Hardwood Elite’s The League: Week 1 Standouts
Northstar Hoops was in attendance for week one of Hardwood Elite’s “The League”, with some of Minnesota’s top prospects competing in fall league action. We break down seven of the top performers from the two games we caught! Joshua Ola-Joseph…
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Continue ReadingNorthstar Hoops was in attendance for week one of Hardwood Elite’s “The League”, with some of Minnesota’s top prospects competing in fall league action. We break down seven of the top performers from the two games we caught!
Joshua Ola-Joseph Joshua Ola-Joseph 6'6" | SF Osseo | 2022 State #166 Nation MN (6’5 2022 W)- It’s no doubt that Josh Ola-Joseph was the most impressive performer I caught last night. He scored 34 points on field goals alone, likely nearing the 40 mark including free throws. Known for his explosive athleticism, Josh showcased that with three dunks and a couple of impressive blocks, but he proved to be more than just an athlete, scoring in a variety of ways. Ola-Joseph created his own looks off the dribble, both going at the basket and creating space along the perimeter. He finished extremely efficiently around the rim, and also knocked down an impressive percentage of his jumpers on his way to a week one win.
Nasir Whitlock Nasir Whitlock 6'2" | PG Delasalle | 2023 State MN (6’ 2023 PG)- Nasir Whitlock Nasir Whitlock 6'2" | PG Delasalle | 2023 State MN ’s team subbed in 5-man units so he didn’t get to play as much as some of the other players on this list, but he still made his presence felt with his crafty scoring ability. Nasir has extremely deep range which means defenders have to guard him well beyond the three point line. That range, combined with his quickness on the ball, allowed him to blow by defenders for looks around the rim, or get his defender’s weight shifted before quickly changing direction and pulling up from three. One of the top point guards in the 2023 class.
CJ O’Hara CJ O’Hara 6'4" | SF Park Center | 2023 State #285 Nation MN (6’4 2023 W)- Another 2023 that had a standout day, CJ O’Hara CJ O’Hara 6'4" | SF Park Center | 2023 State #285 Nation MN was extremely aggressive getting to the basket, and converted at a high rate around the rim. CJ has a knack for reading his defender’s body and attack to either side based on his positioning, and does a great job of pinning his man on his hip to keep him shielded and elevate to score. He knocked down a few three pointers, and also showcased his athleticism with a powerful one-hand slam in transition with a 6’9 defender chasing him down.
Elvis Nnaji Elvis Nnaji 6'8" | C Hopkins | 2022 State #215 Nation MN (6’8 2022 F)- Elvis Nnaji Elvis Nnaji 6'8" | C Hopkins | 2022 State #215 Nation MN showed a little rust having not played much competitively over the past six months, but showed so many signs of potential, and a versatile scoring package. At 6’8 Elvis is extremely mobile, and had a lot of success beating his man off the dribble from the wing. He also flashed some impressive footwork in the post to create good looks, and showed a consistent mid-range jumper. Elvis still had a solid showing, but once some of the rust wears off he could be an extremely dangerous player.
Maddox Alipate Maddox Alipate 6'1" | PG Benilde-St. Margaret's | 2022 State MN (6’1 2022 PG)- Maddox had a quite first half, but really came alive in the second half to help the blue team pull off a win. Maddox looked confident hitting shots from beyond the arc, and was so quick attacking the basket off the bounce. He had an impressive step-through move late in the game that helped his team extend their lead, and facilitated some impressive ball movement leading to an assist during the same time frame. Add in his aggressive ball pressure on the defensive end, and you have a lead guard who simply does whatever he needs to do to win.
Samuel Musungu Samuel Musungu 6'1" | PG Andover | 2023 State MN (6’ 2023 PG)- After a productive summer with D1 Minnesota 15u, Sam continued that run of play into the fall playing alongside Elvis Nnaji Elvis Nnaji 6'8" | C Hopkins | 2022 State #215 Nation MN on the red team. Sam is lightning quick with some impressive athleticism rising up to finish inside. He’s able to hang in the air to contort his body for impressive finishes around length. From outside he has a shifty handle to create space, and is dangerous knocking down the three ball off the bounce.
Patrick Bath (6’9 2023 F/C)- Patrick’s athleticism for his size is something you don’t see often, especially out of a sophomore, and he uses it effectively on both ends. Patrick is able to outrun opposing bigs up the floor leading to easy buckets in transition, and on the defensive end he does a good job of elevating to contest shots around the rim. Even when he wasn’t coming up with blocks, his presence alone is enough to alter shots. Offensively he can finish above the rim, and is effective pulling up from mid-range and even for the occasional three. Arguably the top big man in the state’s 2023 class.