Top 250 Expo: Top Underclassmen
The Top 250 Expo had several underclassmen in Sioux Falls that were able to play consistently with some of the best juniors and seniors in the Dakotas.
Noah Freidel and Mitchell Larson are two sophomores that we talked about yesterday. Here are the rest of the underclassmen standouts.
Tyler Feldkamp (SF Roosevelt, 5-11, PG, 2021). Maybe the surprise of the event, this 8th grader has the frame of a much, much older player. Not only does he look like one physically, his game seems three years advanced. Defended deep in a stance ad guys three years older had trouble getting by him. Offensively few could turn him over and he was able to get two dribbles inside the arc for production. Loved the sequence of Tyler using a hesitation dribble to attack and score, followed by a step-back make that started with a crossover, and then a three after that (all in succession). In a later game he hit four threes in seven possessions. Could be a special talent.
Nate Brecht (SF Lincoln, 6-6, PF, 2019). Brecht impressed with his back to the basket going over either shoulder all day Saturday. Has the potential to be a versatile scoring player with his back to the cup. Very crafty in the post with a high effort style of play.
Cole Bruhn (SF O’Gorman, 6-2, SG, 2019). A shooter that needs to be found whenever he enters the gym. A guy players will know they need to chase. Love his touch, constant makes. Defensively he moved his feet well and fought hard to get around screens.
Jamison Helmers (Okoboji, IA, 5-8, PG, 2020). A young player that has been taught the game well and who has spent a lot of time working on his skills. Went right at older talent and had success handling and hitting with feet set. Love his open floor push.
Quincy Ihnen (Lennox, 5-10, 2019). One of the best hesitation dribbles to freeze and then go by a defender was used by Ihnen. Kid has some real craft to his game. Love his vision. Love how vocal he is on bothends.
Joe Jahner (Bismarck, 6-1, SF, 2019). One of the best open floor players at the event Jahner was always ahead of the play to catch and score in the open floor. Very strong, mature upper body for his age so he rebounds and finishes in traffic like a player two years older.
KeSean Ladd (SF Lincoln, 6-1, SG, 2020). A rangy and mobile young guard that moved with the older athletes and has advanced skills compared to the others in his grade. Looked really good in the skill sessions and when he adds weight he’s going to be a difficult athlete to get in front of.
Cliff McCray (Sioux Fity West, 6-3, SF, 2019). Cliff caught on to the post moves and face-up skills really fast using the moves like he’s been doing it for years. This is an agile player who you have to get a body on fast or locate quick because each step is rapid.
Kyler Meyer (Britton-Hecla, 5-9, PG, 2019). A heady young player that was able to attack the basket using either hand. Type of guy that a coach can feel comfortable with the ball as pressure forcing a direction change won’t be an issue.
Cale Murphy (Harrisburg, 6-2, SF, 2019). One of the most confident players at the event was Murphy who knocked out a number of threes plus had one of the best step-back jumpers at the event. His demeanor on the floor screams confidence. Loved his scoop make in traffic late in the day.
Holden Wagner (Lennox, 6-5, PF, 2019). Long and agile, but still raw, Wagner has a chance to be very good. Needs to add some weight but when he does and is able to be on balance, his several post moves are going to lead to a lot of scores. Could be a really good off ball scorer too considering the way he moves.
Nathan Wheeler (SF O’Gorman, 5-7, PG, 2020). Vocal player with a big voice for a guy his age. One of the first players we noticed in the skill drills because of his skill set.