Potential Breakout Post Prospects Pt. 1

<p>Minnesota has consistently been putting out talented post prospects, including a number of nationally ranked talents over the past few seasons. This winter the post talent will once again be strong, and these seven players look ready to take a big leap forward in their production from last season!</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958691" first="Logan" last="Schmidt"] (6’8 2022 C, Eagan)- </strong>Logan averaged just 2.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game last year as a sophomore, but based on what we saw at the Top 250 Expo a few weeks ago, those numbers should make a big jump this season. Logan has some nice height and a solid build, and is comfortable scoring from the block or hitting the mid-range jumper. He has some solid mobility that he uses to run rim-to-rim, and provides strong effort on the glass. Really like his ability to turn over his left shoulder and finish with touch with his right hand.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774852" first="Jack" last="Hernandez"] (6’10 2021 C, Hopkins)- </strong>I’ve seen Jack listed at anywhere between 6’9 and 6’11, so I went with the average and have him here at 6’10. Jack has played a big role on the Hopkins JV team for the past two seasons, and looks ready to make the leap to varsity as a senior. Jack is an extremely hard working big who sprints up and down the floor, and competes on both ends of the floor. He’s shown off improved touch around the rim, and is comfortable shooting the baseline jumper. Jack also looks a bit more athletic, and moves well for a player his size. </p> <p><strong>Jamal Ambrose (6’9 2022 C, Eastview)- </strong>It would be wrong to expect Jamal to put up [player_tooltip player_id="721823" first="Steven" last="Crowl"] type numbers in his first season on varsity, but the drop off may not be as far as many people think. From what I’ve seen this fall, Jamal is looking like he belongs in the top tier of centers in Minnesota’s 2022 class. He has a sturdy frame and nice overall size, but moves exceptionally well for that size. I like his ability to score with touch off simple moves in the post, and he does well to fight for position on the block. Where he really excels is his ability to hurt you from the perimeter, as he can knock down open threes, and even hit with a hand in his face.</p> <p><strong>Pharrel Payne (6’8 2022 PF/C, Park of Cottage Grove)- </strong>Another 2022 prospect quickly on the rise, Pharrel looks ready for a big time junior season. With his physical tools and quickly developing skill-set, he could be a walking double double this winter. Pharrel has length, a strong frame, and mobility that he combines to dominate on the glass and run the floor for transition buckets. He also has a solid face up game, and can score the ball in a variety of ways. Pharrel can back defenders down, hit open shots from mid-range or three, attack from the wing, and he’s a strong finisher through contact. Add in defensive versatility with his mobility and length, and you have a post prospect that will have scholarship level schools watching.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774808" first="Marcus" last="Owens"] (6’7 2021 F, Minneapolis North)- </strong>Marcus is one of the fresh faces at Minneapolis North, and from watching in fall league he appears to be around the 6’6-6’7 range. He’s an extremely long prospect who is a dominant rim protector. Marcus competes extremely hard on the defensive end, has great timing to go up and contest everything in the paint, and provides energy for his team. His defensive ability is what stands out most, but he’s capable of contributing on the offensive end as well. Marcus has good hands to receive dump off passes, is willing to fight through contact, and has the athleticism to get up and finish above the rim.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="774828" first="James" last="Parker"] (6’6 2021 C, Park Center)- </strong>Playing behind [player_tooltip player_id="846104" first="Dain" last="Dainja"] last season as a junior, [player_tooltip player_id="774828" first="James" last="Parker"] came off the bench to average 4 ppg for Park Center. When he had the chance to get extended minutes however, he showed some nice flashes in the post. A big bodied center with the strength to bully defenders and solid footwork on the block, Parker is a dangerous scorer when left isolated down low. He can back his man down into deep position, or use his nimble footwork to make a quick shoulder turn and score with the left hand. James also does a good job of clearing out space to compete for rebounds.</p> <p><strong>Peter Howard (6’8 2021 C, Cretin-Derham Hall)- </strong>Cretin-Derham Hall loses nearly everyone from last year’s team, so it will be on guys like Peter Howard to step up if this team wants to remain competitive. Peter has a nice frame at 6’8, and features some solid mobility to get up and down the floor. He played JV last season, but I got to see him get some extended minutes in fall league this past weekend. Howard showcased some soft hands and nice touch around the rim, and was willing to battle on the glass on both ends. With arguably the best passer in the state running the point for his team, Peter will have plenty of chances to be effective this season.</p>