Fury/Heat Showdown – The Top Stock Risers
What players from the Fury/Heat Shutdown have taken big steps forward as players/prospects? We run you through some of the most improved talents today. Jalen Cook Jalen Cook 6'4" | SG Park Center | 2021 State MN of Gain Elite…
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Continue ReadingWhat players from the Fury/Heat Shutdown have taken big steps forward as players/prospects? We run you through some of the most improved talents today.
Jalen Cook Jalen Cook 6'4" | SG Park Center | 2021 State MN of Gain Elite (2021, Park Center, 6’4 SF). The Pirates lost six of their eight top scorers from last season and they will need guys to replace that production. From what we saw yesterday, Jalen could lead the Pirates in scoring next year. Cook has a three-
point touch, that is known but his point total will also build through improved attack skills and most importantly an active approach to finding ways to score. Through transition hustle, putback attempts, and constant effort. There were times where Jalen looked to be the main Gain Elite offensive producer.
Nick Katona Nick Katona 6'6" | SF Shakopee | 2022 State MN of Minnesota Fury Wilde 16U (2022, Shakopee, 6’6 SF). This weekend I became a legit believer that Nick Katona Nick Katona 6'6" | SF Shakopee | 2022 State MN can be a go to scorer for a good basketball team the next two years. He had back to back 20 point games for a balanced, quality Fury team and the way Katona built up his point total was impressive. The shooting stroke looks to have the needed range to be consistent at the arc, Nick is attacking good players using his size and agility to score at the rim, and Nick has a great understanding of how to score within called sets and a motion offense. His understanding of spacing and cuts is another reason Nick will be a top scorer.
Ahjany Lee Ahjany Lee 6'9" | C Byron | 2022 State #145 Nation MN of D1 Minnesota Prospects (2022, Byron, 6’9 PF). We’ve talked about Ahjany at great length, just know that Ahjany is on his way to being a top 5-6 player in his class and a nationally ranked prospect. A year ago only people in Byron knew who he was. As a sophomore Ahjany averaged eight points and eight boards a game. Now Lee is leading a team to a 17u semi-final finish in a top event.
Griffin Rushin Griffin Rushin 6'7" | PF Brainerd | 2021 State MN of Minnesota Matrix (2021, Brainerd, 6’7 SF). Early last winter I got a look at a Brainerd/Apollo game and Griffin started his winter with a 20 point game. At the Community Clash in early February Rushin scored 20 points in a win over a very good Maple Grove team. And this weekend against Gain Elite, Griffin scored 25 points with six boards in a 17u loss. After watching those games I was surprised that Rushing averaged 11 points a game this winter, and if he doesn’t hit that 19/20 a game level as a senior I will be shocked. Why? Because Griffin is truly a 6-foot-7 small forward that has excellent ball handling skills and range to the arc. This winter Griffin shot 30 percent from three but the stroke looks really good and Rushin has a chance to be a sharp shooter. Even more impressive is his ability to take the big players that guard him off the bounce and finish at the rim. I think Griffin has a chance to be a scholarship wing.
RJ Spencer RJ Spencer 6'3" | SG Totino-Grace | 2022 State MN of Minnesota Select 16U (2022, Totino-Grace, 6’3 SG). Select Davis 16s are a very good team, and RJ Spencer RJ Spencer 6'3" | SG Totino-Grace | 2022 State MN is one of their main go to scorers. Spencer has become a player that at the 16u level can average double figures. Averaging double digits in spring/summer basketball is a big deal because players usually play 60 percent of the game max and teams have a lot of talent so you don’t get a ton of chances. But Spencer is making the most of his chances. RJ does a great job quickly getting his feet set and showing off a quick release to knock out threes. Spencer is a much better passer than we ever knew and looking at past games and this weekend, RJ moved his feet defensively cutting attacks better than we’ve seen in the past.
Spencer Swanson Spencer Swanson 6'5" | PF Waconia | 2021 State MN of WOTN (2021, Waconia, 6’5 PF). Spencer has the ability to be a very good power forward in the MIAC, or a scholarship NAIA guy, or a player that would be somewhat small up front in the NSIC but with the deep paint touch to potentially score at that level too. Swanson went toe to toe with Nwaokorie, blocked his shot late in the game, and scored 14 in a big win. Spencer has what it takes to lead Waconia as the main option and after this weekend we feel that he can lead a good college program as a power forward.
Mattie Thompson Mattie Thompson 6'6" | SF Duluth East | 2021 State MN of Playmakers North (2021, Duluth East, 6’6 Forward). Mattie Thompson Mattie Thompson 6'6" | SF Duluth East | 2021 State MN can run, he can quickly get off the guard, and he has the size to take contact and finish through it. The Playmakers made the final four with wins against Minneapolis North a very good Fury 16s squad, and Thompson was a key scoring factor with each game. His finishing at the rim dunking or going at the rim and lifting to make physical lay-ups showed an ability that in college, should translate. Mattie led Duluth East in scoring this winter and from what we saw this weekend he’s going to be able to do a lot of what he is doing in 17u at the college level.
Cole Tiran Cole Tiran 5'10" | PG Eden Prairie | 2021 State MN of D1 Minnesota Prospects (2021, Eden Prairie). We all know Cole as the Eden Prairie worker, defender, and intelligent player. But we have also seen Cole step forward as the Prospects third scoring option game to game. And the team’s smartest defender. Eden Prairie losses a lot and it could be a tough year at times next season, but based on what we have seen Cole should be able to give them at least one dependable option.