Sanford Pentagon Invitational 1: Minnesota 17u standouts

<p>This weekend a very solid Southwest Minnesota Stars team won two of three games in the Sanford Pentagon Invitational.  Today we look back at five Stars players and what they did in Sioux Falls. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774941" first="Riley" last="Ashburn"]</strong> of Renville County West (6’4 SF).  Riley used his length and activity to score in several ways.  Riley was the stock raising name of the weekend from Minnesota.  He was consistent on both sides of floor by attacking/cutting and scoring multiple ways.  Defensively Riley had multiple block games and just made game winning plays with his length.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774759" first="Finn" last="Diggins"]</strong> of Perham (6’5 SF).  For Diggins the 17u season is about scoring in versatile ways. For a game and a half this weekend Finn scored on the move with or without the ball, he then hurt his ankle and missed about the final three halves.  Diggins was a tough match-up until he got hurt on a hustle play where a guy landed on his ankle. He made plays by driving by bigs guarding him and scoring on perimeter plus getting assists via dump down to teammates. Would of been fun to see him versus the Schoolers but Diggins had to miss that contest. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774940" first="Chase" last="Dirksen"]</strong> of Willmar (6’3 SF). Dirksen was steady on offense but it was his defense that really grabbed the attention of people watching/those in attendance.  Chase made multiple defensive winning plays using his length to deflect passes and block/alter shots, and get rebounds.</p> <p><strong>Ja’Sean Glover</strong> of Madelia (6’4 SG, 2022).  Glover played both guard spots this weekend really impressing with his ability to run an offense.  Of course he’s a top wing prospect but his ability to take care of the ball is another big item of note. Ja’Sean also plays with such outstanding body control. He scored with his jumper and was able to get to rim by staying on balance while keeping defenders off balance.  Glover also brings such great team energy to his team on a regular basis. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774733" first="Bryce" last="Lance"]</strong> of Marshall (6’2 PG).  Lance handled the ball all weekend with few turnovers.  His athleticism and speed definitely showed up plus Lance showed the ball skills that have him ranked as a top 2-3 lead guard prospect in the state’s 2021 class.  Bryce could get to the rim almost anytime he wanted and to his trademark pull-up game was consistent. Lance’s speed and athleticism as a playmaking guard were clear. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>