The Platform – Minnesota Wing Standouts
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The Platform brought together some of the top club teams in Minnesota, as well as nationwide, to one gym in Birmingham this past weekend! I was in attendance to catch 25+ games of the action, and these are seven of…
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Continue ReadingThe Platform brought together some of the top club teams in Minnesota, as well as nationwide, to one gym in Birmingham this past weekend! I was in attendance to catch 25+ games of the action, and these are seven of the Minnesota wings who made a strong impression.
Puolrah Gong (6’6 2022 SF, Minnesota Select Ohnstad)- Though usually not one of the main scoring options for this team, Gong stepped up in a big way against Georgia Stars EYBL. The long and lanky forward was hustling up and down the floor to pick up transition buckets, showing that smooth athleticism that also makes him a major threat at WR during the football season. At 6’6 he has plenty of length, and used it to guard taller opponents while also having the quickness to defend smaller wings. He didn’t take many shots, but the ones he did were either hammered home above the rim or finished with touch at a high percentage in the paint. A prospect who’s really elevated his game over the past year, Puolrah looks ready for a strong senior season.
Samuel Rensch Samuel Rensch 6'6" | SF Hutchinson | 2022 State MN (6’6 2022 W, Minnesota Fury Wilde)- The Fury took on some loaded teams over the weekend, and Sam proved he can be more than just a shooting threat. He had some aggressive takes to the basket going straight at D1 offered competition, and found a lot of success extending to score right at the rim. Sam always looks cool and collected on the court, and never gets sped up by the competition, allowing him to make high IQ plays with the ball in his hands. Defensively he puts himself in the right spot when defending off the ball, and works hard to move his feet on the wing. A solid all-around player who proved he can compete at a high level.
Jonathan Mekonnen (6’5 2024 F, Minnesota Heat PBJ)- Though pending future growth he could end up as more of a PF, Jonathan has the type of explosive athleticism that could make him a walking highlight on the wing. Mekonnen showed that with an efficient scoring performance in one of the first games of the weekend, putting up 15 points on 7-9 shooting in a close loss. Jonathan really excels at playing off two feet, able to use a jump stop to split defenders and then power up to score at the rim. I like how he attacks the rebounds with authority on both ends of the floor, and when he picks up an offensive board his quick second leap allows him to go right back up to finish. Add in two of his signature explosive dunks and it was another impressive performance from the high potential prospect.
Isaiah Hanson Isaiah Hanson 6'4" | SG Rochester Mayo | 2023 State MN (6’3 2023 SG, Minnesota Heat Pratt)- In the lone Heat Pratt game I caught over the weekend, the team as a whole was firing on all cylinders. One of the reasons for their big win was the sharpshooting performance of Isaiah Hanson Isaiah Hanson 6'4" | SG Rochester Mayo | 2023 State MN from all over the floor. At 6’3 he has strong positional size, and proved that he can knock down shots from beyond the arc or mid-range. He plays with an excellent facilitator at the PG spot, so Isaiah is able to react to the defense and find openings on the perimeter to get off a clean look. The release on Isaiah’s shot is always consistent, and that’s a big reason that he was able to put up 21 points in the win.
Max Shikenjanski Max Shikenjanski 6'2" | PG Stillwater | 2023 State #288 Nation MN (6’2 2023 G, Minnesota Fury Antl)- Not really sure what to categorize Max as, as he doesn’t necessarily fit the traditional mold of either guard spot. One thing is for certain though, and that’s that Max will put up numbers against anyone he goes up against. That was evident as he helped lead the Fury to a 1-1 record against a pair of EYBL teams in the games I watched, attacking relentlessly against athletic size and finding success finishing at the rim. He’s so skilled at finishing with either hand, and that opens up a lightning quick spin move that can catch defenders off guard at the last second in the lane. Max also has range that extends beyond the high school line, and is a gifted passer of the ball. He can deliver accurate one hand passes with either hand to find open shooters, or penetrate the lane and thread the needle with a quick bounce pass to feed his bigs. Another productive weekend from the Stillwater 2023 prospect.
Makuei Riek Makuei Riek 6'5" | SF Rochester Mayo | 2022 MN (6’6 2022 W, Minnesota Heat MacDonald)- One of the more skilled scoring wings in the state showed off that versatile offensive ability that makes him such a dangerous player. A long and lanky wing with a smooth handle and a change of pace crossover that allows him to create space, Makuei is a true three level scorer. He has a smooth release from three, is able to elevate and score with a high release from mid-range, and can get to the rim and use his length to finish over the top of defenders. Makuei isn’t scared to have the ball in his hands in crunch time, and has a knack for hitting clutch shots late in the game.
Kobe Kirk Kobe Kirk 6'2" | SG Mounds View | 2022 State MN (6’3 2022 SG, Minnesota Heat Grow)- Not only did Kobe put up one of the most impressive scoring performances of the weekend, but he also made some big plays defensively. He’s a better athlete than he often gets credit for, and that showed with his ability to slide into position to block multiple shots in the games I viewed. Kobe also proved he’s not afraid to step in and absorb contact to draw a charge. On the offensive end he showcased his signature range that extends to beyond even the NBA arc, and utilized a quick shot fake to get his defender jumping. Once he had the ball on the floor Kobe can use a long stride to split defenders and get to the rim where he’s a solid finisher. Off the court he’s an extremely high academic prospect as well.