Jammin In July: Top Defenders
Northstar Hoops was in attendance for Jammin In July and we were able to catch some of Minnesota’s top AAU teams in action. Who were the top defenders over the weekend? We give you seven names to know. Jaelen Treml…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingNorthstar Hoops was in attendance for Jammin In July and we were able to catch some of Minnesota’s top AAU teams in action. Who were the top defenders over the weekend? We give you seven names to know.
Jaelen Treml Jaelen Treml 6'4" | SF Hopkins | 2021 State MN (6’4 2021 G, MN Select Ohnstad 17u)- Jaelen would have a case for defensive MVP of the event, he was that good. At 6’4 he had the length to terrorize opposing point guards, and he impressed with his ability to sit in a stance right up on his man, moving his feet to apply constant ball pressure. Jaelen did a good job of jumping passing lanes to get out in transition, and was often found sprawling out on the floor for loose balls. Add in one of two charges in just about every game, and Jaelen was a defensive machine in Iowa.
Mick Wherley (6’6 2021 F, MN Select Robinson 17u)- After playing a solid role for Shakopee during the winter, Mick looked even more mobile and athletic this summer with Select. I really liked Mick’s ability to guard a handful of spots, going from guarding opposing bigs on the block to switching out and guarding wings on the perimeter. He proved to be a lot quicker than I thought, while maintaining his strength to compete in the paint. Mick’s versatility and ability to contest shots around the rim earned him a spot on this list.
Treyton Thompson (6’11 2021 F, D1 Minnesota 17u)- The Minnesota recruit may not have put up big scoring numbers, but he matched up well guarding opposing centers in the paint. Though he’s still extremely lanky, Treyton did a good job of holding his ground against size, and using his length to go straight up and make every look difficult around the rim. Treyton was a constant shot blocking threat, and his long arms also forced a lot of players to alter their shots in the paint, causing a lot of misses.
Sammy Presthus Sammy Presthus 6'2" | PG Edina | 2022 State MN (6’ 2022 G, D1 Minnesota 16u)- A tough as nails point guard, Sammy Presthus was all over the place for D1 Minnesota. Against All Iowa Attack he was able to shut down multiple fast breaks with his pure hustle and quickness to sprint back on D. In the half court he applied constant pressure to ball handlers, and showed no fear guarding out on an island. Presthus never takes a play off, and that type of effort makes it hard for any coach to not give him big minutes.
Jack Tauer Jack Tauer 6'2" | SG Cretin-Derham Hall | 2021 State MN (6’3 2021 W, MN Heat Tauer 17u)- Jack is one of those players who could go a whole game without taking a shot, and still have an impact on the game. He does so by providing constant effort on the defensive end, fighting through hard screens, getting on the floor for loose balls, and using active hands and feet to make things difficult for opposing ball handlers. Any time there’s a 50/50 ball on the ground, odds are Jack is laying out on the floor to win it for his team. He simply does whatever he can on defense to help his team win.
Jon Haakenson Jon Haakenson 6'2" | SG Maple Grove | 2022 State MN (6’1 2022 G, Howard Pulley 16u)- I really like watching Jon play because there are so many ways he can contribute to a game. Whatever his coach asks of him, Jon is willing to do. Over the weekend in Ames, Jon’s role was to provide all out effort on defense. In one instance his ball pressure was able to force a five second call, because Jon sits so low in a stance and is able to move his feet to react to anything the opposing player throws at him. Another blue collar worker who competes on every play and is willing to get on the floor for any loose ball.
Emmanuel Schmitter Emmanuel Schmitter 6'3" | SG Eagan | 2023 State MN (6’2 2023 G, Howard Pulley 15u)- Even as a freshman Emmanuel was already looking like a top level defender on varsity. This summer is no different as Emmanuel’s size, strength, and speed are simply overpowering at the 15u level. If Emmanuel is guarding you in isolation, you’re not going to have any luck scoring on him. Not only does he have quickness on the perimeter, but he has no problem fighting for position if he gets switched onto a post player as well. Add in the fact that he was rebounding at a high level on the defensive end, and it was a productive weekend for the top-20 incoming sophomore.