Grind Region Memorial Classic: Sunday’s Best (MN)

<p>Sunday we looked in on several Minnesota teams competing in Kansas City.  Glover, Williams, Kaba, Gob, and more! </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958697" first="Conner" last="Andree"]</strong> of SW Minnesota Stars (6’1, 2022 Guard, St. Clair).  The Stars had a great weekend in KC winning three of four games and Andree’s versatility was a big part of it.  Andree can play both guard spots but for the Stars he looks to be the best ball handler, best transition pusher, and best passer in addition to being a player that can score for them.  The way Conner controlled tempo for his team was something that stuck with me. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850733" first="JaSean" last="Glover"]</strong> of SW Minnesota Stars (6’4, 2022 Guard, Madelia). My first 17U impression of Glover was a strong one.  He initially scored going to the rim with two cuts, an attacking spin move, and a post up that turned into a spinning score.  It was easy to see that Glover’s 6’4 agility and strength was going to score at the rim without issues. My next thought was, shooting.  How does the jumper look?  Immediately after the thought entered my mind Glover hit an open corner three with comfort and then a triple with a hand in his face.  Scored 20 points and seven boards making 9 of 11 shots.  Passed the ball very well never forcing a single shot attempt.  Looking forward to seeing him at a couple events in June.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1081804" first="Gob" last="Gob"]</strong> of Gain Elite (6’3, 2022 Guard, Minnesota Prep Academy). Most days I would likely be talking to you about how Gob’s explosive first step to the rim can go either way with results or how Gob pushes in transition at such a high level.  But when I saw Gob play last weekend, it was basically an open floor dunk show.  He sprinted past everybody in the building with or without the ball, and put together a nine basket highlight reel at the cup.  I can surely tell you this guard is very explosive.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1071191" first="Kabine" last="Kaba"]</strong> of Gain Elite (6’7, 2021, PF, Park Center). When Gain Elite played the SEMO squad things got out of hand quickly.  The player that initially poured things on his opponents?  [player_tooltip player_id="1071191" first="Kabine" last="Kaba"].  Kaba’s length, quickness, and will to make plays led to six rapid scores in the paint.  By the time that SEMO took their first timeout, Kaba had already showed that they have no player that can move with him or box him out.  This is what we have seen from Kaba all spring regardless of the level of competition.  Scored 17 points with seven boards. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850734" first="Cohen" last="Kellogg"]</strong> of Gain Elite (6’0, 2022, PG, Orono).  Kellogg’s deep controlled dribble and his love for pushing the basketball hard to the rim fit right in with the way Gain Elite ran teams off the floor last weekend.  Kellogg had two hard dribbles to the rim for finishes simply beating man one and then finishing before a help defender could react. He also knocked out a pair of threes, one in the corner and the other just before the half on the wing.  </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958693" first="Carmello" last="McNeal"]</strong> of Gain Elite (6’1 2022, Guard, Twin Cities Academy). Carmello and his brother Carrington pressured their opponents in a way that would have coaches around the world screaming in fear.  The two of them completely rattled their SEMO opponents to the point that a few times, players just gave up and hurled crazy passes.  Both brothers scores and sent assists ahead to teammates but it was Carmello who had the best game.  He scored at the rim in transition plus knocked out a couple jumpers.  Add in the way the ball moved in the halfcourt because of his Carmello passed (Carrington too) and you had a strong impression made. </p> <p><strong>Bennett Olson</strong> of Rise (6’6 2022, Forward, St. Peter). Olson is a pick and pop four.  After he sets a screen teams have to be aware of him relocating because Olson can bury a three as good as any big around.  Every game I’ve seen him play it’s been 3-4 treys or long jumpers made and that included the game I saw this weekend versus the Kansas Hoggs.  Olson stepped out to hit four of them scoring 17 points plus he’s a physical player that competes with an attitude. Willing to mix it up anywhere especially on the block.  </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958681" first="Brayden" last="Williams"]</strong> of Rise (6’3 2022, Guard, Owatonna).  Once again, [player_tooltip player_id="958681" first="Brayden" last="Williams"] has me convinced that he’s a top guard in the Minnesota class of 2022.  Even on a bad shooting day, the talent of Williams was crystal clear.  He hit four threes that were so deep the other team’s coach yelled at his kids for not picking Williams up earlier. Williams created shots for others and rebounded at a high level for a guard plus Brayden was excellent from the foul line.  The field goal attempts may have been off but part of being a scorer is drawing contact and getting to the foul line.  Williams was there nine times and made seven.  </p>