NHR State: Max’s Day 1 Standouts
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The NHR State Tournament kicked off last night with the opening round of games, and I was at Wayzata High School covering the action. These are seven of the prospects who impressed in the three games I caught! Dominic Fairbanks…
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Continue ReadingThe NHR State Tournament kicked off last night with the opening round of games, and I was at Wayzata High School covering the action. These are seven of the prospects who impressed in the three games I caught!
Dominic Fairbanks Dominic Fairbanks 5'10" | PG Cass Lake-Bena | 2024 State MN (5’10 2024 G, Playmakers North Showcase)- Playing up at the 17u level, Dom looked like a veteran on the floor. It seemed like every time he touched the ball, he was able to create an open look for one of his teammates, or get a good look for himself in the lane. He does a nice job of changing his speeds to attack and get into the paint where he can either finish over size with a soft floater, or locate an open man and kick it out for a three point look. Adds in a smooth looking stroke from three himself, as he knocked down a pair of shots from beyond the arc. Operates really well as a P&R ball handler because of his ability to shoot the three, turn the corner and attack, or deliver an accurate pass through a tight window.
Joe Hager (6’4 2024 SF, WOTN)- There was nothing keeping Joe Hager from getting into the paint last night. The Lakeville South slasher was relentless attacking the basket, getting to the rim off of straight line drives, in transition, or crashing the offensive glass. Gain Elite just didn’t have someone with his combination of length and athleticism that could stay in front of him and stop him from finishing. Has excellent body control to convert in traffic or through contact, and does a nice job of drawing fouls to get to the free throw line. Finished with an impressive 26 points on 10-15 shooting, including 18 of those points coming in the second half of a one possession game.
Rocco Paulson (6’7 2023 C, Playmakers North Showcase)- The frontcourt at Duluth East is going to be loaded this upcoming season, as Rocco has progressed his game and is becoming a strong player in the post. Does a great job of fighting for deep post position and provides a big target for his guards to enter the ball into. Has some solid footwork to get his defender leaning one way before pivoting in the opposite direction. Because of his ability to finish at a high level with either hand, it makes him much more unpredictable on the block. Rocco is also a good screen setter, as he keeps a wide base and allows his guards to run off him and get into space to create. Really strong hands as a rebounder as well.
Isaiah Johnson Isaiah Johnson 6'7" | SF Totino-Grace | 2024 State #135 Nation MN (6’7 2024 SF, Northstar Titans)- Last night Isaiah showed why his passing is an underrated part of his game. He did such a good job of creating for others off the dribble, whether it was handling the ball in the open floor and dumping it off at the last second, or getting into the lane and kicking it out for open threes. He could probably score a few more teams each game by taking contested looks at the rim, but will instead find great looks for his teammates that lead to more success for his team. Isaiah is so dangerous in the open floor because of his ability to grab a defensive rebound and start attacking the other way because he can handle it so well at 6’7. Was a threat from three while also having a handful of impressive finishes inside.
Camron Henderson Camron Henderson 6'0" | CG Madison East | 2024 State WI (5’9 2024 PG, NESYB Hoops)- Camron was a big reason why NESYB Hoops carved out a first half lead against Northstar Titans. At 5’9 he was often the smallest player on the floor, but he used that to his advantage as he was always quicker than the man in front of him. So shifty with the ball to get defenders leaning one way before crossing over in the opposite direction. Can score with tough as he possesses a nice floater in the lane while also being a threat to shoot from beyond the arc. Gets after it on the defensive end as he sits deep in a stance and can apply heavy ball pressure.
Aidan Memene (6’ 2024 PG, Gain Elite)- Aidan was consistently making plays on the defensive end last night for Gain Elite. He’s so good at anticipating where the ball is going to go, allowing him to jump passing lanes and pick up steals. Because of that, he helped to speed up the opposing team and made them uncomfortable for a lot of possessions. His steals also helped lead to scoring opportunities in the open floor as he does a nice job of drawing contact around the rim while also keeping his head up to pass it ahead to sprinting teammates.
Joey Fretheim Joey Fretheim 6'3" | SG Mounds View | 2024 State MN (6’3 2024 W, Northstar Titans)- After trailing at halftime, Joey helped set the tone for his team in the second half, coming out strong with three early finishes. Those included two tough scores in traffic that really helped give his team some momentum moving forward. At 6’3 he has some length on the wing with the body control to score on contested looks at the rim. Does a good job of cutting off the ball and running his lanes in transition that lead to good looks off the catch. Hard worker on the glass who’s going to fight for rebounds on both ends of the floor as well.