The Platform – Max’s Day 1 Standouts
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The action kicked off yesterday in Birmingham as Prep Hoops’ The Platform brought teams from across the country together under one roof. With plenty of Minnesota talent in attendance, I’ll detail seven of the top performers I saw on the…
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Continue ReadingThe action kicked off yesterday in Birmingham as Prep Hoops’ The Platform brought teams from across the country together under one roof. With plenty of Minnesota talent in attendance, I’ll detail seven of the top performers I saw on the day, as well as give a quick breakdown of a few more who impressed.
Kyle Jorgensen (6’7 2024 PF/C, Minnesota Heat PB&J)- The big man from Minneapolis Washburn joined the Minnesota Heat for the live period, and showed some nice flashes from the paint and the perimeter. Kyle was dangerous in the pick and pop, and after a couple of makes he was able to use a quick shot fake to get his defender off his feet. In the post he has a strong frame that allows him to push around other guys his age, as well as finish through contact. He’s not the most explosive player but is light on his feet so that he’s able to compete defensively when switched out on to smaller players.
Dan Ijadimbola Dan Ijadimbola 6'3" | SG Benilde St Margaret's | 2022 State MN (6’3 2022 G, Minnesota Select Ohnstad)- The BSM guard was aggressive from the start in two games for Select yesterday. He was quick to attack gaps in the defense, while also catching defenders off guard with his change of pace. It seemed like if there was even an inch of space to split two players, Daniel would find a way through to get into the paint for a clean look at the rim. He had some impressive finishes with both hands, but also did a good job of picking his moments to attack, and making the right pass to set up his teammates. On the defensive end he can guard multiple spots on the perimeter to due his long arms that are dangerous in passing lanes or picking his man’s pocket if they get careless with the ball.
Kobe Kirk Kobe Kirk 6'2" | SG Mounds View | 2022 State MN (6’3 2022 SG, Minnesota Heat Grow)- Not sure I saw a better scoring performance on the day than Kobe Kirk Kobe Kirk 6'2" | SG Mounds View | 2022 State MN ’s 31 point explosion that included 11 points in just about a minute of play. Once Kobe got into a rhythm, it seemed like the range just kept increasing until he hit a pair of threes from about 10 feet behind the high school line. Once the defenders started stepping out deep to guard him, Kobe used a quick burst to get into the lane to finish. He’s an underrated athlete who can elevate to finish above the rim at times, while also hanging in the air to adjust his body and score on some contested looks.
Antwaun Massey (6’8 2022 PF, KC Spurs Black)- Minnesota Prep Academy’s Antwaun Massey was a walking highlight for KC Spurs yesterday. A long and athletic forward, Massey is constantly putting in effort to rebound, contest everything in the paint, and sprint up the floor in transition. That effort led to five total blocks including two that he pinned against the backboard, as well as 4-5 dunks as he finished with 13 points on the day. Although most of his production comes from moving without the ball and finishing off dump-off passes, transition buckets, or putbacks, Massey is comfortable putting the ball on the floor and creating a little off the dribble. Defensively he’s quick enough to defend on the perimeter, meaning he can switch off onto guards during P&R defense.
Max Shikenjanski Max Shikenjanski 6'2" | PG Stillwater | 2023 State #288 Nation MN (6’2 2023 G, Minnesota Fury Antl)- Minnesota Fury took on a loaded EYBL team, and though they ended up losing, I loved the way that Max competed against the size/athleticism on the floor. Even going up against a team with a handful of 6’7+ players on the floor, Max still attacked the basket and used a quick spin move in the lane to help create separation to finish. Because he’s comfortable finishing with either hand, it made it hard for defenders to read which direction he was going to attack, and that led to a few highlight finishes from Max. Although he has an unorthodox shooting form, he once again proved that he can knock down threes at a high level. Another way that Max continued to be dangerous was with his ability to see the floor when attacking baseline. He can zip an accurate pass with one or two hands in just about every angle imaginable, and that passing vision led to a bunch of open looks from three for his teammates. Once again he proved he can produce at a high level and against high level talent.
Nick Burke Nick Burke 6'5" | PF Southwest Christian | 2022 State MN (6’5 2022 SF, Minnesota Heat MacDonald)- Nick joined the Minnesota Heat this weekend, and immediately made his presence as an outside shooting threat felt. When the opposing team gave him too much space in the corner, there was a high likelihood that the shot was going in as his high arcing jumper is consistently accurate. I thought Nick also did a good job of competing on the glass, and also defensively. Because the Heat ran with a lot of size on the floor, Nick was often tasked with guarding smaller and quicker guards. He did a nice job of sitting low in a stance and moving his feet to avoid picking up unnecessary fouls. Nick has been one of the better 17u shooters this spring/summer season.
Mekhi Collins Mekhi Collins 6'5" | PF Mankato West | 2022 State MN (6’5 2022 SF, Minnesota Fury Wilde)- I feel like every time I’ve watched this Fury team compete this season, Mekhi has been one of their top contributors. A big time football prospect, Mekhi brings a high level of physicality to the floor for his team, and uses that strength to bump defenders off of him to create clean looks attacking the basket. Collins showed no problem finishing through contact around the rim in the game I saw, but also brings a soft touch from beyond the arc that allowed him to step outside and knock down a three with confidence. In transition he’s an above the rim threat, but also has the patience and smarts to avoid barreling towards the rim to throw up a questionable shot. His combination of physical attributes, calm demeanor, and effort on both ends lead to consistent production from the upcoming senior.
Five More Prospects
Ben Kopetzki Ben Kopetzki 6'0" | PG Andover | 2023 State MN (5’11 2023 G, Minnesota Fury Antl)- Got off to a slow start but really picked it up in the second half. Played with nice change of pace and was a major threat beyond the arc.
Jonathan Mekonnen (6’5 2024 SF, Minnesota Heat PB&J)- High potential 2024 prospect who scored with efficiency around the rim. Threw down two big time dunks and used his length to rebound and alter shots.
Dylan Wheeler Dylan Wheeler 6'3" | SG Mounds View | 2022 State MN (6’2 2022 G, Minnesota Heat MacDonald)- One of the top shooters I saw on the day, Dylan continued to make defenders pay for giving him an inch of space. When he got a clean look, it was likely going in.
Samuel Rensch Samuel Rensch 6'6" | SF Hutchinson | 2022 State MN (6’6 2022 SF, Minnesota Fury Wilde)- Proved he’s more than a shooter as Sam put the ball on the floor and attacked the basket for some tough finishes against an athletic team. Has been raising his stock over the past month.
Pharrel Payne Pharrel Payne 6'9" | C Park Of Cottage Grove | 2022 State #84 Nation MN (6’9 2022 PF/C, Minnesota Select Ohnstad)- Had his usual efficient scoring performances in the paint, going right at size to score with strength and touch. Too physical for most players his height to handle, and the quick leap allowed him to block shots in bulk.