Tip Off Classic: Underclassman Standouts
Prep Hoops was in attendance all day at the Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic, and we highlight some of the top freshman and sophomore performers! Tre Holloman (6’2 2022 PG, Cretin-Derham Hall)- CDH opened up a lot of eyes by taking…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops was in attendance all day at the Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic, and we highlight some of the top freshman and sophomore performers!
Tre Holloman (6’2 2022 PG, Cretin-Derham Hall)- CDH opened up a lot of eyes by taking down Minnehaha Academy, and Tre’s constant energy, vision, and quick bursts to the rim played a big role in that win. He ended up finishing the game with 17 points, combining finishes at the basket with some outside jumpers and late free throws to ice the game. Tre also showed off what is arguably his best attribute: his passing vision. Holloman dished out 8 assists, finding gaps in the defense that no one else in the gym would have noticed, and Minnehaha just didn’t have an answer for that level of playmaking. Tre was incorrectly announced as a senior during starting lineup intros, but his play lived up to that of an experienced senior floor general.
Eli King (6’3 2022 G, Caledonia)- Eli King has been growing, and that showed as he is now listed at 6’3 on Caledonia’s roster. Fresh off a football state title, Eli started off his basketball season with an alley-oop dunk on Caledonia’s first possession of the game against Marantha. Shortly after he added a blocked shot, a steal, and an and-one finish to his tally. Eli used his athleticism and smooth ball handling to get to the basket to finish, and has also become a more consistent shooter from outside. He finished with 27 points while sitting out towards the end of the game.
CJ O’Hara (6’4 2023 W, Totino-Grace)- CJ overcame a slow start to put in a promising performance against Lakeville North. After being held scoreless in the first half, CJ recovered in the second and finished the game with 14 points. Despite the offensive inconsistencies, CJ is a willing defender and an all around glue guy on offense. He’s willing to pass up a good shot for a great shot, and crashes the glass on both ends. CJ can scrap for baskets around the rim, or knock down an open jumper from outside. He’s a real intriguing prospect to follow over the next few years.
Cohen Kellogg (5’10 2022 PG, Minnetonka)- Cohen is a solid guard piece to build around for Minnetonka, and he’s been making an impact this season in his first year of regular varsity playing time. He got the start against Mahtomedi, and ended up scoring 6 points on 2-3 shooting beyond the arc. Although he’s just a sophomore, Cohen is already a leader on the floor. He’s constantly bringing energy defensively, and gathers his team up after whistles. Cohen has a tight handle on the ball and is a willing passer, making him a point guard that scorers like Cam Steele love to play with.
Carter Bjerke (6’8 2022 F, Wayzata)- Carter faced the tough task of trying to slow down Steven Crowl on defense, and took on an increased offensive workload due to the absence of Camden Heide for Wayzata. The 6’8 sophomore responded by knockind down six 3’s on his way to 18 points. He floats around the arc lulling his defender to sleep, and is then able to catch and shoot in a fluid and quick motion. The high arcing shot hits at a high percentage from the top of the arc, a location that I’ve identified as his hot-spot after watching him a lot in the fall. Eastview defenders failed to get a hand up on his outside shot, and he made them pay.
Nick Katona (6’5 2022 W, Shakopee)- I wrote about Nick as a role player to watch at this event, and he performed even better than I expected. The 6’5 (approaching 6’6) sophomore wing came off the bench and was an immediate spark on offense. He drove to the basket for some acrobatic finishes, and showed off his touch on a baseline jumper. Defensively he put in consistent efforts on the talented Hopkins guards, using his length and quickness to his advantage. He’ll still play a complimentary role behind Shakopee’s core of talented seniors, but could be preparing for some big years as a junior and senior down the road from now.
Kenji Scales (6′ 2022 PG, Eastview)- Kenji continues to put in solid performances every time I see him play, and this past game against Wayzata was no different. The sophomore point guard came off the bench and immediately knocked down two 3’s. Besides his outside shot, Kenji makes smart passes, and is able to pentrate the defense before kicking it out to the open man. On one such play, Kenji drove to the hoop before dropping a no-look dime to Steven Crowl for a dunk. Like Katona he’ll be stuck in a smaller role this year due to playing on such an experienced team, but Kenji has the potential to be a high level point guard in the 2022 class as the years go on.