Minnesota Heat Freshman Showcase Standouts
The Minnesota Heat held a freshman showcase at Fridley High School on Sunday to let their 9th graders put their talents on display. Over the course of a few scrimmages, several Heat players stood out as being in mid-season form before their high school season’s begin.
Marcus BronellMarcus Bronell, Fridley High School
Marcus Bronell stood out most because of his hustle. The long guard would frequently beat the other team down the floor and capitalize on transition layups. His athleticism led to rebounds on both ends and when he came down with it on the defensive end he could be off to the races and lead fast breaks. Defenders had to respect his ability to get to the rim and would sag off in the half court set to not give up a layup. On back to back possessions; Bronell hit a deep mid range jumper with his opponent guarded loosely, and then the following possession the defender then elected to cover tightly and was beat to the rim.
Max Barnes, Stewartville High School
Over the course of this three game scrimmage event Max Barnes showed himself as the best three point shooter in the gym. Barnes was the definition of a stretch 4 as he made his guard teammates lives easy with ball screens where he would roll to the rim or he could pop out and consistently make the open shot. Barnes was not a one dimensional player with his game though as he made impacts with his passing and rebounding. On one set he showed his power down low bringing in three offensive rebounds in a row. While on the perimeter he was not always looking to shoot as one of the best passes of the day was a no look entry pass to his other post teammate as Barnes was behind the three point line.
Max Barnes
Donald Prah, Anoka High School
Donald PrahAny coach that is wanting to run a press will want to take a look at Donald Prah. Prah makes this list for his contributions on the defensive end and all around effort. He was rebounding often as a true guard and would have his head up in transition to make a play. Off of turnovers, Prah was able to finish through contact with his right and left hand while getting several and-one layups. His biggest play was a steal leading to a layup with his team down two and less than a minute left in the scrimmage. A great on and off ball defender.
Matthew Bothun, St. Francis High School
Minnesota Heat director Willie Vang has a spoil of riches with his forwards at the 9th grade level. Matthew Bothun is another tall interior player that can step outside and confidently knock down shots. Bothun could catch a post entry pass off the block and turn and face his defender to knock down a mid range jumper. He was another presence that could not be left open from three as he made several over the course of the scrimmages. For his size, his dribbling ability was very polished and could confidently bring up the ball when called upon. Showed the potential to be a highly coveted center/forward with his all around abililty.
Matthew Bothun
Jaidon Easterling, Park Center High School
Anything that his team needed, Jaidon Easterling was able to provide. He was vocal on offense to communicate with teammates and was able to knock down a few three pointers from off ball communication. On the other end, his guard defense was phenomenal as he attacked dribblers as soon as they crossed half court and wreaked havoc to produce turnovers. Off turnovers Easterling seemed to always make the right play as he frequently found the trailing cutters for uncontested layups on the break. Being a team player will always get you recognized.
Jaidon Easterling