Breakdown Fall League: The Breakout Players

The Breakdown Sports fall league concluded over the weekend, and many of the top teams in the area were there competing. After a talented 2020 class moved on to the next level, there’s plenty of opportunity for prospects to move into bigger roles. These seven players had breakout games this fall, and look ready to pick up more minutes this winter. [player_tooltip player_id="957196" first="Henry" last="Shannon III"] (6’6 2021 SF, Eastview)- Henry has all of the physical tools that you’d find in a scholarship level wing, and he’s starting to use those tools to produce on the court. He’s long, agile, and has impressive explosiveness that he uses to make plays on both ends of the floor. Henry has the ability to take smaller wings into the post and score with a quick turn over his right shoulder, but he also has a smooth jumper from mid-range or three. On the defensive end he has great timing to block shots, and has a knack for blocking jump shots as well as attempts around the rim. Henry was one of the top performers for a well-rounded Eastview team this fall. [player_tooltip player_id="774808" first="Marcus" last="Owens"] (6’8 2021 PF/C, Minneapolis North)- When I saw Marcus last fall with Minnetonka, I was intrigued with his shot blocking ability. Now, he looks a little bit taller, and is improved on the offensive end as well. Marcus has looked like one of the best shot blockers in the state, with length, timing, and a quick second leap. He’s also athletic enough to switch and guard on the perimeter. Offensively he’s aggressive on the glass and has shown flashes of post footwork that allows him to create a clean look around the rim. Marcus also runs the floor hard leading to some transition finishes. [player_tooltip player_id="836689" first="Jalen" last="Cook"] (6’3 2021 SG, Park Center)- Last year Jalen came off the bench for a Park Center team that was loaded with talented seniors. This year he looks ready to take over as a go-to scorer for the Pirates. At 6’3 he has some nice size, with a dangerous shot from beyond the arc. He can come off screens or create some space off the dribble to get off a shot. I was also impressed with his improved ability to turn the corner and attack the basket this fall. The Minot State commit looks ready to make big improvements on his 4.2 ppg from last season. [player_tooltip player_id="850720" first="Don" last="Ferguson"] (6’1 2022 G, Osseo)- Don Don came into high school as a highly skilled guard, and although he missed a lot of time last year with an injury, he looks ready for a breakout junior year. He’s added on some length and explosiveness, giving him the necessary size for the next level. This fall Ferguson showcased his deep range beyond the arc, with his ability to shoot off the catch or dribble. I also like his feel for the game, and ability to read his defender and take what’s being given to him. He can hurt you from outside, but also change his speed and get into the lane to score or distribute. [player_tooltip player_id="774852" first="Jack" last="Hernandez"] (6’9 2021 C, Hopkins)- Jack is a player who I’ve watched develop at the JV level over the past two seasons, and he looks ready to step into a varsity role as a senior. He has great size at 6’9, and is as hard a worker as you’ll find in the 2021 class. Jack focuses on all of the little things, and does whatever he can to help his team win. He excels at contesting shots without fouling, always secures rebounds before looking for the outlet pass, and never brings the ball down after an offensive rebound before going up for a second chance attempt. Despite usually being the biggest player on the floor, Jack is almost always one of the first players down the floor in both offensive or defensive transition situations. Jack also holds a 3.688 GPA in the classroom. [player_tooltip player_id="958657" first="Dan" last="Ijadimbola"] (6’3 2022 CG, Benilde-St. Margaret’s)- Daniel is a player I’m really looking forward to watching over the next two seasons. He had a great summer with Select, and has looked good this fall as well. He now stands around 6’3 and has shown that he can play either guard spot depending on what his team needs. Ijadimbola has a confident stroke from beyond the arc, and that range easily extends to beyond the college line. I also really like the pace that he plays with, as he’s always under control and can change speed quickly to blow by his man and get to the rim. Don’t be surprised if he comes close to doubling his 9.2 ppg last season as he takes on a bigger role as a junior. [player_tooltip player_id="957204" first="Terence" last="Anthony-Larmouth"] (6’6 2021 SF, Maple Grove)- Terence is another player that offers an intriguing blend of length and athleticism, and he looked like one of Maple Grove’s better players this fall. He’s a threat in transition with his long stride that allows him to beat defenders up the floor, and then his explosive leap allows him to glide to the rim to finish. Terence also is a capable shooter from three who can hurt you for giving him too much space. Add in his quick burst to attack gaps in a defense, and he looks the part of a player who should easily improve on last year’s 3.5 points and 1.8 rebounds per game.