Breakdown Fall League – Max’s Week 3 Standouts

<p>The Breakdown metro fall league continued at Hopkins on Sunday, and I was there to catch four of the morning games. These are seven of the top performers that I watched compete!</p> <p><strong>Ashton Keomysy (5’10 2022 G, Maple Grove)- </strong>Ashton looks like he could be a breakout player this year for Maple Grove, having played in just two varsity games last season. In an overtime win against Spring Lake Park he was aggressive getting to the basket, and defenders had a hard time moving their feet to keep him in front. He’s such a shifty ball handler with the quickness to fly right by you and explode towards the rim. That athleticism allows him to finish over bigger players in the paint. I also liked his pull-up jumper as he could use the handle to create some separation and then knock down shots from mid-range or three.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850713" first="Carter" last="Bjerke"] (6’9 2022 PF, Wayzata)- </strong>The defending state champs lost a lot from last season, but bring back some talent including St. Thomas commit [player_tooltip player_id="850713" first="Carter" last="Bjerke"]. Against DeLaSalle he really impressed me with his improved shot blocking ability, as he was sliding over into positions to either contest or get a hand on the ball as he showed good timing with his jumps. On the offensive end against DeLaSalle he used his size to his advantage as he was taking the smaller DLS forwards into the paint and scoring at the rim with his strength. Also posed a threat from beyond the arc as has become expected of him. Helped Wayzata pick up two wins over DeLaSalle and Columbia Heights.</p> <p><strong>Brayden Manning (6’3 2022 G, Lakeville North)- </strong>Though he’s committed to play college baseball at Taylor University, Brayden also looks ready to make a big impact on the hardwood for Lakeville North this winter. He’s a strong and athletic guard, and showcased his ability to get to the rim in the 8:00am game against Minneapolis South. The lefty can shoot it from three when given too much space, but really excelled at using ball fakes or jab steps to create an opening and then attacking the basket. Threw down a pair of transition dunks and fit in perfectly with the unselfish Lakeville North offense.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1288657" first="Stephen" last="Kesti"] (6’8 2022 C, Spring Lake Park)- </strong>After a strong summer, the senior big man continues to impress this fall. Going against one of the top junior bigs in the state, he showed off his versatile scoring ability. He came out with a quick five points as he knocked down a three and then caught his defender sleeping on a baseline out of bounds play, cutting to the basket for an easy finish. Throughout the game Stephen was scoring in the paint, knocking down a couple of outside jumpers, and running the floor hard for transition opportunities. He also got his man in the air with a shot fake from three, put the ball on the floor, and got to the rim for a smooth finish in the first half. Liked how he made it difficult for Maple Grove to get in clean entry passes to the post with his defensive effort as well.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958742" first="Terrence" last="Brown"] (6’ 2022 PG, Columbia Heights)- </strong>There won’t be a period of 2-3 minutes where Terrence just goes on a scoring flurry, but when you look back on the film you’ll find him consistently making plays on both ends of the floor. Against a tough Wayzata team he showed he can utilize his shifty handle in the half-court to get to the rim, while also weaving in and out of traffic in transition to finish at the rim, including one score off a quick spin move that left his defender in the dust. Terrence is dangerous when he gets into the paint because he has the ability to finish against size, but also has the vision to kick it out to an open shooter or dump it off to one of his bigs. I like his aggressiveness defensively as he’s not afraid to scrap for loose balls, and has quick hands to poke the ball away from an opposing point guard.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962204" first="Lincoln" last="Palbicki"] (6’10 2023 C, Maple Grove)- </strong>When he gets a touch on the block, there aren’t many defenders who can stop Lincoln from getting off a clean look around the rim. Although he doesn’t take a lot of shots, he converts on such a high percentage because of his strength, footwork, and patience to gain his balance before going up to finish. Defenders struggle to knock him off balance, and that leads to him finishing over the top with a baby hook shot that rarely misses. Maple Grove also utilizes him a lot for his screen setting abilities, as he sets a hard screen that clears up space for his teammates, and has the hands to roll to the rim and catch a pass in stride. Defensively you’ll almost never see him give up a rebound, and he always chins the ball hard and clears space before finding a guard to outlet to.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1220414" first="Myles" last="Barnette"] (6’ 2023 PG, Wayzata)- </strong>One player who looks to be stepping into a bigger role for the reigning state champs this year is junior [player_tooltip player_id="1220414" first="Myles" last="Barnette"]. The versatile guard spent time handling the ball while also seeing some time playing off the ball for Wayzata. With the ball in his hands Myles proved to be a threat attacking the basket, and showed excellent body control in the air. He could elevate and absorb contact while keeping his eyes on the rim to convert a difficult finish. That athleticism in the lane brings an added dimension to the floor for Wayzata, and he should see strong minutes with his play at either guard spot this winter.</p>