Breakdown Summer Showcase: Top 5 Performers
The Breakdown Summer Series was in Waconia/Mayer Lutheran on Wednesday meaning Prep Hoops made the short drive to see several area talents compete. Top 5 Performers PJ Hayes of Waconia. The confidence from Hayes continues to ooze onto other players…
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Continue ReadingThe Breakdown Summer Series was in Waconia/Mayer Lutheran on Wednesday meaning Prep Hoops made the short drive to see several area talents compete.
Top 5 Performers
PJ Hayes of Waconia. The confidence from Hayes continues to ooze onto other players around him. Waconia defeated Jordan by 25 yesterday getting contributions from several players. Hayes made half his 14 field goal attempts for 18 points with four of the scores coming at the arc. Hayes stunned a strong defender (Samuelson) with dribble separation and then hit four quick releasing threes before a hand could contest the shot. Hayes also had four assists and four boards in that game (these are 40 minute running time games).
Ryan Samuelson of Jordan. Jordan was losing to Hastings by four but Samuelson took the game over with two late scores earning a Hubmen victory. Ryan first hit a wing three catching off a ball reversal and calmly sinking the most important shot of the game. Then, after a timeout, Samuelson scored on a backdoor cut off a set that was drawn up moments before. Ryan made the clutch game winners and he always defends.
Connor Schwob of Waconia. Connor did a lot of different things that would excite a college coach yesterday: 1) consistently made his face-up 15-17 foot jumper as a part of his 7 of 8 shooting for 15 points, 2) passed the ball extremely well from the block, high post and on the wing earning four assists, 3) grabbed six boards in about 23 running time minutes played, 4) did a great job limiting the quality touches that Ryan Samuelson had
Luke Strazzanti of Chaska. This may be the culmination of my appreciation for what Luke does on the court. Luke is the one that put Annandale away with late field goals and foul shots showing that once again he’s a willing player with the game on the line. Strazzanti nearly had a double-double at 16 points and nine boards plus I loved his defensive positioning, lateral quickness, and patience.
Trey SwansonTrey Swanson of Hastings. At 6-foot-3 as a combo guard Swanson was the name I picked up yesterday with interest to hear more about in the future. First off Swanson has an edge, a confidence that was exciting to watch against the strong defenders from Jordan. Swanson has excellent dribble separation ability with a touch off the dribble that really stood out. Not sure how much interest Trey has for college but this young man has the ability to play at the next level.
Five More
Isaac Collins III of CHOF. A strong, big guard/wing that went at the rim without being knocked off balance for double digit scoring numbers vs Maple River.
Robert Grace IV of Blake. Few players in Minnesota can keep up with the pace of Robert Grace IV and the finishes after the full court sprint were marvelous. Grace made shots at tight angles plus I love the trust he has in his teammates feeding them high percentage opportunity.
Carter Kulvaik of Rockford. Carter grabbed 13 rebounds for Rockford leading to a 46-13 edge for his team on the glass. Scored four times but allowed teammates to score often as well. Calvin Sisk played next to the 6-foot-5 and strong Kulvail, both scored nine points, Sisk also had nine boards.
Paul Meyer of Annandale. A big wing at about 6-foot-4 that seems to shoot the ball very well. Meyer hit four threes against Chaska and played with an edge.
Luke Pepin of Rockford. 13 months ago Pepin tore ligaments in his knee. Yesterday Luke played in a game for the first time and we are happy to see he did very well. Luke immediately scored off the bench in every game he played. Scored three times in the first game, four times in the second. Great to see Luke on the floor again.