Prep Hoops Minnesota Futures League Week 1 Standouts (Part 3/4)

<p>This is my in-depth analysis of the most recent activity at the Prep Hoops Minnesota Futures League. This has been a great representation of some of the great young talent Minnesota has to offer. Be on the lookout for the rest of my coverage of this league over the next coming weeks!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Blake Kirby 9^th Grade 5’10 Mankato West High School 2024</p> <p>Blake is an athletic wing who moves well without the basketball, he is smart at utilizing backdoor cuts and catching his defenders ball watching. He is a great finisher underneath the basket for his size, showing an ability to finish well on either side of the rim. His ability to draw contact underneath the basket put pressure on the defense and the opposing bigs, getting them into foul trouble. I would like to see more work on his spot up shooting and coming off of down screens with his feet set, shoulders square and ready to shoot instantly off the catch.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Talay Sartell 9^th Grade 5’11 Mankato West High School 2024</p> <p>Talay is an intelligent shooter who knows how to get to his spots around the arc and in the midrange. He is a deadly shooter off the catch and has some impressive one dribble side steps that he uses to get defenders to fly by him. I was really impressed with his ability to shoot the rock, even with defenders in his face. He is a true knock down shooter if you give him space and has a lightning quick release that allows him to shoot over the top of anyone.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Hudson Hochstedler 8^th Grade 5’9 STMA 2025</p> <p>Hudson is a large forward who thrives as a rebounder and punishes his opponents down low with his long arms and great size. He sets great screens that help free up his teammates. He is an active defender who makes his presence known in the paint. He has a real nose for the ball and thrives on being in the right spot at the right time. I would like to see him be more aggressive on the offensive side of the ball, demand the ball on the block and go to work.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Cole Brinkman 7^th Grade 2026 5’4 Hidden Oaks Middle School/Prior Lake</p> <p>Cole is a quick player who lives driving and getting into the teeth of the defense. He is a good finisher around the rim and loves to draw contact. He consistently got to the free throw line this week and put the other teams best players into foul trouble. I would like to see more work on his distribution and finishing with his off hand.  </p>