Max’s Mid-week Prospect Standouts
In this article:
Half-way through the first week of basketball in the new year, I’ve been able to catch 3.5 games so far. I’ll be taking a look back at 7 of the top performers I’ve seen in those contests! Donavan Clinton Donavan…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingHalf-way through the first week of basketball in the new year, I’ve been able to catch 3.5 games so far. I’ll be taking a look back at 7 of the top performers I’ve seen in those contests!
Donavan Clinton Donavan Clinton 6'4" | PG St. Paul Como Park | 2022 State MN (6’4 2022 W, St. Paul Como Park)- I know the competition wasn’t the best, but Donavan did what was expected of a City Conference POTY candidate, putting up 32 points in a big win for Como Park. With his size advantage he was getting to the rim whenever he wanted, showing his impressive athleticism on the way. He’s one of a few players in his class who can make it look effortless getting up to finish above the rim, and he moves extremely well at his size. His physical tools alone make him an intriguing prospect, but he also showed excellent touch at the rim, a solid handle, and confidence from beyond the arc.
Logan Kinsey Logan Kinsey 6'6" | PF Spring Lake Park | 2022 State MN (6’6 2022 W, Spring Lake Park)- Logan was scoring the ball early and often in a bounce back win for SLP. He started off with two strong finishes at the rim, followed by a pull-up from mid-range, and a three from the wing for a quick 9 points. On his way to 28 on the night, Logan scored in just about every way imaginable. His mid-range jumper is one of the most un-guardable shots in the state, as his elevation combined with release point make it nearly impossible for high school defenders to contest. Outside of that, I was impressed by his off-ball movement, as he cuts with a purpose and does a nice job of relocating into dangerous spaces after he passes the ball.
Jessye Lewis Jr Jessye Lewis Jr 6'1" | PG Hiawatha Collegiate | 2023 State MN . (6’1 2023 PG, Hiawatha Collegiate)- Jessye once again put up some ridiculous numbers in a win for Hiawatha. The junior point guard finished the night with 23 points, 8 assists, and 7 steals in leading his team to a big win. He started off the first half showcasing his passing abilities, as he’s so good at getting to the lane and splitting gaps in the defense to locate his teammates cutting to the basket. In the second half he showcased more of his scoring ability as he was knocking down threes off the dribble and getting all the way to the rim in transition.
Amir Plair (6’4 2022 F, St. Paul Como Park)- Once again, Community of Peace Academy was extremely outmatched in size and athleticism compared to Como Park, so the defense wasn’t the greatest in this game. But Amir showed the type of length and explosiveness that make him a prospect worth keeping an eye on in the St. Paul City Conference. His leaping ability off both one and two feet is among the best I’ve seen this season, as he can absolutely fly to the basket. Amir’s long arms and quickness off the floor make him a solid rim protector, but he also looks quick enough to guard on the wings. Had a strong showing in the big win for Como Park.
Terrence Brown Terrence Brown 6'0" | PG Columbia Heights | 2022 State MN (6’ 2022 PG, Columbia Heights)- I only got to catch the first half of Columbia Heights’ win over Brooklyn Center, but Terrence more than impressed in the win. He was a major threat in transition, as he was able to jump passing lanes and get out in the open floor. Terrence is a tough finisher at the rim, able to extend and maintain balance in air even when getting bumped. Really like him when he looks to create for his teammates, as his handle allows him to beat the initial defender and get into dangerous areas in the paint where he can locate some of the athletic forwards on his team and let them do the rest. Put up a game high 28 points, and is now averaging 23.9 ppg on the season.
Nehemiah Davis (6’1 2023 G, Hiawatha Collegiate)- Nehemiah is an explosive guard who was getting after it on both ends of the floor on Monday night. He showed he can sit deep in a stance and apply ball pressure for the length of the floor, or sprint to his spots in Hiawatha’s full court press to trap the ball or jump cross-court passes. Davis excelled at finishing in transition, including a dunk that got his bench fired up. In the half-court he cuts hard without the ball, which is especially effective playing alongside Jessye Lewis Jr Jessye Lewis Jr 6'1" | PG Hiawatha Collegiate | 2023 State MN . as he has the vision to find Davis in open spots for easy finishes. He put up 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 steals in the win.
Donnavin Hinsz Donnavin Hinsz 6'6" | PF Columbia Heights | 2022 State MN (6’6 2022 F, Columbia Heights)- The senior forward played a key role in limiting one of the state’s leading scorers to just 14 points last night. At 6’6 he was sitting and moving his feet with 6’ guards with ease, able to beat them to their spots and force them to change directions. He has excellent instincts reading/jumping passes, which allows him to get out in transition and finish above the rim. Donnavin is the type of player that Columbia Heights can throw on to just about any type of player and expect to slow them down, and then come back the other way and contribute on offense. Finished with 15 points in a well rounded performance.