Hoops Challenge – The Underclassmen to Know
What young players stood out in Rochester at the Breakdown Hoops Challenge? We give you six high quality young talents that should be committed to memory. Anthony Bickford of St Thomas (Freshman). STA used four freshmen in their rotation against…
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Continue ReadingWhat young players stood out in Rochester at the Breakdown Hoops Challenge? We give you six high quality young talents that should be committed to memory.
Anthony Bickford of St Thomas (Freshman). STA used four freshmen in their rotation against Austin today and the top contributor was six foot wing Anthony Bickford. Bickford tied for the team lead with five boards and he was the one guy that looked comfortable catching and shooting against the multiple defenders from Austin that were constantly flying around. Bickford has a clean jumper which was made four times in the second half with feet set and the shot cleanly released. St. Thomas was beaten soundly but Anthony was one guy that always battled. It was clean in his cuts to the rim, it was clean in his sprint up the floor, and it was clear as he sprint to the glass.
Alonzo Dodd of South St. Paul (Soph). Dodd has quickly become one of my favorite sophomores. How can a favorite be had by a writer? I ask you how can you not like a guy that competes for his team from start to finish on both ends the entire game? Defensively this young man is one that his coaches know will always have his hands up and always sprint back to position. And if you pick up your dribble vs Dodd it’s like inviting a Wolverine into your kitchen (in other words you are in trouble). Dodd is 6-foot-2 and does most of his work going at the basket. Winona is really long so they were able to bother him into 9 of 21 shooting but Dodd’s personal second half run is what gave his team a chance. He scored 25 points and chased down ten rebounds plus made all seven of his foul shots. Has the ability to blitz to the scoring angle before the defense can react.
Jasper HedinJasper Hedin of Winona (Soph). Jasper is about 6-foot-4, 6-foot-5 as a wing with a comfortable wing strong and more explosive agility than you would expect (SSP learned that when he dunked on them in transition and they didn’t expect that quick lift). Jasper was a key part of the Minnesota Lightning 15s team that finished ranked 6th in Minnesota and now he’s a strong third wing scoring option for Winona. Made 5 of 8 shots including a three and the launching dunk we spoke of. Jasper will likely be one of the top scorers in the Big Nine both years as an upperclassmen.
Eli King of Caledonia (Soph). Eli didn’t have his normal scoring game against Waseca but he was certainly a playmaker. The 6-foot-3 sophomore scored four times but more importantly had eight assists in the wing. The biggest assist came in the final minute when Eli attacked and found Austin Klug in the corner for the biggest basket of the game.
Ahjany Lee of Byron (Soph). Lee is the 6-foot-8 brother of a Kansas State player Ayoka Lee and Ahjanye’s at about 1 percent of his immense potential. Lee is a very long 6-foot-8 and by the looks of things he’s still got more growing to do. Lee is very quick off his feet to board (had 10 rebounds against a D2 senior) and he forced Wyatt Olson into a 4 of 10 shooting day with his fantastic length and solid lateral footwork. Only took four shots but one of them was a rapid dunk before anybody could react. First impression? This is a D1 prospect.
Maxsamus Wilson of South St. Paul (Freshman). Max took over the first half versus Winona showing off his three point stroke (made three first half triples), he attacked them rim and touched in five attacking first half baskets usually over extending defenders, and he moved the ball for five shots for teammates (had three assists). He’s a strong 6-foot-2 or 6-foot-3 that moves very well plus he’s got quick hands on defense so your handle needs to be tight. Had 19 points at the half but then took only one second half shot so he finishes with 19 points on 8 of 11 shooting.