#PrepHoops2K21 – Minnesota Guard Standouts
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Prep Hoops 2K21 took place over the weekend in Indianapolis, with a loaded field of teams from across the country playing in front of college coaches. Many of Minnesota’s top teams were in attendance, and these are eight of the…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops 2K21 took place over the weekend in Indianapolis, with a loaded field of teams from across the country playing in front of college coaches. Many of Minnesota’s top teams were in attendance, and these are eight of the top guards I saw play!
Max Shikenjanski Max Shikenjanski 6'2" | PG Stillwater | 2023 State #288 Nation MN (6’2 2023 G, Minnesota Fury Antl)- It doesn’t matter who you put in front of Max, he’s going to find ways to put points on the board. He’s the type of player that loves a challenge, and loves to prove people wrong by producing at a high level. Against D1 Minnesota on Saturday, Max once again put up big numbers to the tune of 28 points in a one possession loss. The quick release on the jumper led to a handful of makes from beyond the arc, but perhaps more impressive was the fearlessness to attack trio of 6’8+ forwards repeatedly throughout the game, finding success finishing inside. The will to win is always present in Max, and he’s one of the most consistent producers you’ll find in the 2023 class.
Samuel Musungu Samuel Musungu 6'1" | PG Andover | 2023 State MN (6’1 2023 PG, D1 Minnesota 16u)- Not sure if I’ve seen a better defensive performance from a guard all summer than I did from Sam on Sunday. Trailing by double figures in the second half against Wisconsin Crusaders, Sam turned on the pressure to produce steal after steal leading to multiple transition buckets and trips to the free throw line. He’s quick enough to stick right on his man, forcing him to turn multiple teams over the length of the floor, and then he has great timing to poke the ball free and take off the other way. Musungu also stole the ball to seal the game with just seconds remaining to give D1 the win. In the half court he has quick crossover to attack the basket, can deliver accurate passes to his bigs, and has a soft floater to score over size.
Leo Torbor Leo Torbor 6'1" | PG Park Center | 2022 State MN (6’3 2022 G, Minnesota Select)- Leo was one of the big winners from the last live period of the summer, coming away with his first Division One offer from NDSU. Leo is in the top class of athletes at the guard position, able to make explosive plays on both ends that others his size simply can’t. He rebounds the ball at a high level, and can even provide an extra help-side shot blocking presence defensively. In the games I saw, Leo was aggressive putting the ball on the floor to get to the basket, using a quick burst to blow by his man. Once at the rim he excels at drawing fouls, so even if he doesn’t finish he’s making a trip to the line with a chance to put two points on the board. Add in some playmaking ability for his teammates off the bounce, and Leo is a player whose stock has soared over the past six months.
Sam Fliehe Sam Fliehe 6'5" | SF Lakeville South | 2022 State MN (6’4 2022 SG, Minnesota Fury Wilde)- Sam’s not the flashiest or most athletic guard, but he simply gets the job done and does the little things to help his team win games. I caught the Fury taking on a loaded MPJ Elite team, and was impressed with how well Sam moves without the ball. Time after time he was cutting hard to the basket and finding gaps in the defense to receive a pass and go up for an easy bucket. On the other end of the floor the defensive effort is always there, and he’s a smart player who puts himself into position to make plays.
Jay Neubert (6’1 2024 PG, D1 Minnesota 15u)- When it comes to shooters in the 2024 class, you can’t have a conversation without mentioning Jay. The Sauk Centre guard has a lethal pull-up jumper, and needs just an inch of separation to elevate and get off a shot. Against Team Ten Jabari Parker, Jay was so dangerous getting to his spots from mid-range or creating some separation to get off a shot from three. Jay also brings a lot of toughness to the floor, and competes with an edge on both ends of the floor. He hustles defensively and for loose balls, and has a ton of confidence in his ability to score on anyone who steps in front of him.
Payton Thomsen Payton Thomsen 6'2" | PG Spring Lake Park | 2022 State MN (6’2 2022 G, MSP Elite)- I only got to catch the second half of one of MSP Elite’s games, but was still impressed with some of the plays that Payton made. At 6’2 he has solid size, and is a crafty player attacking the basket. Down the stretch Payton was making smart plays with the ball, helping his team hold on to their lead late, and overall securing a 4-0 record. A versatile player who can shoot it from outside, facilitate with accurate passes, get to the rack, and is a good athlete with size at 6’2, Payton is emerging as a sleeper prospect in the 2022 class.
Nasir Whitlock Nasir Whitlock 6'2" | PG Delasalle | 2023 State MN (6’1 2023 PG, Gain Elite 17u)- Playing up an age group, Nas showed he can still score at a high level. The 2023 point guard is as confident as they come with the ball in his hands, and he’s always on attack mode. In a game against a tough SSA team, Nas was putting the ball on the floor, getting to his spots, and elevating to hit pull-up jumpers over an outstretched hand. He can stop on a dime and leave a defender flying by him, allowing him to get off shots over length from three or mid-range. Whitlock may shoot a lot, but that’s also because he can score in bunches, especially when he gets hot from deep. The playmaking ability is also shown in flashes as he can get into the paint and slip the ball through tight gaps to find his teammates. Whitlock also added in a game winning three at the buzzer during his team’s last game of the weekend.
Jack Janicki Jack Janicki 6'4" | SG White Bear Lake | 2023 State #277 Nation MN (6’4 2023 G, D1 Minnesota 16u)- Jack showed why he’s one of the top 2023 shooters in Minnesota as he came out firing with four early jumpers in the first half against Minnesota Fury. Once defenders started locking in on him, he threw down two big dunks in the second half to help his team extend their lead. He’s more than just a shooter though, as Jack rebounded the ball at a high level, using his athletic 6’4 frame to track down long rebounds and then push the ball ahead in transition. He split time between playing on and off-ball, and found success in both spots. Who had the biggest shot of the weekend? Jack’s name has to be in that conversation as his corner three with just seconds remaining helped his team pull off a comeback win against Wisconsin Crusaders on Sunday.