Who Is South Dakota’s Best Senior Power Forward?
We continue with the Bigs! The bigs of South Dakota. The Power Forward version of the bigs! In reviewing this discussion we’ve went back to look at film of each and gave you three different things that we really like…
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Continue ReadingWe continue with the Bigs! The bigs of South Dakota. The Power Forward version of the bigs!
In reviewing this discussion we’ve went back to look at film of each and gave you three different things that we really like from each.
Sam Aslesen Sam Aslesen 6'7" | SF Howard | 2021 State SD of Howard.
- What you first have to know is that last winter Sam was listed as a 6-foot-5 forward and is now listed as a 6-foot-7 four man. That changes everything and he’s coming off of a year that earned him “one of the best ten juniors in Class B” status.
- In looking at Sam’s winter film the first thing that stands out is how agile he is around the basket with quick spins out of the catch or a rapid drop step getting around other Class B bigs. There are several flashes middle where Sam catches and quickly gets the ball to his right hand for a soft touching finish. Now imagine Sam doing that with two more inches on his frame! I also love the quickness he has in his hips and the speed at which he uses his quality footwork. He’s also quick to the board so blocking him out is very tough for other bigs. Throw in the way he runs as a forward and this is a player that was one of South Dakota’s top summer stock risers.
- The ball skill. Oh the ball skill. If Sam is standing 6-foot-7 these days this is a true stretch four man that can push the basketball up the floor in transition, attack to his left or his right, and also put a dribble separation move on a guy. I don’t know the percentages of Sam as a shooter but the form is solid and he looks comfortable stepping into a shot especially on the baseline outside of the short corner and in the deep corner for a three.
Hayden Muirhead Hayden Muirhead 6'7" | PF SF O'Gorman | 2021 State SD of Harrisburg.
- First off I missed the note the first time that Hayden has moved to Harrisburg so the Tigers just added a big piece to an already solid roster. Hayden had a tremendous summer playing with the South Dakota Network performing several times in a way that will make him a top ten area prospect in this senior class. Why? How?
- Hayden’s approach this summer was one that college coaches would love. He looked stronger, he played harder, maybe a bit taller, and most importantly Hayden played harder than we saw in video from last winter. When you take all of that and add the quick bounce Hayden has, you have a player that is not only quick off the ground but explosive which should lead to several double-double games. Hayden’s aggressive approach trying to finish everything with two hands on the rim, and then going the other way and grabbing defensive boards before the ball gets to the level of the other nine, put him squarely on the map. Now it’s up to Hayden to have the type of winter that he is capable of.
- Not only does Hayden have quick athlete hops but when we were looking at his winter film, we saw a player that set a strong screen and then moved his feet into position to catch and hit mid-range jumpers. Sure he can put the ball on the ground once and get to the rim above the help but Class AA basketball has size so you also need to stretch that defense with a touch. Hayden looks to have some of that.
Alex Tong of Sioux Falls Lincoln.
- While Alex won’t have the experience at the varsity level, he will the physical gifts of agility, length, and strength at 6-foot-6. This summer, opposing size had difficulty moving with Alex and most of it was raw physical talent that is still being molded by coaching. When that coaching comes Alex could have a fantastic season ahead of him.
- This is a confident player. Maybe not experienced – although playing with the Force helped – but confident. In looking at several of his perimeter jumper attempts, Tong had his feet set with a nice balanced release. Doesn’t get a lot of lift into his shot but he’s a developing bigger player so that isn’t as big of an issue as it would be for a wing. Did a great job clearing his man to catch and face up without a problem as he uses his size well to get off the post defender.
- This summer players had so many issues blocking Tong out. He chased down offensive boards in bulk moving guys with his shoulders and legs so he could score second chance baskets. When his energy is up there are few rotating defenders who can then box Tong out. Many bigs will have problems with it too.
The Others Category.
Jacob Messmer Jacob Messmer 6'5" | PF Wessington Springs | 2021 State SD of Wessington Springs.
Eddie Meylor Eddie Meylor 6'6" | PF SF O'Gorman | 2021 State SD of Sioux Falls O’Gorman.
Brayden Phipps Brayden Phipps 6'5" | PF Harrisburg | 2021 State SD of Harrisburg.
Gradee Sherman Gradee Sherman 6'5" | PF Viborg-Hurley | 2021 State SD of Viborg-Hurley.
Kelby VanDerWerff Kelby VanDerWerff 6'5" | PF Platte-Geddes | 2021 State SD of Platte-Geddes.