Fall Season Stock Risers

Max Wagner November 20, 2019 @ 02:36 PM

The past three months have been filled with various camps, showcase events, and fall leagues to prep players for the high school season. Which prospects showed off improvements and were able to boost their stock? Northstar Hoops gives you seven stock risers from the fall. Andre Gray (6'3 2021 G, Hopkins)- The talent in Andre Gray has always been there, but he hasn't been able to showcase it much at the varsity level due to the talent he played behind. This fall Andre was able to produce at a more consistent level, and showcased improved explosiveness around the rim. He has a tight handle that allowed him to get into space, and he knocked down his pull-up jumper at a high rate. He also seemed less hesitant shooting off the catch, which is something that has hindered his shooting percentage in the past. Andre also attacked the basket with the intent to punish the rim in the open floor, and is an improving facilitator. He looked like one of the metro's most dangerous isolation scorers this fall. Riek Riek (6'8 2020 C, Rochester Mayo)- Riek Riek burst on to the scene as a college prospect at the MBA Fall Showcase event. Showcasing his length inside on defense, and versatile game on offense, he has put his name on the map as a sleeper prospect to know. Riek showcased his ability to step outside and knock down threes at a high rate, and also possesses comfortable footwork in the post. He put his name on the map this fall, and will give college coaches a reason to check out Rochester Mayo this season. Marcus Owens (6'5 2021 W, Minnetonka)- Marcus Owens rarely saw the floor for Minnetonka last year as a sophomore, but based on his play in fall league he looks capable of contending for a starting spot this year. A long and wiry wing who can defend multiple spots on the floor, Marcus proved to be a big time shot blocker. On the offensive end he Marcus was able to attack the basket, using his length to finish. He was also a reliable shooter from outside. He'll be an interesting prospect to watch as he continues to improve and start contributing at the varsity level. John Henry (6'5 2020 G, Eden Prairie)- John Henry came into fall league holding a D1 offer from Radford, as well as some Division 2 options. But after watching his more well rounded offensive game, some more D1 schools should be keeping an eye on him. John made contested three pointers look routine, and has added aggression when attacking the basket. He finished through contact and showcased some crafty handles to get to the rim off the dribble. John is a capable defender who is able to defend a couple different spots with his length, and is an offensive threat who is going to be a real pain to defend this year. Amir Whitlock (6' 2020 G, DeLaSalle)- Throughout the four weeks of the Breakdown Sports Fall League, Amir was commonly the only player on his team with varsity experienced. This forced him to take on a huge scoring role, and even with opposing teams recognizing it, they struggled to contain him. Amir has been known as a good outside shooter, but looked much improved on his ability to attack the basket. He has the strength to absorb contact and keep his chin at the rim to finish. Amir plays with a calm demeanor on the floor, and looks capable of taking over a large role as a senior, while potentially garnering looks from scholarship schools. Jordan Jones (5'8 2020 G, Columbia Heights)- Jordan was putting up some solid numbers last season, but I think this is the year he becomes a more well known name in the metro. He is as shifty as they come off the dribble, and uses his tight handle to breakdown his defender before shooting or blowing by him. He was a ridiculously efficient scorer as a guard last year, and looks capable of replicating some of that efficiency, while adding to his numbers. Jordan also appears to have put on some muscle, which will benefit his defensive performance when matched up with longer guards. Ethan Rens (6'5 2020 F, Champlin Park)- I really grew to be a fan of Ethan's game this fall. He's such a solid and well-rounded forward who can bring a lot to the table at the next level. He has some size, is very comfortable knocking down the outside shot, can score inside, and has the bounce to finish above the rim. Champlin Park is a team that won't bring much star power to the floor this year, but their frontcourt rotation is among the deepest in the state, and Ethan is a big contributor to that depth.