Class AAA: The Ex-Factors/Difference Makers

<p>Class AAA basketball is a lot more wide open this year than anyone ever expected and that's because so many talented players have stepped up to make teams better contenders than many thought.  Who are the guys that have given top teams the needed depth?  We run through the difference makers and ex-factors today. </p> <p><strong>Matt Banowetz &amp; Thor Holien</strong> of Holy Angels. The Johnsons came in and Max Gerstner was the leading scorer, that's what was known coming in.  All three have had strong years for AHA but Banowetz and Holien playing the way they have has been almost a shock.  Banowetz is putting up 14/9 a night at 6-foto-6 battling inside while Holien scores 15 plus a game as a 6-foot-5 skilled player.  </p> <p><strong>Zach Hoehn</strong> of Waseca.  Let's get something straight, the best trio, foursome, or whatever group of sophomores you want to come up with, the best group is in Waseca, and it's not even close.  Ryan Dufault, Kyresse Williamgam, and Andrew Morgan are all scoring about 17 a night and have the Jays undefeated.  There is more than that trio though.  Zach Hoehn is the sharp shooting, intelligent guard that comes off the bench and scores about ten a game.  </p> <p><strong>Colten Jensen</strong> of Bemidji.  Jensen has been crucial to the season that the Lumberjacks have put together.  He's the team's seconding scorer as a 6-foot-3 junior forward and has really been a pleasant surprise for a veteran team. Bemidji is a 14-2 squad with a strong combination of skilled players leading in the backcourt, and size up front.  Jensen has been a key worker. </p> <p><strong>Tate Laabs</strong> of Princeton.  The Tigers had the four seniors but the fifth piece to know is Laabs, a 6-foot-0 wing in the junior class.  Laabs does some of everything for his team.  Tate moves the ball to the point of nearly six assists a contest grabs five boards, defends, and scores 3-4 games a contest.  Pretty much does what his team needs him to accumulating wins. </p> <p><strong>Devin Melzer</strong> of Mahtomedi.  Melzer has provided the Zephyrs a skilled frontcourt player at 6-foot-5 or 6-foot-6 that can shoot some, score around the basket with his size, and rebounds.  The senior is scoring 11 plus points per game and has showed that he can be a nice college basketball player at local school. </p> <p><strong>Ryan Kuechle &amp; Pal Kueth</strong> of Mankato East.  The East Cougars have only lost one game this year and the depth that Ryan and Pal have given the team has been crucial.  Kuechle is the top defensive player on the squad while Kueth has slashed to the rim for scores and active baskets all season long.  </p> <p><strong>Medi Obang</strong> of Austin.  Austin being the team they've been meant many guys stepping up without a ton of experience.  Medi has done that and then some.  Obang has put up 21 plus points per game leading Austin while teammate Agwa Nywesh produces 17 plus a contest.  This pair of guards has Austin a contender again when many didn't think they had a chance. </p> <p><strong>Jalen Travis &amp; Kameron Givens</strong> of DeLaSalle. The Islanders lost Tyrell Terry for games this year and Jamison Battle for some games this season but were able to still win games because of depth.  Jalen Travis has allowed Battle to play on the wing this year scoring about five times a game inside and giving the Islanders a paint player.  Givens is remembered for the big games scoring when Battle was out as he's given DeLaSalle a second backcourt scorer all season long. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>