Future Phenoms Fall League Top Performers
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The Minnesota Spartans’ Future Phenoms Fall League concluded last weekend, with a number of high school and AAU teams competing over the past few weeks. I was able to catch some of the action, and these are the top performers…
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Continue ReadingThe Minnesota Spartans’ Future Phenoms Fall League concluded last weekend, with a number of high school and AAU teams competing over the past few weeks. I was able to catch some of the action, and these are the top performers I saw at the high school level.
Micah Young Micah Young 6'3" | SF Minneapolis Edison | 2023 State MN (6’3 2023 W, Minneapolis Edison)- Edison loses a lot of production from last year’s team, and I think Micah Young Micah Young 6'3" | SF Minneapolis Edison | 2023 State MN is ready to step up in a big way this winter. He has size on the wing at 6’3 and possesses a strong and explosive frame. In transition he was elevating for some powerful dunks, but he really shined in the first game against Sizzle 17u with his shot-making off the dribble. In the second half he went on a run where he knocked down 3 or 4 threes in a row, and he was doing it with a quick and confident release even with a hand right in his face. Whether it was a shot fake into a one dribble pull-up, quick release off the catch, or even a step-back to create space, his shot was falling at a high level. Combine that shooting with his physical attributes and he’s a player to watch in the Minneapolis City Conference.
Kevin Armstrong (6’3 2024 SG, Breck)- A promising up-and-coming player for Breck, Kevin was running with one of the Spartans squads and impressed during the half of basketball that I saw. He’s a long and lanky wing player who handles it well, and was aggressive getting to the rim. He utilizes his length with long strides in traffic, and was able to extend the ball to avoid looming shot blockers and finish at the rim. Even when he wasn’t able to finish, he did a nice job of drawing contact so he was able to get to the foul line and convert for easy points. His long frame and budding skillset make him an intriguing long-term prospect.
Timmy Omotoyinbo (6’5 2025 W, Minneapolis South)- At this point Timmy might be the most physically advanced freshman in the state. He has a strong build, finishes above the rim, and possesses impressive length at 6’5. That alone gives him a high ceiling, and I think early on in his high school career he’ll have a big impact defensively. On Sunday he was moving his feet to defend on the perimeter, and I liked his effort to apply high ball pressure even against guys half a foot shorter than him. On the offensive end you’ll rarely see him get sped up as he constantly plays under control, and showed some ability to create his own looks off the dribble. He uses his body well to shield off defenders around the rim, and does a nice job of going up balanced off two feet to finish at a high percentage. Also showed he can hit the open jumper from three.
Daejohn Thomas Daejohn Thomas 6'6" | SF Saint Paul Johnson | 2024 State MN (6’5 2024 PF, St. Paul Johnson)-Thomas was listed at 6’4 as a freshman last season, and looks to be in the 6’5-6’6 range now as a sophomore. He’s a strong forward with a versatile skillset that should make him a difficult matchup as he continues to improve. I liked his effort in the final game of the day, going at some of the skilled size of Minneapolis South. Daejohn impressed with his ability to step outside and knock down a few threes, but was also a grinder in the paint. He was fighting for every rebound and loose ball, and often times came away with possession. He can finish inside, handle it a bit, and stretch the floor making him a mismatch nightmare in the St. Paul City Conference this year.
Alex Mattes Alex Mattes 6'3" | SG East Ridge | 2023 State MN (6’3 2023 G, East Ridge)- Playing with the Sizzle 17u team, Alex was putting on a show offensively. His arsenal of moves to create space on the perimeter is deep, as he was able to get a shot off just about any time he wanted to. Against Edison there was a run of play where him and Micah Young Micah Young 6'3" | SF Minneapolis Edison | 2023 State MN were just going back and forth knocking down tough shots from deep. His ability to sit deep in a stance and defend also impressed, as he was able to use that effort to force turnovers and create offense going the other way. Alex had the green light to hunt for his own shots, and even with that green light he still showed smart shot selection and was scoring pretty efficiently at that volume.
Casmir Chavis Casmir Chavis 6'2" | PG Park Center | 2024 State #170 Nation MN (6’3 2024 G, DeLaSalle)- Casmir Chavis Casmir Chavis 6'2" | PG Park Center | 2024 State #170 Nation MN was putting on a show in the open floor for DeLaSalle, as the explosive guard can take flight like not too many others in the state. Even playing in sweatpants Cash was elevating for explosive dunks, and nearly threw down a between the legs dunk at one point. His athleticism not only makes him a threat with the ball in his hands, but also with backdoor cuts as his teammates could throw it up and trust that Chavis had the athleticism to get up and tip it in for two points. Showed the ability to create his own shot on the perimeter, and when he turned it on defensively he could make things difficult for opposing ball handlers.
Erick Reader Erick Reader 6'8" | C New Life Academy | 2023 State MN (6’8 2023 PF, New Life Academy)- When it comes to scoring touch among 2023 bigs, Erick ranks among the best as he converts at such a high percentage in the paint. When he caught the ball in low post position, defenders were at his mercy as he has quick baby hook shot with touch that rarely misses the target. Like a lot of big men he’s a bit of a late bloomer who’s best basketball lies ahead as he showcased solid mobility at his size and is quick off the floor to grab rebounds on either end. Erick runs the floor well in transition and has the coordination to catch on the run and keep his balance to go up and finish.