Isaiah Casey-Hammond is One of Minnesota’s Best Available Bigs

<p>Six-foot-7 senior big Isaiah Casey-Hammond is one of Minnesota's Best Available Bigs.  The Richfield post is a double-double caliber talent for one of Class AAA's best teams. </p> <p>The Richfield Spartans went 23-6 a season ago improving by 17 games and the five returning starters, including Isaiah, were a big reason why. </p> <p>"To me the biggest difference from my sophomore year to my junior year was us being able to play better together as well as us individually improving and becoming bigger faster and stronger," Isaiah explained to Prep Hoops. </p> <p>"Some top moments for me from last year are our first win against Holy Angles at home, our win against Kennedy in sections, and our section win against Holy Angles for the championship. What makes them my favorite is that each of these games we had the bleachers packed and the intensity in the gym was up the entire game."</p> <p>A big reason for Richfield's step forward was the commitment to the program by Coach Omar McMillan and his assistants.  </p> <p>"The coaches at Richfield have helped me become who I am," Isaiah said.   "Before my freshman year the only organized basketball I played was a half a season in eighth grade but after my first practice at the high school they began working with me to help me improve on all aspects of my game.</p> <p>"As a team they coach us to work together.  Everything we do we do it for each other.  We like to show that with our “we over me” model. The coaches have also helped shape me as a student and person overall, without them I wouldn’t be who I am today."</p> <p>So what's next?  Richfield enters the season as a top four team in Class AAA basketball.  Expectations are now there, and Richfield is prepared to live up to them. </p> <p>"My expectations for us as a team is to win sections again and state if a state tournament is held. To reach these goals our work started in March and will continue through the season.  We all just work hard on bettering ourselves so that when we are able to practice and play together.  We have all the pieces we need as a team and can put them together."</p> <p>Casey-Hammond has dedicated his entire off-season to improvement.  Playing with Richfield when he could, playing with the Fury when he could, and working out whenever he can. </p> <p>"Over the past year I have worked on being more mobile and able to work different positions on the floor," Isaiah explained.  "Defensively being able to guard around the perimeter, being able to cut my man off and beating them to spots. As well as offensively by spreading my range and becoming better shooting the ball by working with a shooting coach over the summer."</p> <p>All that work is being noticed by college programs and more are likely to take notice. </p> <p>"I’ve been contacted by coaches from St.Olaf, Hamline, Augsburg, St. Scholastica, and North Central University."</p> <p>Make sure to see Isaiah's highlight video below:</p> <p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10590068/5f447cf5b53f170a6cdb0bf7" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>