Best Dunkers going into 2015-2016
I think we can all agree, there are many skills in basketball that are more important than dunking. But at the same time, dunking is unique. There’s nothing like an assertive slam, especially when it’s in the right moment that gets…
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Continue ReadingI think we can all agree, there are many skills in basketball that are more important than dunking. But at the same time, dunking is unique. There’s nothing like an assertive slam, especially when it’s in the right moment that gets the crowd excited and you think, “this is going to end up on YouTube/Vine.” The best dunks we've ever seen stick in our minds long after they've occurred.
The 2015 class graduated some very dynamic dunkers (Jarvis Johnson, Marshawn Wilson, Dan Jech immediately come to mind), but there are likely more in 2016, by my estimation. Let’s take a look.
Best Overall Dunkers Going Into 2015-2016
– Tyler Johnson, MPLS North
The whole nation saw Tyler’s dunk against Rushford-Peterson last year, a full-court drive followed by an electric finish that made it to ESPN.com. Tyler’s one of the best athletes in the state, and he’s been a skilled dunker for years now. He’s now stronger and more confident than ever.
– Jalan Ousley-Brown, Cretin-Derham Hall
Jalan is a dunk hunter. He ran the sidelines all summer on fast breaks, hoping to prey on an unsuspecting defender for a backdoor alley-oop. He also may have been the most fun player to watch during AAU warmups, as he always had something up his sleeve. Check out his Courtside Films clip here.
– Landon Kirkwood, Brooklyn Center
Take one look at his Courtside Films clip from this fall, and you can see a wide variety of dunk styles from the senior. Sure, it was a fall camp where defense was probably not a priority, but Landon reels off rock the cradle, reverse-two-hands, a LaVine-like cockback, and more. This is business as usual for Kirkwood, who will be very fun to watch this year.
– Damario Armstrong, Osseo
Another dunk hunter, Armstrong loves the art of the slam and is very impressive when he gets in the air, as he’s just 5-11. His bounce and finishing is usually followed by a slight rim hang to add more style points.
– Amir Coffey, Hopkins
He’s back, folks. Coffey has made a great recovery from a major knee injury, and he looks strong and assertive during fall league. He’s got more muscle to him, and I can see him stepping into that John Warren role of getting at least one or two dunks a game for Hopkins, if not more. This is his year to shine and prove that he’s better than ever.
Best Power Dunkers
– Theo John, Champlin Park
He has the potential to be truly dominant under the hoop.
– Luke Harris, Northfield
Showed off his power this summer with D1 MN.
– Quinton Siebenahler, Luverne
Looked very strong at last month's Nickle Dickle Dunk Contest. A rim-rattler.
– Isaih Wade, MN Transitions
Love to stuff it. Wade is a very strong dunker who emerged with Heat NW.
– Reed Nikko, Maple Grove
Missouri-signed big man who can rim-pull with the best of them.
Most Bounce
– Samm Jones, DeLaSalle
Easily one of the most explosive dunkers in the state.
– Dalante Peyton, St. Paul Academy
D2s are in pursuit of Peyton, who has been dunking well for years.
– Jarrett Baptiste, Columbia Heights
Had some very impressive dunks for Heights last year. A terrific athlete.
– Damario Armstrong, Osseo
– Tyler Johnson, North
– DeNario Jackson, Tartan
He's 5-foot-7 and can dunk. That tells you all you need to know.
– Kobe Boraas, Sauk Rapids-Rice
One summer after Cody Dorow, Comets Lewis again featured a bouncy dunker in Boraas.
Uses their length the best
– Carter Brooks, Lakeville North
Loves to go baseline and finish with two hands.
– Landon Kirkwood, Brooklyn Center
– Sam Schuberg, Eagan
An underrated player, Schuberg has the wingspan of a scholarship player.
– Nate Reuvers, Lakeville North
You've heard about him blowing up all summer/fall.
– Davonta Prince, Brooklyn Center
Had the missed dunk of the summer at the D1 Classic; absolutely vicious attempt.
– Amir Coffey, Hopkins
– Ade Lamu, St. Croix Lutheran
Had some great dunks for D1 MN as he turned heads with his frame and athleticism.
Up-and-comers
– Jarvis Thomas-Omersa, Tartan
– Weston Baker-Magrath, Marshall
– Parker Fox, Mahtomedi
– Javonni Bickham, Minnehaha Academy
– Lamar Wood, Patrick Henry
– Myles Hanson, Chaska
– Erik Davis, Hopkins
– Race Thompson, R. Armstrong
Deserve to be mentioned
– Jubie Alade, R. Armstrong
– Steffon Musoke, Rogers
– Cole Dahl, Northern Freeze
– Michael Hurt, Rochester JM
– Steffon Mitchell, Shakopee
– Jamil Jackson, MPLS North
– Broc Finstuen, Pine Island
– Melvin Newbern Jr., R. Cooper
– Eli Cave, Benilde-St. Margaret’s
– Chris Perry, Cretin-Derham Hall
Watch these teams if you like dunks
– MPLS North
– Lakeville North
– Fridley
– Brooklyn Center
– Hopkins
– DeLaSalle