Prospect Report: Lakota West at Lakota East
Spectators lined the second-floor railings and several hundred students traded cheers across the floor for an hour and a half during a sellout Friday night game between cross-town rivals. All the while, Lakota East remained calm. They played patient halfcourt…
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Continue ReadingSpectators lined the second-floor railings and several hundred students traded cheers across the floor for an hour and a half during a sellout Friday night game between cross-town rivals.
All the while, Lakota East remained calm. They played patient halfcourt basketball, running their sets and never caving to Lakota West’s attempt to speed up the game and play one-on-one basketball. Ultimately, East won big, 62-42, moving to 12-2 on the season.
How’d the players do?
Top Performers
Nate Johnson (2021) | 6-3 PG | Lakota East
stats: 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
Johnson has rapidly developed, jumping past the mid-major tier of prospects into a higher category. Whether that’s a mid-major plus or high-major is hard to say. But, yeesh, he looked good tonight. Played pretty close to perfect, to be honest.
Never in trouble, nor panics, as the primary ball-handler and shows tremendous vision by anticipating passes and threading the needle. Johnson has an athletic edge in almost every high school game and can power his way out of all situations, which is maybe why he’s not ever disturbed. But still, it’s impressive. Elite hands when it comes to catching and picking pockets. His perimeter defense is elite.
Smooth handle and he could dribble his way into a good shot on any possession. Yet he knows this. Therefore, Johnson is calm and insists on creating great shots by doing things like posting up a normal high schooler or scoring in transition. Johnson is good in structure. He gracefully floats around the court but when it’s time to make a quick move, he’s an blur. Takes advantage of his strength in a number of ways.
Kaden Fuhrmann (2020) | 6-3 SG | Lakota East
stats: 13 points, 3 rebounds
Unsigned senior. Fuhrmann blends shooting, defensive ability, and athleticism better than almost any other available wing in the class. Automatic shooter when he has space. Quick enough to drive-and-kick after catching on the wing. Flashes acrobatic finishes. Played extremely hard and focused tonight, making an impact on defense. Contains the dribble.
Jadon Coles (2022) | 6-2 G | Lakota East
stats: 10 points
Coles camee out hot, scoring all 10 in the first half. He’s another East player than can knock down open shots and create when he has good spacing. His jumper looked very good. Scored on a pull-up and a few nifty finishes. Sound defender.
Tate Fishman (2020) | 6-1 SG | Lakota West
stats: 10 points
Fishman was West’s most consistent and best player tonight. He energetically defended Johnson at the point of attack, occasionally deflecting a pass. Long, slender frame. Scored on a crafty up-and-under and added a 3-pointer, too. His effort lasted the entire game.
X-Factor
Charlie Kenrich (2022) | 6-3 PF | Lakota East
stats: 6 points, 2 rebounds
Kenrich is a beast. Physical presence off the bench who is strong and mobile enough to defend a variety of post players. Uses his strength to win rebound battles and get deep post position. Made all four of his free throws.
Anyone matching up with Kenrich is not going to be happy about him checking into the game. He is a handful and not fun to play against, that much is obvious.
Evals
Alex Mangold (2020) | 6-7 PF | Lakota East
stats: 13 points, 5 rebounds
The Nova Southeastern signee is looking lean and healthy right now. Being at full-strength is crucial as they will run into much bigger, physical opponents in the Division I playoffs — Moeller, Centerville, Turpin, etc. He had great position inside all night, scoring an efficient baker’s dozen. Pulled down physical rebounds. His 3-pointer didn’t fall but it looked good.
Julian Mackey (2020) | 6-3 PG | Lakota West
stats: 12 points
Mackey is an insanely slippery ball-handler that scored with volume. The skilled lead guard has a counter move for anything the defender throws at him, affording him comfort when someone pressures. Finesse player with long arms. The unsigned senior will add size to a skinny frame in college, which will give him greater ball security. Capable of scoring at all levels. Got lost playing off-ball defense several times and looked to switch instead of chase shooters.
Carter Combs (2020) | 6-2 SG | Lakota West
stats: 2 points
Combs looks to attack the basket every time he touches the ball and, for sure, has a great motor. He is looking for contact when he drives and, at times, shows good footwork around the basket.
Nate Duke (2023) | 6-2 SG | Lakota West
stats: 5 points
Duke is a good shooter with a promising frame and long arms. He played with confidence in a big-game atmosphere and he looks like he will develop into a prospect.