Battle At The Lakes: Saturday’s Minnesota Standouts
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Many of Minnesota’s top teams were competing from 8am to 9 pm yesterday at the Battle At The Lakes. I was in the gym all day covering the action, and these are seven of the top local performers from throughout…
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Continue ReadingMany of Minnesota’s top teams were competing from 8am to 9 pm yesterday at the Battle At The Lakes. I was in the gym all day covering the action, and these are seven of the top local performers from throughout the day!
Payton Mogire Payton Mogire 6'8" | C Maple Grove | 2022 State MN (6’8 2022 PF/C, Minnesota Select-Ohnstad 17u)- He didn’t put up any crazy numbers, but I thought Payton Mogire Payton Mogire 6'8" | C Maple Grove | 2022 State MN had a really nice game against a tough Judah Nation squad out of Florida. He finished in double figures, testing the opposing defense with his ability to score inside and out. Payton is a pick-and-pop threat, and showed that by stepping out and knocking down a pair of threes from beyond the arc, and then impressed with a quick shoulder turn into a right handed baby hook for a score over size. On the defensive end he moves his feet well, and did a nice job of contesting in the paint without fouling. Finished with 3 blocks on the game.
Owen Carlson Owen Carlson 6'3" | SG Mahtomedi | 2023 State MN (6’3 2023 G, Minnesota Chill Elite 16u)- Minnesota Chill was one of the most exciting teams I watched yesterday, as their defensive intensity led to so many turnovers and transition opportunities. This favored Owen as he’s able to fly up the floor and then glide to the rim to finish. Three times those transition opportunties led to dunks for Owen, who also added in a crafty finish with a defender cutting in front of him. In the half court he’s quick enough to take his man off the dribble, and he also knocked down a pair of threes in a big win for his team.
Jonathan Mekonnen (6’5 2024 SF, Minnesota Heat 2024 PBJ)- An intriguing prospect in the 2024 class, Jonathan immediately stands out with his long frame. But rather than simply sitting in the post, Jonathan is extremely versatile and can make plays from all over the court. He was hitting threes off the dribble, was attacking baseline for some finishes through traffic, and was a very hard worker on the glass. That effort added possessions for his team, and limited second chances for the other team. I also liked his ability to remain composed despite the physical defense that opposing teams threw at him.
Jack Janicki Jack Janicki 6'4" | SG White Bear Lake | 2023 State #277 Nation MN (6’4 2023 G, D1 Minnesota 16u)- Jack Janicki Jack Janicki 6'4" | SG White Bear Lake | 2023 State #277 Nation MN came out firing early against IL Hoopstars. The 6’4 guard drained three early threes, and remained productive over the course of the game. He had defenders constantly chasing as if he gets even an inch of space from beyond the arc, there’s a high percentage that the shot will go in. Jack has a dangerous pump fake that can get defenders off their feet and leads to playmaking opportunities going to the rim. I liked his effort on defense, and despite how good of a scorer he is he remains unselfish on the offensive end.
Mitchell January Mitchell January 6'1" | SG Richfield | 2022 State MN (6’ 2022 G, D1 Minnesota Prospects 17u)- When Mitch’s mid-range shot is falling, there aren’t too many players that can stop him. Despite not possessing great size, his explosiveness allows him to elevate off the floor and get off a clean look over size from around 15-18 feet. His most dangerous move is a quick crossover into a mid-range jumper, allowing him to quickly create a window of space and then firing off a shot he can hit at a high rate. On the defensive end he sits deep in a stance and can provide high ball pressure due to his quickness. He was a big reason Richfield made it to state this high school season, and he’s been a key performer for D1MN Prospects this spring.
Jay Neubert (6’3 2024 W, D1 Minnesota 15u)- Couldn’t find a height listed for Jay, but he looked to be at the very least 6’3 on the wing, and was one of the best shooters I saw all day. After a tight first half against Wisconsin Academy, Jay started to take over in the second to help D1 run away with the game. He was draining threes springing off screens, and was also more than capable of creating his own shot off the dribble. With his size, solid athleticism, deep shooting range, and ability to score off the catch or dribble, Jay has been one of the most impressive 2024 prospects I’ve seen this spring.
Khalif Bettis Khalif Bettis 6'6" | SF Burnsville | 2023 State MN (6’4 2023 SF, Minnesota Chill Elite)- Khalif was another top performer in Chill’s big win on Saturday afternoon. At 6’4 he has a long frame and has been adding strength to it meaning he can compete in the post for rebounds and tough finishes through contact. I love how patient he is catching the ball and facing up from 10 feet, and he’s great at quickly elevating and scoring with short/mid-range jumpers. Khalif was extremely efficient on the offensive end all day long, and doesn’t make many mistakes with the ball in his hands. Defensively his length makes him extremely versatile, as he’s a true wing but is also long enough to sit in the post and guard guys who are 6’6+.