The Minnesota Open Period – The Grinders
We finish up weekend one Minnesota Open Period coverage by talking to you about some of the grinders in this state. Some of the workers that made an impact. [player_tooltip player_id="532550" first="DJ" last="Akpati"] DJ Akpati DJ Akpati 6'0" | PG…
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Continue ReadingWe finish up weekend one Minnesota Open Period coverage by talking to you about some of the grinders in this state. Some of the workers that made an impact.
[player_tooltip player_id="532550" first="DJ" last="Akpati"]DJ Akpati DJ Akpati 6'0" | PG Totino-Grace | 2021 State MN of Totino-Grace (6’0 PG, 2021). Akpati opened the game with four quick field goals setting the tone. However, there was a problem mid-game that sent him to the bench, but then Akpati returned to the game and played a steady role on both ends securing the victory.
Jamez Garner Jamez Garner 5'10" | PG Robbinsdale Armstrong | 2022 State MN of Columbia Heights (5’9 PG, 2022). Last weekend no player turned guards around more with their ball pressure than Jamez. Garner’s deep stance beating the ball handlers to the space forced so much un-comfort that a line-up change was tried.
Jack Tauer Jack Tauer 6'2" | SG Cretin-Derham Hall | 2021 State MN of Cretin-Derham Hall (6’3 SF, 2021). There was a time period that East Ridge was not able to get touches into Ben Carlson Ben Carlson 6'9" | PF East Ridge | 2020 State #66 Nation MN and in that time period Jack Tauer Jack Tauer 6'2" | SG Cretin-Derham Hall | 2021 State MN was first fighting Ben higher off the block. Then Jack was moving to the fronting angle on one side and then flying around to deny the angle on the other side about as hard as I’ve seen a kid work. Smart player and tough as they come.
Sam Votava Sam Votava 6'1" | PG East Grand Forks | 2021 State MN of East Grand Forks (6’0 PG, 2021). Sam’s work rate ranks with the best in the class. He’s the guy that is constantly aware of his location and the ball, and it leads to so many plays for his team. We saw Sam put together a triple-double earlier in the year and in this game the passing lane jumps, the defensive fight to spots, and his open shot making impressed.
Carter Weierke Carter Weierke 6'4" | SF Totino Grace | 2021 State MN of Totino-Grace (6’4 SF, 2021). There are little things in a game that I love to pick up. Carter had a great game versus SLP with open shots made and a couple very important attack finishes against contesting hands. But I love how Carter made a three, and then let Devin Burger Devin Burger 6'6" | SF Totino Grace | 2021 State MN know about the good pass. I love how Carter made big plays and sprinted back on D as if he was running from a fire. Great effort.
Keijuan White Keijuan White 6'0" | SG DeLaSalle | 2021 State MN of DeLaSalle (6’0 Guard, 2021). White was harassed by fans at one point in the game and his reaction was to dig deeper defensively and battle harder against his man. Then you can add in that White made a jumper in space after a lot of noise. It will be fun to see how he develops from his junior to senior year.