points, using his high release point to get shots off with defenders close by. I knew Xavier was a shooter, but he impressed with his ability to create his own shot off the dribble, while taking limited dribbles. He has a high ceiling as a prospect, as his combination of length and shooting touch is highly sought after at the next level.
Zion Guerra (5’9 2020 G, Cretin-Derham Hall)- Remember Charlie Dennis from CDH’s state title team from two years ago? I can see Zion Guerra playing a similar role for the Raiders this year. He’s a tough undersize guard who comes off the bench to play scrappy defense. He split time with Tre Holloman guarding Drake Dobbs and completely shut down the Liberty commit in the first half (though Dobbs did get his offense going in the second). Despite his small stature, Zion isn’t afraid to put up attempts in the paint, which will allow him to find some opportunities at the line as the season progresses. Zion will continue to provide strong defensive efforts for CDH this year.