NHR Scout: Wayzata whoops Eden Prairie
Thanks to the Wayzata parents for inviting us out to “Coaches Against Cancer” night. I lost my favorite cousin to the disease a few years ago, so it was something near and dear to my heart. Wayzata sprints out to…
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Continue ReadingThanks to the Wayzata parents for inviting us out to “Coaches Against Cancer” night. I lost my favorite cousin to the disease a few years ago, so it was something near and dear to my heart. Wayzata sprints out to a 20-7 lead early, then ends the half at 34-22. Beeninga’s 12 points and Lindberg’s 11 led the Trojans in the first half; Jacobus had 8 for EP. Wayzata clearly feeling good and seeing success from the perimeter with Lindberg’s 3 from deep.
Things keep clicking for Wayzata in the second half, as EP really has no size. That allowed Wayzata’s 6-8 Austin Slater and smaller wings to rebound over the top of EP for second chances. EP did light up from 3 briefly in the second half; Kluge, Jacobus and company will always have that ability. But Wayzata set it on cruise control for the most part, as they held leading scorers Owen Chose (2 pts) and Brady Rudrud (7 pts) to very low totals. Johnny Beeninga had 19 points and Austin Slater/Ryan Lindberg each had 13 to lead the Trojans.
Brady Rudrud, EP — Senior who is one of the best available players in 2016. Extremely smooth and controlled with the ball, his shot is simply clean. He’s got a few D2 offers on the table, but D3 powerhouse St. Thomas is here watching and we’re hearing he might be leaning that direction. Sat near the end of this one. Quiet night as he had just 7 pts, down from his 13 PPG average.
Jack Vermedahl, EP — 6-foot-4 and probably the closest thing EP has to a “big man” since Coughlin is injured. Shows the ability to catch and shoot with a pretty good shooting form. Headed to St. John’s in Collegeville for his college ball.
Jack Sowada, Wayzata — I’m a big fan of this kid’s offensive game. He hits from outside, can lure you with a pump fake, is athletic enough to play at the rim and is likely Wayzata’s best wing scorer. High-academic kid who has been talking to the likes of St. Olaf and Carleton; Carleton’s head coach is in the house tonight.
Austin Slater, Wayzata — Big man who is realizing what he can do around the hoop. Sioux Falls-signed, I’m liking Slater’s assertiveness and willingness to get physical. Get him on a college workout program and I’m excited to see him start finishing above the rim on a regular basis.
Ryan Lindberg, Wayzata — A ton of potential here. He’s about 6-3 and has a great jumper from a set shot or floating off-balance. Another great wing option for Wayzata this year and I’m very optimistic to see how he and Baumgartner grow for this team.
Gavin Baumgartner, Wayzata — Long, well-rounded, and springy, Baumgartner had 8 pts here and is a really nice piece for the Trojans. I suspect he may be a MIAC darling this summer.