Tip Off Classic – The Stock Risers

<p>What 15 players gave their prospect status a massive boost this past weekend at the Breakdown Tip Classic?  Prep Hoops breaks down that list now!</p> <p><strong>Joe Alt</strong> of Totino-Grace (6'6 jr).  While Joe Alt is going to be a major conference college football player, his low post ability at a strong 6'6 was eye opening.  He had a well constructed double-double of 16 and 12 giving the Eagles a needed inside threat. </p> <p><strong>Kendall Blue</strong> of East Ridge (6'5 soph). Kendall had one of the first big dunks of the season (over Dain Dainja) and took the first charge of the year for the Raptors.  Between those plays Blue sandwiched in eight boards, five assists, five buckets, and played the lead guard spot.  Big performance for a sophomore. </p> <p><strong>Caleb Druvenga</strong> of Shakopee (6'1, sr). If you are a MIAC school looking for a scoring wing or an NAIA team that wants to offer some quality players get the tape from this weekend.  Caleb's consistent scoring against an open door of Royal guard/wing defenders led to 21 points on 6 of 11 shooting (8 of 10 a the foul line). </p> <p><strong>Dylan Gichaba</strong> of Champlin Park (6'5 jr).  At 6-foot-5 and agile Dylan came off the bench and did some excellent things slashing to the basket and completing for the Rebels.  Had double digits on seven shots and the potential he has is clear.  </p> <p><strong>Michael Gravelle</strong> of St. Cloud Apollo (5'8 sr).  If you look at the video of the St. Cloud Apollo comeback vs Cambridge, you see a speedy Gravelle just flying through blue uniforms scoring 31 points and dishing out 11 assists. He jumped passing lanes and outright led what TC Hoops Czar said was an incredible 46-4 run.  </p> <p><strong>J'Vonne Hadley</strong> of Cretin-Derham Hall (6'6 sr).  Hadley can score, he has great wing size, and is athletic enough.  Does he have the skill for the high major level?  He did on Saturday night knocking down four vital threes in the Raiders win over Minnehaha Academy.  Also blocked four key shots. </p> <p><strong>Cade Haskins</strong> of DeLaSalle (6'6 jr).  Cade was asked to step in and play a back to the basket role for a decent part of the Islanders win over East on Saturday and the Islanders wing never wavered.  Haskins not only has grown three inches but his shoulders were wider and I loved that he was willing to step in and handle whatever role he was needed to for the better of his team. </p> <p><strong>Nathan Heise</strong> of Lake City (6'3 sr).  Heise is a higher level talent than most of this state realizes.  Did Northern Iowa get a high major talent?  Yes.  Does Heise have a chance to be on that Mr. Basketball Final Five?  I think he should have that chance.  His team is #1 in Class AA right now after Heise put up 39 and 14 in a win over North.  </p> <p><strong>Jaylen James</strong> of Eastview (6'0 sr). Briar Cliff may have landed a steal in Jaylen James who knocked out eight threes scoring 28 points plus handled his lead guard duties well making sure all the Lightning weapons had quality touches.  Dished out six assists too. </p> <p><strong>Josh Kamara</strong> of Lakeville North (5'11 sr). I really enjoyed the way that Josh led the Panthers on both ends of the court.  Totaled 15 points, four boards, and four assists and in those numbers Kamara shot 8 of 10 at the foul line.   Better defender, better handler, and all around better player than I was aware of.  </p> <p><strong>Nick Katona</strong> of Shakopee (6'6 soph).  Nick is the brother of Charlie Katona and at a similar size and even more agile Nick has a very bright future at Shakopee.  Katona had ten points and eight boards showing off his agility and touch against Hopkins. </p> <p><strong>Curtis Jones</strong> of Cretin-Derham Hall (6'2 sr).  The calm demeanor of Curtis Jones is a big reason the Raiders earned themselves a massive victory on Saturday.  Curtis went for 19 knocking out five treys (6-12 shooting) plus he grabbed a team high seven boards and passed for four assists. </p> <p><strong>Jax Madson</strong> of Mankato East (6'2 sr). East did not earn the win but Madson looked every bit the player that could be a guard at a scholarship level.  Jax knocked out 8 of 12 field goal attempts against DeLaSalle guards scoring in efficient 23 points.  Loved the way he moved the ball. </p> <p><strong>Carter Patterson</strong> of Lakeville North (6'1 sr). The Panther senior showed a big shot ability hitting six of ten attempts including three triples as a part of his 19 points.  Another veteran Panther player that looks like he may have a huge senior season.  </p> <p><strong>Drew Sagedahl</strong> of BOLD (5'11 jr). We saw Drew play this summer and were blown away by how much he's grown in every way possible (size, skill, agility, etc).  A few weeks ago he took over for his brother as a quarterback and this weekend Drew stepped into the main scoring role and put up 33 points.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*** I was covering games on the main floor so keep in mind most of this is from players I was able to see on that court. </p>