Five Takeaways: Wayzata 64, Eden Prairie 63 in a Lake Thriller
Every year Minnesota basketball fans can appreciate and look forward to the best of the best matchups, and Wayzata/Eden Prairie has been in that upper echelon for the last several years. Friday night was no different as the lead never…
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Continue ReadingEvery year Minnesota basketball fans can appreciate and look forward to the best of the best matchups, and Wayzata/Eden Prairie has been in that upper echelon for the last several years. Friday night was no different as the lead never grew to more than five points on either side, and an off-balance jumper from the Trojans’ Luke Paulson won the game at the buzzer 64-63. Here are the biggest talking points from the game:
After Jacob? Plenty. Jacob Beeninga is averaging 15 points a game and is the obvious focal point of Wayzata’s drive-and-kick offense. He can shoot, he can drive, he can finish, he can turn you over. But what happens when he only gets three shot attempts in the first half? His teammates support. Beeninga scored 13 on the night and had some big buckets late but every Trojan who touched the floor on Friday night contributed in some tangible way. We’ll hit on some of them in a minute but guys like sophomore Kody Williams, senior Keaton Heide, senior Connor Hale, sophomore Eddie Beeninga and freshman Carter Bjerke added defense, rebounding and timely baskets throughout. Their depth is improving every game.
Ultimate mismatch. That’s a guy by the name of Connor Christensen, 6-foot-6 junior small forward of Eden Prairie. Connor has superb quick jumping ability and a ridiculous motor which makes him one of the best offensive rebounders in the state. He leaped and muscled past Wayzata forwards to toss in putbacks and his first 16 points were all in the paint. In half two Christensen knocked down threes on skip passes that were all hotly contested. Connor played an extremely efficient game scoring 31 points on 13-16 shooting and tallied 10 rebounds too. I think low to mid-majors should take a closer look.
Freshman phenom. Last year Camden Heide was a gangly, potential-oozing eighth-grader trying his hardest to adjust to varsity basketball. Now he’s the starting big for Wayzata and he is smarter and stronger and more skilled on both ends. Heide guarded Austin Andrews (one of Minnesota’s best low post players) and held him to one FG make in the first half. He added two crucial chasedown blocks pinned off the backboard late in the game and he scored seven points that included a beautiful behind-the-back dribble move in traffic. Some young players peak when they’re physically dominant around that age, but Heide has put in the skill work and will continue to improve. He’s going to be a force for the next few years.
Old reliable John Henry. With Drake Dobbs and Austin Andrews both effectively bottled up by the Wayzata defense, junior guard John Henry was instrumental in firing back treys and dimes when the Trojans extended a lead. Henry finished with 11 points, six rebounds and five assists on the night. He’s got great size and shooting ability for a two-guard.
Last point, last shot. That would be the subject of Luke Paulson, Wayzata senior guard and decider of the game. Paulson has grown immensely as a scorer, transforming from a simple spot up shooter into a true second ballhandler and playmaker. He led the Trojans with 20 points and the game-winning fadeaway jumper as time expired. Rip drives to the hole, long treys, you name it Luke made it. If he chooses to continue playing he’ll satisfy a MIAC school greatly.