Mid-Week Section Standouts

This week has been loaded with high level matchups as section semifinals and finals matchups takes place. I was able to catch two section semifinals matchups with Totino-Grace hosting Columbia Heights, and Holy Family taking on Providence Academy, and these are seven prospects who stood out. [player_tooltip player_id="532550" first="DJ" last="Akpati"] (6’ 2021 PG, Totino-Grace)- A true point guard prospect, DJ started off the game facilitating the ball at a high level, and helped to set TG up on the right track. His quick burst to attack and draw a help defender is followed up by consistent accurate passes to open shooters, and his vision also allowed him to find streaking teammates running the floor hard for open buckets in transition. When looking to score he’s a reliable shooter from beyond the arc, and can create off the dribble to get to the rim and finish with touch. DJ is one of the most vocal players in the 2021 class, and he always brings energy on the defensive end. [player_tooltip player_id="962212" first="Boden" last="Kapke"] (6’10 2023 C, Holy Family)- Haven’t seen any official stats from his game, but I figure Boden ended up scoring in the high-teens as Holy Family advanced to the section finals. He got to work early, running the floor for a tip-in and then securing low post position leading to a couple of scores on the block. Boden has the touch to score with either hand, and did a nice job of collecting his balance before going up to shoot, even playing through contact on multiple occasions. When isolated on the block he was nearly impossible to stop, and although he committed a few turnovers early, he did a nice job of adjusting to the double/triple teams being sent his way. I also liked how he initiates contact to box-out, rather than just using his size to rebound. [player_tooltip player_id="962199" first="CJ" last="O’Hara"] (6’4 2023 W, Totino-Grace)- It was one of the best scoring performances that I’ve seen out of CJ, and what helped him get most of those buckets was his defense. CJ was picking up opposing guards at the half-court line, and then applying heavy ball pressure which allowed him to pick his opponent’s pocket on multiple occasions. One of those steals led to a high flying dunk while he also had some impressive lay-ups in the open floor. CJ knocked down a three while getting fouled, and worked hard moving without the ball and securing offensive rebounds for finishes in the paint on his way to 20 points in a win. [player_tooltip player_id="960335" first="Liam" last="Carney"] (6’3 2022 G, Providence Academy)- There was a stretch in the first half of Wednesday’s game where Liam simply took over. He played with great chance of pace and showed a nice feel for the game that allowed him to get into the paint whenever he wanted. Once there, he was a crafty finisher who could go around contesting defenders, or take the contact and score for a couple of and-ones. Liam played with poise in transition, and took what the defense gave him which allowed him to finish with efficiency. He also had an impressive step-back three in the second half. A long guard who could be in for a nice spring/summer with the Minnesota Heat program. [player_tooltip player_id="958648" first="Hassan" last="Kamara"] (6’4 2022 W, Columbia Heights)- If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed with Hassan, it’s energy on the defensive end. He’s always scrapping for loose balls, providing high ball pressure, and trying to get his team fired up. Against Totino-Grace he was hitting some impressive threes off the dribble, and helped spark the offense in the first half after they were initially struggling to get anything going. Hassan added in a transition dunk and a crafty finish in transition, and also had a really nice ball fake into a quick bounce pass to set up his teammate for an easy score. One thing that stuck out about Hassan was his use of hard jab step, that allows him to create space to shoot without needing to dribble. Finished with 22 points in the final game of his junior season. Jake Kirsch (6’4 2021 F, Holy Family)- I thought that Jake had some really nice stretches for Holy Family last night, including a huge rejection that helped his team hold on to a close lead with under a minute to play. With [player_tooltip player_id="962212" first="Boden" last="Kapke"] receiving double and triple teams, Jake did a great job of cutting into the open space and receiving the ball for some easy buckets around the rim. He was also a threat with his back to the basket, able to back his man down and elevate to score over the top. On the defensive end his size and athleticism allowed him to guard multiple spots, and he provided a second rebounding option alongside Kapke. [player_tooltip player_id="850729" first="Muja" last="Burton"] (6’4 2022 W, Columbia Heights)- Muja was quietly producing all night long for Columbia Heights, and finished up the game with 18 points in a variety of ways. He moved well without the ball allowing him to knock down three 3’s on the night, and was also competitive in the paint, using his body to absorb contact and create separation to finish inside. After initially struggling to get a couple of his normal shots up over the massive wingspan of his defender, Muja was able to make some adjustments and have a really productive game on the offensive end. Ended a strong junior season that saw him average 17 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.