MN/WI Border Battle: The Minnesota Standouts
The Minnesota vs Wisconsin Border Battle took place this past Saturday, with seven games featuring teams from all over the state of Minnesota facing off against our neighbor state to the east. Minnesota won the overall series 5-2 over Wisconsin…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Minnesota vs Wisconsin Border Battle took place this past Saturday, with seven games featuring teams from all over the state of Minnesota facing off against our neighbor state to the east. Minnesota won the overall series 5-2 over Wisconsin with some exciting all-around matchups. Prep Hoops was in attendance, and we give you our standouts from the Minnesota participants.
Riek Riek (6’8 2020 C, Rochester Mayo)- Riek Riek caught my eye when I had the chance to watch him in a fall game, and he looked even more impressive this weekend against Eau Claire Memorial. The long, 6’8 post prospect showed off his versatile offensive game, knocking down two 3’s, a baseline mid-range, and an array of post finishes on his way to 16 points. Riek isn’t an explosive athlete, but instead used his soft hands to catch in traffic, and had the patience to go up balanced to finish. He also looked comfortable handling the ball outside the arc, and always secured rebounds with strength before finding his outlet pass.
Nathan Heise (6’5 2020 G, Lake City)- I’ve seen Heise play in two games this year, the first being a 39 point performance against Minneapolis North. This weekend Nate nearly matched that total, scoring 37 before checking out early in a win over Brookfield Academy. Heise was deadly beyond the arc as usual, knocking down six three pointers on the day. He also showed off his explosiveness, scoring above the rim on back door cuts or after jumping the passing lane and getting some easy finishes in transition. The Northern Iowa commit would be my pick for Minnesota MVP from the event.
Justin Wohlers (6’5 2022 W, Lake City)- Lake City wasn’t all Nate Heise, as Justin Wohlers stepped up and had a huge second half in a win. Though just a sophomore, Wohlers already has a strong build on his 6’5 frame, which gives him the ability to guard a multitude of positions. Offensively he caught fire from beyond the arc in the second half, contributing 22 points to Lake City’s school-record setting 99 point performance. I liked the way he was patient with the ball, and he was really making the opponents zone defense work with his ball fakes and good decision making.
Jalen Suggs (6’5 2020 G, Minnehaha Academy)- Jalen Suggs always steps up when Minnehaha Academy needs him the most, and he did that again in a dog fight against La Crosse Central. With Chet Holmgren missing extended time with foul trouble, Jalen began attacking the rim with a purpose, fighting through contact to come up with some incredible finishes around the rim. He was also his usual self from beyond the arc, knocking down a handful of threes. What always stands out with Jalen is his competitiveness, exemplified by a full out dive to tip a full-court pass and slow down a fast break chance for Central. That willingness to win is what makes Jalen a special player.
Cal Greene (6’6 2021 W, Mahtomedi)- Cal Greene continues to raise his stock as a prospect, and was the most exciting player to watch in the set of games at La Crosse Central High School. He already possesses great size and athleticism on the wing, and used that to his advantage attacking the rim. He beat defenders baseline off the dribble, and got to the rim with back door cuts leading to some explosive finishes. Cal had some nasty dunks on the day, including a reverse finish off an alley oop that managed to crack the rim, causing a 25 minute delay. Add in a comfortable stroke from deep, and a turnaround jumper, and Cal finished with 17 points in the win.
Okey Okey (6’2 2021 G, Austin)- Austin cruised to a comfortable win over Milwaukee Washington, using an aggressive zone press to give Washington plenty of troubles. Offensively it was Okey Okey who paved the way with a game-high 19 points. The 6’2 guard is a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, and he showcased that ability in the blowout win. Currently averaging 10.9 ppg, the junior guard is a key piece for a strong Austin team, and looks poised to lead the team next year as a senior.
Brody Fox (6’3 2020 G, Mahtomedi)- Brody Fox has been Mr. Consistent for Mahtomedi this season, and he once again put in another strong performance, this time against a tough Kaukauna squad. Brody turned in 18 points, using his length and athleticism to glide to the basket to finish. When it comes to players attacking the basket, I haven’t seen many that glide as effortlessly as Brody does. Add in his shooting touch from beyond the arc, and Brody Fox was the leading scorer for Mahtomedi in their one point win.