Breakdown Sports Fall League: Top Role Players (Week 2)

<p>The Breakdown Sports Fall League took place over the weekend in its second week of action, with many of the state's top teams and players participating. But who were the lesser known prospects that excelled in their roles? Here are seven names that stood out.</p> <p><strong>Sawyer Shrake (6'2 2020 G, Hopkins)- </strong>Sawyer is a new name to know for Hopkins, and he provided a spark off the bench for the reigning state champs. His standout skill is his consistent outside shot, and he adds another big time shooting option alongside <strong>Kerwin Walton</strong>. Combined with that shooting threat is his ability to finish around the rim. He has the strength that allows him to power through contact and extend to finish with either hand. Sawyer also continued to impress with his effort on defense, getting deep into a stance and locking down his man.</p> <p><strong>Danny McGraw (6'6 2020 PF, Cretin-Derham Hall)- </strong>Cretin-Derham Hall possesses one of the most loaded backcourts in the state, but their question mark this season will be in the size department. Danny McGraw has the opportunity to pick up some minutes this season with his size and ability to defend in the paint. He played a key role in shutting down Hopkins' inside game in CDH's win, challenging shots and limiting second chances with his rebounding. His scoring role was limited, but he capitalized on a chance inside, and is a competent finisher when called upon.</p> <p><strong>Maddox Alipate (6'1 2022 G, Lakeville South)- </strong>Maddox is a player to watch for the future, especially after the productive AAU season he had with the MN Fury program. Playing behind some talented upperclassmen for Lakeville South, he won't yet be called upon to be a big offensive producer, but he impressed us this past weekend with his defense. He is a quick and aggressive defender that moves his feet and is always being active off and on the ball. That constant effort will likely see him play important minutes for an improving team.</p> <p><strong>DJ Akpati (5'11 2021 G, Totino-Grace)- </strong>DJ is a more talented prospect than your traditional role player, but he acts as a do-it-all type of player for a talented TG squad. He wasn't their top scoring option, but provided the occasional bucket with his quick first step to the rim. Where DJ excels is as a vocal leader, getting his team in position on defense, and actively encouraging them to push the ball in transition. That energy he brought to the floor led to some easy buckets for his team. A guard that defends at a high level, gets the ball moving, and can go and get a bucket when called upon.</p> <p><strong>Miles Frisch (5'11 2020 G, Eden Prairie)- </strong>Miles came along late last season for Eden Prairie, and is preparing to take on an even bigger role this season for one of the state's top teams. With so much talent around him, teams will be forced to focus on the big names, which could allow Frisch to fly under the radar and get into position to shoot. As he proved in EP's win over Wayzata, Miles doesn't hesitate to let it fly from deep, and he connects at a high rate. A really good under-the-radar shooter in the 2020 class.</p> <p><strong>Carter Bjerke (6'8 2022 F, Wayzata)- </strong>Another name to know for the future, but this past Sunday Carter excelled in his role as a floor-stretching forward. He draws opposing bigs out of the paint with his ability to knock down threes, and he hit a handful of those outside shots against Eden Prairie. By drawing out the opponents tallest player, it opens up more space for the lightning quick <strong>Kody Williams </strong>to drive to the basket. On the defensive end, Carter is a big body who can play physical and grab rebounds in bunches.</p> <p><strong>Cornell Richardson (5'10 2020 G, Hopkins)- </strong>Cornell is another new face at Hopkins, and he battled through illness to provide defensive production with his full-court pressing. He is an energetic pest for opposing point guards, and was constantly pressuring the other teams' ball handlers. His constant defensive effort led to a few transition buckets, and he was also able to penetrate in the half-court game. Cornell looks prepared to immediately step into big minutes as a point guard for a deep Hopkins team.</p>