PH Live: Max’s 16U Standouts
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The Prep Hoops Circuit made its way down to Kansas City over the weekend, with plenty of Minnesota talent competing against teams from across the country. I was able to catch a handful of 16u games, and these are seven…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Circuit made its way down to Kansas City over the weekend, with plenty of Minnesota talent competing against teams from across the country. I was able to catch a handful of 16u games, and these are seven prospects who stood out.
Max Shikenjanski Max Shikenjanski 6'2" | PG Stillwater | 2023 State #288 Nation MN (6’2 2023 G, Minnesota Fury 2023)- It doesn’t matter who he goes up against, Max Shikenjanski Max Shikenjanski 6'2" | PG Stillwater | 2023 State #288 Nation MN just produces at a high level. Going up against Alabama Celtics, Shikenjanski went off for 29 points, putting the ball in the rim in a variety of ways. In roughly the first five minutes of the game, Max knocked multiple threes, got to the rim for a couple of tough finishes, and dished out a pair of assists to cutting teammates. Max has a quick first step that allows him to lull defenders to sleep on the perimeter, and then blow by them to get to the basket where he’s such a crafty finisher around length. He’s also one of the top players in the state at moving without the ball, and that allowed him to find space to shoot from beyond the arc, or cut backdoor and get some clean looks at the rim.
Ibrahim El-Amin Ibrahim El-Amin 5'10" | PG Minnetonka | 2023 State MN (5’9 2023 PG, D1 Minnesota 16u)- In a hard fought win against a talented Team Teague squad, Ibo got off to an electrifying start offensively. When the shot is falling Ibo is a walking bucket, and he showed that by knocking down a handful of pull-up jumpers early in the first half, getting to his spot off the dribble and then elevating off the floor to hit shots over an outstretched hand. He followed up that offensive production with energy and intensity on the defensive end, applying heavy ball pressure and creating loose balls consistently. I also came away impressed with his vocal leadership, as he was always making sure his team was matched up and was providing constant encouragement for his team.
Henry Eliason (6’4 2023 SF, Minnesota Magic 2023 Premier)- Henry is a long and lanky wing prospect for the Minnesota Magic, his combination of size and athleticism alone is enough to catch one’s attention off the bat. Adding on to those physical attributes, Henry found plenty of success creating for himself off the dribble. Whether it was getting to the rim or using his handle to create some space for a jumper, he flashed a shot creating ability that could make him a dangerous player over the next few years. Henry was able to stretch the floor with his shooting range and was a versatile defender using his length to guard just about every spot on the floor. Finished with 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in Friday night’s win according to the Magic’s Twitter page.
Hayden Tibbits Hayden Tibbits 5'11" | PG Wayzata | 2023 State MN (5’10 2023 PG, Minnesota Fury 2023)- The Wayzata point guard was facilitating at a high level on Friday night, using his quickness to penetrate and live in the paint. His low center of gravity and quick first step allow him to blow by defenders on the dribble, get two feet in the paint, and then use his vision and awareness to set up his teammates for high percentage looks around the basket. Hayden always had his head up when attacking, and was able to deliver accurate bounce passes to cutting teammates at the basket or kick outs to open shooters from three. Defensively he also used his quickness to apply ball pressure on the perimeter, and make things difficult for opposing ball handlers.
Hudson Vaith Hudson Vaith 6'4" | SG Lakeville North | 2023 State MN (6’4 2023 W, Minnesota Magic 2023 Premier)- A versatile wing prospect, Hudson impressed in a win for Minnesota Magic on Friday night. At 6’4 he has some solid length, and combines that with athleticism as he has some explosive ability off two feet and is able to move his feet to defend smaller guards. On the offensive end he was able to take his man off the dribble and get to the rim for some crafty finishes. He also proved himself as a floor stretcher, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc in the first half alone. On the defensive end he was dangerous getting up in passing lanes and intercepting passes, and even excelled defending in the post at times.
Logan Tuckner Logan Tuckner 6'4" | SG Rochester John Marshall | 2023 State MN (6’3 2023 SG, Minnesota Fury 2023)- After a strong winter for Rochester John Marshall, Logan looked to continue that strong run of play into the spring. Standing at 6’3 he has solid positional size, and is a major shooting threat for this well-rounded Fury team. He was someone that Alabama Celtics always had to keep and eye on, because when he was able to get space from beyond the arc he made them pay. Logan hit a pair of corner threes, and knocked one down from well beyond the arc at the top of the key. That deep range helps to stretch out opposing defenses, and opens up lanes for some of Fury’s slashers to get to the rim. I also liked his hustle sprinting up the floor in transition which allowed him to pick up a pair of finishes at the rim.
Jalen Cain Jalen Cain 6'3" | SF Minnetonka | 2023 State MN (6’3 2023 G, D1 Minnesota 16u)- Another Minnetonka guard running with D1 Minnesota, Jalen found plenty of success attacking the basket against Team Teague. Whether it was getting out in the open floor or attacking from the wing off the dribble, Jalen just has a nose for the rim, and with his level of body control and length at 6’3, he’s tough to stop from finishing once he gets to his spots. Jalen’s combination of length and all-around athleticism allowed him to guard multiple spots on the floor, as he has the ability to defend point guards or on the wing.