Ten Best: Minnehaha Academy vs. Prescott (WI)
Game two of the Minnesota/Wisconsin Border Battle at Apple Valley High School featured some high-end talent on both teams as the young and springy Minnehaha Redhawks led by Jalen Suggs battled Owen Hamilton and Prescott. What seemed like a blowout most of the…
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Continue ReadingGame two of the Minnesota/Wisconsin Border Battle at Apple Valley High School featured some high-end talent on both teams as the young and springy Minnehaha Redhawks led by Jalen Suggs battled Owen Hamilton and Prescott. What seemed like a blowout most of the game turned interesting in the final five minutes, with Prescott coming back after being down 63-37 to get within five points. The deep athleticism was too much in the end as Minnehaha prevailed 81-73.
MVP: JaVonni Bickham (F, 6-6, Jr., Minnehaha)
He caught fire quickly, scoring 8 in a row including two triples. He ended the game with a double-double of 30 points and 12 rebounds, but most impressive to me was his defensive work on 7-foot Northern Illinois commit Owen Hamilton. Hamilton had to resort to a faceup style later on as Bickham was meeting him at the rim with non fear whatsoever. He blocked Hamilton twice and ripped the ball from him multiple times. Great effort from Bickham.
Best offensive performance: Owen Hamilton (C, 7-1, Sr., Prescott)
He struggled early against the physicality Bickham showed, but settled in and scored 27 before fouling out with a handful of minutes to go. I was impressed with his faceup game and ability to move laterally toward the basket for finishes. He runs the floor really well for his size.
Best defensive performance: Jalen Suggs (G, 6-3, Fr., Minnehaha)
The top freshman in Minnesota didn’t choose to impose his will on offense as much as usual, but he did open the game with a guard-to-guard passing lane jump for a two handed slam. He harassed Prescott guards for a total of seven steals to go with 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists. I liked seeing him distribute, and it paid off for his teammates.
Best underclassman: Kaden Johnson (G, 6-3, Fr., Minnehaha)
Johnson was the main benefactor of Suggs’ unselfish play today, flying in for dump-offs at the rim and knocking down a couple triples. He finished with 18 points and six boards shooting 7-17 from the field. Also threw four assists. The backcourt of Suggs and Johnson is one to watch very closely for years to come.
Best rebounder: Jose Williamson (F, 6-5, Sr., Minnehaha)
Not known for his offensive prowess, Williamson is a long body that works within his role as a post defender and rebounder. He did those well things well today, snatching seven boards and not forcing any bad shots.
Best under-the-radar performance: Peter Brookshaw (PG, 6-0, Jr., Prescott)
Hamilton receives a lot of attention, and deservedly so. But Peter Brookshaw is as steady a ballhandler as you’ll see. The junior led Prescott back into the game with a mixture of treys, steals and assists. Also went up to get 11 total rebounds while posting 16 points for the Cardinals. He’s a strong kid poised for a good senior season.
Best shooter: Lorenzo Smith (G, 5-10, Jr., Minnehaha)
The St. Paul Johnson transfer is thriving off of the rest of the Redhawk guard play and consistently knocked down open jumpers. 12 points on 4-8 shooting from beyond the arc.
Best intangibles: Bennett Theisen (G, 5-11, So., Minnehaha)
A solid all-around game for Theisen, who didn’t get much on the scoresheet but was sure-handed as a ball mover for the Redhawks. Another youngster who should see an upgraded role as he gets older.
Best aspect of the environment: Prescott fans
Today was like a normal away game for the Cardinal fanbase, just a half hour east of Apple Valley. As Prescott edged closer late in the game, they came to life and roared with intensity. A fun and loud game for both sides!
Best storyline moving forward: Minnehaha’s youngsters
Minnehaha Academy is young and poised for big things over the next 2-3 years. They are a top squad in AA and this success isn’t going to be short-term. Expect more and more exciting games from these guys.