NHR Scout: Chaska visits St. Louis Park
This game had a spark to it right away. In just eight minutes the score was 20-20, and both teams continued to rain down from the perimeter. Ray Whitlock bombed 4 from deep in the first 12 minutes and Chaska’s…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis game had a spark to it right away. In just eight minutes the score was 20-20, and both teams continued to rain down from the perimeter. Ray Whitlock bombed 4 from deep in the first 12 minutes and Chaska’s Kallman had almost as many. Park took a solid 10-point lead with a few minutes left in the first. Park went on a monstrous 20-0 run (scoring on seven straight possessions) to go up 44-34 at half.
Chaska runs out on a 16-4 run out of the break to regain some ground, eventually getting ahead 51-48. It was a hell of a four-minute effort from Jameson Meyer, as he scored 11 points in that span. Both teams strike me as well-coached and organized. The scoring takes a lull for a few minutes, a stark contrast from the first half… Chaska has a couple grinder baskets and SLP takes a timeout at 59-54. Down four 70-66, Park forces two straight five-second calls with stifling defense. Chaska hit nearaly all their free throws at the end, however, and came away with a 77-70 victory. This game was MUCH closer than the final score indicates.
Player Notes
Mykal Howard, St. Louis Park junior guard — This kid is legit. He’s a junior point guard who we got to know a little bit with the Magic this summer, and he’s a strong impact player for Park. There’s no questioning this kid’s effort; he’s high-motor.
Jameson Meyer, Chaska senior wing — 6-foot-4 and long, Meyer is a bit thin but has an effortless stroke that rains down from outside. Showed toughness driving into a crowd and scoring a tough shot just when I thought he might only camp out on the perimeter. 16 points, 14 of which came in the second half.
Cire Mayfield, St. Louis Park sophomore guard — A diminutive sophomore at 5-9, he’s bouncy and shifty and made several really nice plays. A dribble hesitation shook his defender for a smooth lay-in. A mid-range J with tons of arc that was an and-one has to be compared to Jamal Crawford. An impossible reverse make with a man on his back put SLP up 10. 12 points at half. This kid has quite a shooter’s touch. 18 points.
Ray Whitlock, St. Louis Park senior guard — Good heavens, this kid can stroke it. He’s got average size at 6-foot-1, but he wowed the crowd with three threes in the game’s first 12 minutes. 12 points at half. Agile and coordinated at the rim in transition. Every area D3 needs to look at Whitlock as a quality shooting guard. Finished with 22 points.
Myles Hanson, Chaska junior wing — Myles reeled off a signature transition jam in no time, making my camera happy. His 11 points at half led all Chaska scorers. As you may have read in a recent recruiting report from RJ, plenty of D1s are taking a serious look with a UNI offer in his back pocket. Had several really quality takes at the rim where he was just a bit unlucky & rimmed out. Free throws at the end helped seal the deal. 16 points tonight.
Joey Whitlock, St. Louis Park sophomore guard — Younger brother of Ray, I’m assuming. Hit a couple threes of his own to signify that a Whitlock will probably be scoring at SLP for years to come. Literally right when I’m typing that, he hits a deep one to bring Park back within 4.
Luke Hennen, Chaska senior wing — Great role guy for the Hawks. He can hit from deep, scrap for a loose ball, help you with rebounds and putbacks. 21 points in a really nice performance.
Andrew Kallman, Chaska junior wing — A bit quiet in this one, but we know he’s a quality shooter and undoubtedly a prospect. Handled the ball with poise.