Francisco’s Finest: Geico Top Flight Invite (Team Sizzle/MN)
Francisco’s Finest: Geico Top Flight Invite (Team Sizzle/MN) GILBERT, AZ.—Since school started in this virtual world of learning, my mind has been working at a frenetic pace developing lessons and projects for my students. However, when a colleague of…
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Francisco’s Finest: Geico Top Flight Invite (Team Sizzle/MN)
GILBERT, AZ.—Since school started in this virtual world of learning, my mind has been working at a frenetic pace developing lessons and projects for my students. However, when a colleague of mind—and fellow Prephoops writer—Devin Ugland text me about this event on ESPN2, it was a no-brainer to put my studies down and watch some hoops. It began with a tilt between national powerhouse Big Red (Mater Dei) versus one of Arizona’s in Tri Starting 5 (Sunnyslope). Toss in the likes of consensus No. 1 prospect Chet Holmgren Chet Holmgren 7'0" | C Minnehaha Academy | 2021 State #1 Nation MN and scoring dynamo Jaden Hardy (Coronado) translated into an epic day of hoops viewing.
Chet Holmgren Chet Holmgren 7'0" | C Minnehaha Academy | 2021 State #1 Nation MN (Team Sizzle/MN)
2021, PF, 7-foot, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: What’s not to like from the No. 1 prospect in the country? Not much. He does have a slender frame and needs to develop a stronger base as his career continues, but let me tell you—and I’ve been scouting for 35+ years—he is one of the most unique prospects I’ve ever seen. I watched Shawn Bradley—all 7-foot-4 of him—gallup up and down the court like a deer as well as the Charles Barkley/Zion Williamson types who defy gravity despite being built like an NFL defensive tackle, but Holmgren is different. A 7-foot shot blocking maestro who can handle the ball and shoot like Kevin Durant—that is freakish to say the least. Not too mention he has a endless river of moxie that is exhibited at both ends of the floor.
Hercy Miller Hercy Miller 6'3" | PG Minnehaha Academy | 2021 State MN (Team Sizzle/MN)
2022, PG, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Miller’s growth has been a steady climb since I saw him out in Southern California a few years ago. He has a good looking frame that bodes well for the next level. His long arms and lateral quickness set him up to be a lock down defender—if he wants it. Offensively, he can facilitate the offense and shoot the deep 3-ball. In a nutshell he is a solid Division 1 prospect that could play off the ball as well.
Isaiah Davis Isaiah Davis 6'3" | SF Minnehaha Academy | 2021 State MN (Team Sizzle/MN)
2021, 6-foot-6, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: Every team needs this type of player— a skilled glue-type with skill—and that is what Davis brings to the table. He is a skilled 4-man who’ll rebound in traffic, finish with authority on the break, and knock down the open 3-point shot. He grinds on the defensive end and his overall feel for the game is solid at both ends of the floor. 3-point shot, blue collar finisher, plays through contact, knows how to carve out space.
Prince Aligbe Prince Aligbe 6'6" | SF Minnehaha Academy | 2022 State #167 Nation MN (Team Sizzle/MN)
2022 , WF, 6-foot-7, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: If you’re looking for a high motor wing-type with buddingskillls, then Aligbe is your guy. He can bang inside and finish through contact or face-up his defender and blow by him to the rim. His first step is quick and he has the strength to finish through contact. He showed a 3-point touch as well, but his forte is attacking the defense. However, in the game against the Storm he forced the issue a bit much. He needs to play with better pace and improve his savvy to become a more efficient player.
Mercy Miller (Team Sizzle/MN)
2024, CG, 6-foot-4, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: The younger Miller looks to be a strong Division 1 prospect as well. Although he is just a freshman, he played with poise and savvy for being so young. He has a frame that should fill out nicely as he continues to grow and his athleticism will kick in even more. Miller can play both guard spots and showed good ball skills and a nice shooting touch. He’ll be definitely one to watch as he is in an excellent program with outstanding coaching and mentorship.